Christopher
Burrus
Submitted:
May 25, 2010
Rejected
: $
0
Contact Information:
Christopher
Burrus
4605 Hickory Ct.
Zionsville
Indiana
46077
USA
(317) 460-1160
Reference 1:
Joseph Bognar
Reference 2:
Phillip Serna
Summary of Submitted Materials:
I am sending scanned copies of both letters of recommendation, as well as an invoice for the instrument I would like to purchase.
Submitted Documents:
Submitted Recordings:
Committee Notes:
Hey, Gang-
Wendy and I were both instructors at the recent 3rd Coast workshop in Chicago, and I'm pretty sure she also got to work with Chris. He is at a real beginner's technique level, is JUST starting to read alto clef, and he has serious counting problems- the kind that make me wonder whether there may be something more going on, especially as he is a music major at Valparaiso. I'm not sure how it all works out there... in any case, for me this application goes into the pile marked, "Should we be encouraging him just yet, if at all?". Given he is in college and has been studying for some time with Philip, it all gives me pause. I think that a rental instrument is about right for him right now.
Just FYI, Wendy may have more to add but is out of the country for a bit... don't know when she'll be back... perhaps mid-June?
-DM
Dear all,
I'm here, I'm watching, but it is your decision, as I believe I am no longer an official member of the committee. Having said that, I did not actually have Chris in a class at the workshop, so neither am I particularly up to date on his playing. But I cheer the committee on. It would be great to have a thing or to for the Board meeting in July. (Including, possibly, discussion of whether or not we might want to re-think the GiA program to include makers, without whom we could not, of course, survive. Or propose a separate program for them? Me, I prefer, simpler...)
Best,
Wendy
Thanks, Wendy, for your thoughtful- and thought-provoking response. Though I will not be at the July board meeting, I will be at Conclave, and would be very happy to make time for a GIA group meeting (as we did last year, with Sarah, Jack and me going through various issues and writing them up). Seems as though it does need reviewing every year, if only to try to simplify our lives (and I think we ALL prefer "simpler"!). It's just that it seems as though every application presents a new set of odd issues which make it difficult for us to proceed with a decision... would that it could be clearer.
By the way- does anyone understand why Chris B. has two identical application files? Is it just a weird software blip? #14 seems to be the one we've arbitrarily chosen as the active file...
-DM
Hi All,
It is my recollection that we decided to deny this application, but it's still listed as "pending". Does anybody remember anything about this? Is there a thread we need to pick up?
I believe I stated what I could (above); Wendy had nothing to add, since she did not teach him. Is anyone else interested in opining on the subject, or is it, indeed, "case closed"?
-DM
Project Description:
After having studied the viol for the past year, I would like to pursue it more seriously. I am currently playing on a rented, smaller six stringed instrument, and feel that in order to study the entire variety of the viol repertoire as well as take advantage of my own abilities, it would be better for me to have a larger, seven string instrument. This would be more comfortable for me since I am six foot seven. Owning such a viol would open up opportunities for me to study a more advanced repertoire. As a violinist switching more seriously to classical double bass, one of the things I miss most about the violin is the richness of the solo literature. The double bass music just does not have that same richness, but I have discovered that there is no lack of beautiful solo literature for viola da gamba.
There is no early music program at Valparaiso University, the school that I am currently enrolled in as a music major. The school has been very gracious in allowing me to cultivate my interest in early music however, and my goal is to have a consort started before I graduate. I feel that in order to do that, I need to be able to impress my peers with some of the more advance repertoire, which in my studies I have found to be written for a seven string instrument.
Request Amount:
$
Total Project Cost:
$
4650
Budget and Additional Funding:
Qualifications:
o far while attending Valparaiso University, I have studied the viol under Dr. Philip Serna, performed on the viol twice for the Music Viva recital series, attended the Viola Da Gamba Society Conclave in 2009 in Chicago, and performed in the Valparaiso Strings Colloquium. I will be attending the 3rd Coast Viol workshop for the 2010 memorial day weekend.