Kathy
Fleming
Submitted:
April 12, 2013
Awarded
: $
1000
Contact Information:
Kathy
Fleming
2902 Glenmore Avenue
Baltimore
MD
21214
USA
410 599-1170
Reference 1:
Phyllis Olson
Reference 2:
David Rastall
Summary of Submitted Materials:
Submitted Documents:
Submitted Recordings:
Committee Notes:
Project Description:
I bought a used viol last summer at Conclave after renting for a year and absolutely falling head over heels in love I could not even imagine not playing each day now, but I really need a better bow than the one that came with it. Im muddling through with it, but it is so much easier to do the job if youve the right tools. My need is for a grant toward the purchase of a consort bass bow.
Request Amount:
$
1000
Total Project Cost:
$
Budget and Additional Funding:
Qualifications:
Although relatively new to the viol, Ive played viol in several local ensembles, performed in ensemble for a program at Montpelier Mansion, in trios for services at Aisquith Presbyterian and Fallston Presbyterian churches, in a ensemble for a Christmas Renaissance program for Tom Benjamin the Columbia Unitarian Universalist Church, at a VIP reception for the Democratic Party in Carroll County, at a Multicultural Festival at the Orthodox Church of St. Matthew, in an ensemble that played for Vantage House Retirement Community and at a trio at Broadmead Retirement Community. To be honest, once I started learning to play the viol the rest of my instruments have been gathering dust, except I do like to sing. I am currently singing under the direction of Melinda ONeal in the Handel Choir of Baltimore, of Dwayne Heisler in The Bloom Consort and in a little local jazz group called Arcadian Rhythms, just for fun.Ive been studying with my teacher, Phyllis Olson 443 578-8251 for about a year and she is willing to attest to my playing ability if youd like to give her a call and has given me a recommendation. The other recommendation comes from David Rastall, a Vdgsa member in Frederick that I met years ago singing in the Bach Concert Series. He and his wife introduced me to Madrigal singing, then recorder playing which led to viol playing. He and his wife Bobbie and I like to play trio music when I visit them in Frederick.
Letter of Reference 1:
Reference from DAVID RASTALL:
Regarding Kathy Fleming:
Kathy Fleming and I have been musical colleagues for a number of years, as members together of the Bach Concert Series in Baltimore, and as partners in numerous recorder, vocal and viol performing venues. Her most pressing musical need at the moment is for a better viol bow, but unfortunately her current employment situation is about to end: the office where she works is due to be closed down very soon. I know that Kathy is serious about learning all she can about early music, and specifically she is committed to advancing her knowledge of the viol, and her skill at playing it. She is studying the viol with a teacher on a regular basis, and I am happy to recommend her for assistance in purchasing a new bow.
Sincerely,
David Rastall
Frederick, MD
301-378-2278
Letter of Reference 2:
Reference from PHYLLIS OLSON:
Dear Marie,
I am writing in support of Kathy Fleming's application for some help from Grants-in-Aid. Kathy has been taking bass viol lessons from me for about a year, and is certainly one of the best students I have ever had. She is musically gifted and has an excellent sense of pitch, and she is very eager to play well and quick to catch on to my suggestions.
She loves early music and takes every opportunity to play with local ensembles in performances in local venues like churches and at least one retirement center. This is good for a person who never played a stringed instrument before and has only been doing so for a year. She is being asked quite often to play and I think she will go on more and more to fill a niche in the early music scene here where a bass instrument is needed. (Peabody Conservatory sometimes has a good viol player but they seldom play outside of the school.)
We are working on improving tone but she clearly needs a better bow. I have been singing the praises of Harry Grabenstein's bows, - I have two and love them. However, they are very expensive so she could certainly use one of a better (i.e. heavier) weight, from any good maker. You and the Grant-in-Aid Committee would be the judge of what source of bow would be the best for her. I hope you will be able to help.
All best wishes, and thanks,
Phyllis Olson