FIRST Music Workshops are a success!

Today, Opus Nine completed our first educational outreach music workshops reaching 425 public school students at the First Philadelphia Charter School!

The artists boarded a 6AM train to Philly-excited about the day!

From Music in the Schools Day in Philly

Crystal, Mindy, Jarvis and special guest, Juliette Jones each led their own workshop on music fundamentals-asking the students to open their musical ears and stretch their imaginations.

Jarvis' workshop on dynamics allows students to explore varying dynamic levels with their ears, bodies, instruments and their voices. Watch a 2nd grader 'conduct' her class through 'Mary had a little lamb" from pianissimo to fortissimo.

The students were so great-so smart and creative. It was a pleasure to work with such awesome students and a really helpful faculty. The workshops received rave reviews for the the high energy of the artists and the great balance of fun and education in each workshop.

Kudos to all of our artists for a job INCREDIBLY well done!! Click here to see the entire album!

Prepping for our first Educational Outreach Workshop

Alysia, Crystal, Jarvis and Mindy got together tonight to prepare for the FIRST Opus Nine Educational Music Workshop. Under the watchful eye, of Oscar the cat-we put the final touches on our music fundamental workshop plans and materials. There was also time for some ice cream birthday cake to celebrate Mindy's birthday. How awesome is Mindy?? She is spending her birthday sharing music with public school students and Opus Nine. We are all so excited to share our high energy lessons with over 400 kids tomorrow in Philadelphia.

From Getting ready for Music in the Schools Day!

Crystal & Alysia's Brooklyn Adventure

Crystal and I headed to Brooklyn on a fundraising adventure today. And what adventure is complete without a good old cup of Joe and a chocolate muffin? We stopped at BACO Living, a nifty cafe/showroom in DUMBO for some fuel.We also saw some cool street art on the way! We learned tons today at the New York Foundation of the Arts about emerging arts organizations and heard lots of interesting ideas. Wanna see more pictures, click here.

From Crystal & Alysia's Brooklyn Adventure

----Alysia

Times Square Photo Shoot

On Saturday members of Opus Nine met up in NYC to have some fun with a photo shoot!! I had a great time hanging out with the OPUS NINE posse.We mingled over a few drinks at a great bar called Bamboo 52.Then we trekked over to Times Square altogether. As always, Times Square was completely inundated with people! The shoot overall was very fun and exciting. Although it was extremely cold, everyone was smiling and having a great time. While we were there tourists started taking our picture and saying to each other “Who are they?!” (I guess we just looked that good!!) Take a look at the whole album for more behind the scenes shots!

--Miles

Performance at the NYC LGBT Community Center

I traveled down to the LGBT center in The Village to hear Opus Nine violinist, Ross perform for the Music Salon and Tea crowd. Ross showcased an extremely polished performance of Ysaye’s Ballade (Violin Sonata No.
3)-which ended with the audience jolting to their feet! “BRAVO!!!”

Still amazed and moved by the performance, the audience immediately placed their names on the e-mail list and snatched up flyers for the Opus Nine Debut Concert Tour. Ross inspired and aroused so much interest for Opus Nine; all in a matter of 7 minutes. Job well done Ross!!

Opus Nine Brings its Charm to Charm City

Last month, Alysia and Jarvis appointed Richard and Robin to head up marketing efforts in the Baltimore/DC area. Richard and Robin ended their productive dinner meeting on Fri, March 13 with a toast and a solid handshake. With its goals outlined and a little over seven weeks before the Opus Nine Debut Concert Tour, Team Baltimore -- Richard, Robin, Miles and Taleesha -- is off to a great start! We are in constant communication with our co-founders, Alysia and Jarvis via text messages, emails, Facebook.com, and phone calls. Prior to our May 16 Baltimore debut concert, we hope to give several performances throughout the city. Thanks to Ms. Theresa Veatch at the Peabody Institute Elderhostel, Team Baltimore will perform a free recital for guests of the Elderhostel on the evening of May 7th. Keep checking our website and blog for weekly updates!

Robin, viola

Marketing Team NYC Meeeting

Ross,violin and his partner, Jim hosted the first OPUS NINE NYC Marketing Planning Meeting & Dinner in their lovely home.

Jarvis and I headed uptown with empty bellies-we were treated to an amazing dinner of beef short ribs, mashed potatoes, and sprouts ( my favorite veggie) and wine, wine, and more wine. Oh.....how can I forget the crab dip? Marvy!

We planned some exciting strategies for OPUS NINE-wait until you see what we have in store for NYC! We even purchased our domain name tonight-OPUSNINE.ORG.

We had amazing food and even better company!!!

Alysia, mezzo soprano