Composers unknown to them are anathema. Yet Thielke selects repertory specifically to expand their horizons. These young people are discovering that feeling musicians have of being different from other people, of being privileged. It's so rewarng, making music with other people. I don't know how to describe it.
Friends can also become enemies, of course.
In the crucible of ensemble rehearsals, differences in musical ideas or in working style that seem small at first can become very irritating. Kids need to learn a lot about interpersonal skills to get through the tough times. Already these students are reluctant to back down on their convictions. But Zsolt also finds that some people who generally don't get along, learn to get along better in rehearsals by focusing on the work and a performance goal. How It's Done Laura Thielke begins each year with placement juries, in which students play solo repertory.