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News & Photos
Livingston Taylor Teaches and Performs on Campus
On Friday, October 20, singer, songwriter and teacher Livingston Taylor was on campus for a performing arts master class held in Ceres M. Horn Theatre. From the moment he introduced himself, his dramatic voice and expressive actions embodied everything he was trying to teach Upper School music students about stage presence and the importance of connecting with the audience.
“Performing is all about the audience,” said Taylor. “You have to get them addicted to you.” And that is exactly what he did to the forty upper school music students who spent the day with him. They hung on his every word, often laughing at his sense of humor and quirky take on life.
Throughout the morning Taylor shared his views about success and fame, talked about performance jitters and how to overcome them, and gave lots of tips on how to engage an audience and develop fans.
"He was really thoughtful about fame and what kind of fame one should look for," noted one student.
"It was so much more than a music class,” said another student. “We learned a lot about life and how we can give back to the world by expressing our beliefs and emotions through arts and music.”
Students were put to the test in the afternoon as Taylor listened to their musical performances and provided constructive criticism. He reminded students to introduce each piece with a story. “Tell a story and the audience will listen because they now have a connection to you,” emphasized Taylor.
He also told students that applause is a gift and they must accept it graciously, even when they don’t think they deserve it. “Am I making myself clear? Always take the compliment,” Taylor said strongly.
And they did! There was lots of applause that afternoon, including shouts of “excellent” and “bravo” from Taylor.
In his closing remarks, Taylor told students, “It is an honor to be in your presence. You have renewed my hope.” It was also very evident that the hopes and aspirations of the student musicians were renewed because of Taylor’s presence.
Later in the evening, Taylor performed a concert before a sold-out audience of McDonogh fans. The Gentlemen Songsters and Women of Note provided opening entertainment. And during the course of the evening, music teacher Don New, drama teacher Kevin Costa, and Emily I. '08 each performed duets with Taylor.
One thing was very clear from the applause in Horn Theatre - the entertainer who taught our students about pleasing the audience is definitely a crowd pleaser himself. “The whole experience was awesome!” exclaimed a student who spent the day with Taylor and attended the concert.
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On Friday, October 20, singer, songwriter and teacher Livingston Taylor was on campus for a performing arts master class held in Ceres M. Horn Theatre. From the moment he introduced himself, his dramatic voice and expressive actions embodied everything he was trying to teach Upper School music students about stage presence and the importance of connecting with the audience.
“Performing is all about the audience,” said Taylor. “You have to get them addicted to you.” And that is exactly what he did to the forty upper school music students who spent the day with him. They hung on his every word, often laughing at his sense of humor and quirky take on life.
Throughout the morning Taylor shared his views about success and fame, talked about performance jitters and how to overcome them, and gave lots of tips on how to engage an audience and develop fans.
"He was really thoughtful about fame and what kind of fame one should look for," noted one student.
"It was so much more than a music class,” said another student. “We learned a lot about life and how we can give back to the world by expressing our beliefs and emotions through arts and music.”
Students were put to the test in the afternoon as Taylor listened to their musical performances and provided constructive criticism. He reminded students to introduce each piece with a story. “Tell a story and the audience will listen because they now have a connection to you,” emphasized Taylor.
He also told students that applause is a gift and they must accept it graciously, even when they don’t think they deserve it. “Am I making myself clear? Always take the compliment,” Taylor said strongly.
And they did! There was lots of applause that afternoon, including shouts of “excellent” and “bravo” from Taylor. In his closing remarks, Taylor told students, “It is an honor to be in your presence. You have renewed my hope.” It was also very evident that the hopes and aspirations of the student musicians were renewed because of Taylor’s presence.
Later in the evening, Taylor performed a concert before a sold-out audience of McDonogh fans. The Gentlemen Songsters and Women of Note provided opening entertainment. And during the course of the evening, music teacher Don New, drama teacher Kevin Costa, and Emily I. '08 each performed duets with Taylor.
One thing was very clear from the applause in Horn Theatre - the entertainer who taught our students about pleasing the audience is definitely a crowd pleaser himself. “The whole experience was awesome!” exclaimed a student who spent the day with Taylor and attended the concert.