In another first for Foxboro Cable Access, volunteers tested their limits by taping the inaugural concert of the Neponset Valley Philharmonic Orchestra at the new Showcase Live! Theater at Patriot Place in Foxboro on Sunday, October 5th. Both the venue and the orchestra were new to the area and also to Foxboro Cable Access, posing a unique challenge for the producer and crew. Formed in June 2007, the Neponset Valley Philharmonic Orchestra states their mission is “to enhance the musical life of the Neponset Valley through a rich variety of orchestral and chamber music offerings.” Executive Director Nick Meade Draves welcomes the collaboration with both organizations as a means to enhance that goal. “Videotaping the performances for local public access television is an invaluable tool which helps us promote our mission and raise awareness of our presence in regional music circles.” She said. “We plan to distribute the final programs to other local access channels and use them as resources to support fundraising and grant applications.”

Draves arranged an advance site visit for FCA and meeting with Jeff Knight, Production Manager for Showcase LIVE! “With a complicated production such as this concert, it is really important for us to be able to see the physical space and plan the technical details that are involved in a high quality production.” explained Michael Webber, FCA’s Executive Director. “The Showcase staff was very helpful and …. “ On the day of the concert FCA volunteers arrived long before the orchestra to set up multiple television cameras to cover the event, and then had the opportunity to participate in a noontime rehearsal with the orchestra to work out camera angles, timing, and length of each musical piece.

The Neponset Valley Philharmonic, under the direction of Maestro Lawrence Isaacson, performed The Impresario Overture by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Concerto for Violin in E minor by Felix Mendelssohn with Markus Placci, violin soloist, and Symphony no. 5 in C minor by Ludwig Van Beethoven to a packed house. Maestro Isaacson has conducted for the Oregon Symphony Orchestra and is the Principal Guest Conductor of the Parkway Concert Orchestra.

Maestro Yoichi Udagawa performed duties as score reader for the Foxboro Cable Access crew. He has conducted for the Cape Ann, Melrose and Quincy Symphony Orchestras, along with many other orchestras across the country and is also part of the Conducting Faculty at The Boston Conservatory. Producer/director Mike Everson appreciated this musical input and expertise. “Because the Maestro could give us notice of which instrument would be featured next, our camera operators had time to frame a good shot that would be available for selection as they began to play.” He said. “This adds another dimension to the overall program as the music and the video work together to increase viewer enjoyment.” Following watching the fluid coordination between the Maestro, the director, and the camera operators from his seat as recording engineer in the FCA Mobile Studio, Knight commented, “I’m so impressed at the professionalism of these volunteers, and the high technical quality of the finished program.”

The concert will air on FCA Channel 8 beginning this weekend at 12 noon and 8 pm Saturday and Sunday, and will also be available for viewing on the Foxboro Cable Access website at www.fcatv.org. Information on The Neponset Valley Philharmonic Orchestra is located on their website www.nvporchestra.org. For additional information on other FCA activities or training which is offered free to town residents, please contact FCA Executive Director Michael Webber at 508-543-4757.