“Mr Laird!! It arrived! It arrived today!”
These are the words I was greeted with on a Tuesday morning during my last week of the summer at Interlochen Summer Arts Camp. Cello student, Luis Enriquez, from Belgium, has been a student at Interlochen for the past 3 summers and has been part of numerous performances where I would solo on my CR4 or 5 violin with my Intermediate Concert Orchestra on the famous Kresge Hall stage. I must admit, when he told me he was getting a new NXT 5 string cello, it didn’t come as a big surprise. It was, however a great thrill. Luis brought the instrument to the next rehearsal and showed it to me and the rest of the orchestra with great enthusiasm.
Earlier in the summer, we had spoken about the possibility of him getting the NS Design instrument. We had discussed amps, effect processing, and possible choices of retailers as well. In the end, I know the NXT 5 cello will be a great choice for Luis as he begins his electric journey on the cello. He also picked up a small effects processor which led to a great discussion about reverb, delay, and “mix.”
This is how NS Design and music education fit together so neatly. Kids want to be creative. Kids get inspired. Kids spend more time with their instrument and build their skill set as musicians. Everybody wins!!
Congrats, Luis. I can’t wait to hear what you come up with as you begin to develop your technique on your new instrument, new ideas as a result of the technology, and your new style of playing with your 5 string electric cello!
Peace.
Scott