[NFBMI-Wayne-County] FW: DSO Open Rehearsal Experience

Thu Jan 29 00:07:36 UTC 2026

Hi Donna
This sounds like a wonderful experience for everyone! I hope lots of people
can come with us!
Sincerely,
Carol

On Wed, Jan 28, 2026, 12:04 PM Donna Posont via NFBMI-Wayne-County <
nfbmi-wayne-county at nfbnet.org> wrote:

>
>
>
>
> *From:* Kiersten Alcorn <kalcorn at dso.org>
> *Sent:* Wednesday, January 28, 2026 11:56 AM
> *To:* donnabutterfly50 at gmail.com; 'Sam Rau' <samdrau at gmail.com>
> *Subject:* Re: DSO Open Rehearsal Experience
>
>
>
> Hi there,
>
>
>
> Hoping your 2026 is off to a great start! I've confirmed that we can go on
> stage after the open rehearsal on 5/14 if desired. I should also have our
> Assistant Conductor and a couple musicians available to do a meet & greet
> during the rehearsal's 15-minute break. And before rehearsal, folx can
> explore various musical instruments (touch, hold, play) and the newly
> designed 3D model of our stage. Braille programs will be available.
>
>
>
> Thinking the schedule will be as follows:
>
> 9-9:45am - pre-rehearsal experience (instruments and stage model)
>
> 9:45am - find seats in the hall
>
> 10am - rehearsal begins (conductor will have a microphone so that you can
> hear their remarks and direction to the musicians)
>
> 15-minute break - meet & greet with assistant conductor and/or musicians
>
> 12:30-12:45pm - onstage tour
>
> 12:45-1pm - feedback opportunity (optional, but it would be great to get
> people's thoughts on the experience)
>
>
>
> How does all of this sound? Still checking into audio description.
>
> When you have an idea of number of attendees, let me know.
>
>
>
> Best,
>
> Kiersten
>
> [image: Donate Now!] <https://tickets.dso.org/support/membership>
>
> 
>
> *Kiersten*
>
> *Alcorn*
>
> * (she/her) <https://pronouns.org/>*
>
> *Manager of Engagement & Accessibility*
>
> *Detroit Symphony Orchestra*
>
> t: (313) 576-5122 <(313)%20576-5122>
>
> e: kalcorn at dso.org
>
>  |
>
> w: www.dso.org
>
> a: 3711 Woodward Ave, Detroit MI 48201
> <https://www.google.com/maps/search/3711+Woodward+Ave,+Detroit+MI+48201?entry=gmail&source=g>
>
> [image: DSO Facebook page] <https://www.facebook.com/detroitsymphony/>
>
> [image: DSO Instagram page] <https://www.instagram.com/detroitsymphony/>
>
> [image: DSO YouTube channel] <https://www.youtube.com/@detroitsymphony>
>
> [image: DSO LinkedIn page]
> <https://www.linkedin.com/company/detroit-symphony-orchestra/>
> ------------------------------
>
> *From:* Kiersten Alcorn <kalcorn at dso.org>
> *Sent:* Monday, November 24, 2025 10:22 AM
> *To:* donnabutterfly50 at gmail.com <donnabutterfly50 at gmail.com>; 'Sam Rau' <
> samdrau at gmail.com>
> *Subject:* Re: DSO Open Rehearsal Experience
>
>
>
> Hi Donna,
>
>
>
> Happy Monday! That's fine to open it up. We've had hundreds of people at
> open rehearsals before, so there isn't really a limit. I'd just want to
> have an accurate picture of how many folx to expect in advance.
>
>
>
> Best,
>
> Kiersten
>
> [image: Donate Now!] <https://tickets.dso.org/support/membership>
>
> 
>
> *Kiersten*
>
> *Alcorn*
>
> * (she/her) <https://pronouns.org/>*
>
> *Manager of Engagement & Accessibility*
>
> *Detroit Symphony Orchestra*
>
> t: (313) 576-5122 <(313)%20576-5122>
>
> e: kalcorn at dso.org
>
>  |
>
> w: www.dso.org
>
> a: 3711 Woodward Ave, Detroit MI 48201
> <https://www.google.com/maps/search/3711+Woodward+Ave,+Detroit+MI+48201?entry=gmail&source=g>
>
> [image: DSO Facebook page] <https://www.facebook.com/detroitsymphony/>
>
> [image: DSO Instagram page] <https://www.instagram.com/detroitsymphony/>
>
> [image: DSO YouTube channel] <https://www.youtube.com/@detroitsymphony>
>
> [image: DSO LinkedIn page]
> <https://www.linkedin.com/company/detroit-symphony-orchestra/>
> ------------------------------
>
> *From:* donnabutterfly50 at gmail.com <donnabutterfly50 at gmail.com>
> *Sent:* Saturday, November 22, 2025 4:19 PM
> *To:* Kiersten Alcorn <kalcorn at dso.org>; 'Sam Rau' <samdrau at gmail.com>
> *Subject:* RE: DSO Open Rehearsal Experience
>
>
>
> CAUTION: This email originated from outside your organization. Exercise
> caution when opening attachments or clicking links, especially from unknown
> senders.
>
> Hi Kiersten,
>
> Our next chapter meeting is December 6. I would like to open the
> opportunity to others around the state who are blind. Is there a limit on
> the number of participants?
>
> Thanks and blessings,
>
> Donna
>
>
>
> *From:* Kiersten Alcorn <kalcorn at dso.org>
> *Sent:* Friday, November 21, 2025 3:14 PM
> *To:* donnabutterfly50 at sgmail.com; 'Sam Rau' <samdrau at gmail.com>
> *Subject:* Re: DSO Open Rehearsal Experience
>
>
>
> Thanks, Donna and Sam. When is the next chapter meeting?
>
>
>
> We'll hold May 14 for you since it sounds like it will work out.
>
>
>
> Sam, I appreciate your initial thoughts on the description. I definitely
> think there's people at the DSO who would be open to describing. I'll also
> do research on what kind of technology other theatres or performing arts
> venues use for this purpose.
>
>
>
> Have a lovely weekend,
>
> Kiersten
>
> [image: Donate Now!] <https://tickets.dso.org/support/membership>
>
> 
>
> *Kiersten*
>
> *Alcorn*
>
> * (she/her) <https://pronouns.org/>*
>
> *Manager of Engagement & Accessibility*
>
> *Detroit Symphony Orchestra*
>
> t: (313) 576-5122 <(313)%20576-5122>
>
> e: kalcorn at dso.org
>
>  |
>
> w: www.dso.org
>
> a: 3711 Woodward Ave, Detroit MI 48201
> <https://www.google.com/maps/search/3711+Woodward+Ave,+Detroit+MI+48201?entry=gmail&source=g>
>
> [image: DSO Facebook page] <https://www.facebook.com/detroitsymphony/>
>
> [image: DSO Instagram page] <https://www.instagram.com/detroitsymphony/>
>
> [image: DSO YouTube channel] <https://www.youtube.com/@detroitsymphony>
>
> [image: DSO LinkedIn page]
> <https://www.linkedin.com/company/detroit-symphony-orchestra/>
> ------------------------------
>
> *From:* donnabutterfly50 at gmail.com <donnabutterfly50 at gmail.com>
> *Sent:* Thursday, November 20, 2025 11:23 AM
> *To:* 'Sam Rau' <samdrau at gmail.com>; Kiersten Alcorn <kalcorn at dso.org>
> *Subject:* RE: DSO Open Rehearsal Experience
>
>
>
> CAUTION: This email originated from outside your organization. Exercise
> caution when opening attachments or clicking links, especially from unknown
> senders.
>
> Hi Kiersten,
>
> I echo all that Sam has said. I believe that May 14 would be a fine date.
> We can talk to our members at our next chapter meeting and gage the
> interest.
>
> Thanks for working on this,
>
> Donna
>
>
>
> *From:* Sam Rau <samdrau at gmail.com>
> *Sent:* Wednesday, November 19, 2025 5:19 PM
> *To:* Kiersten Alcorn <kalcorn at dso.org>
> *Cc:* Donna Posont <donnabutterfly50 at gmail.com>
> *Subject:* Re: DSO Open Rehearsal Experience
>
>
>
> Sounds excellent; I can't wait. Personally I don't mind making a day out
> of it ′I'm pretty sure Donna feels the same′. I don't think we need to
> worry about the order of things as long as we experience everything. I
> think say that exploring the model  of the stage should give an idea of
> where everyone is and how the performance comes off. Let's try exploring
> the model, and if there's feedback that actually going on the stage makes a
> huge difference then we can look at that ′I don't know yet what's essential
>   and what's just nice to experience′. Donna maybe you have a clearer
> picture of what else should be included? We've got plenty of time to
> prepare. :′
>
> About the audio description... I wonder if you have a little microphone
> and headphones, or some other way that we can hear the voice during  the
> performance. I know my Mom would love to experience this, and she's open to
> describing things, however I wonder if we can work out the audio. I think
> it would be nice if, in the event the Dso doesn't have anyone available,
> you guys can have a way for someone in the group to describe things. This
> isn't ideal as we don't want people to think they have to bring a describer
> with them, but it's a workable solution. I can maybe talk to some people
> and start thinking about a system that will work for you, and maybe even
> add to it when we get the audio description on your side. Just food for
> thought at this point; I'm sure there's a simple solution.
>
> Thanks again Kirsten for your work on all of this. We're happy to help
> however we can; I appreciate you including us in this process.  Be well.
>
>
>
> On Wed, Nov 19, 2025 at 2:47 PM Kiersten Alcorn <kalcorn at dso.org> wrote:
>
> Hi Donna and Sam,
>
>
>
> I've finally heard back, and it looks like Thursday, May 14 at 10am would
> be available for a group from the NFB to attend an open rehearsal with us.
> Wednesday, May 13 is also an option, but the 14th is preferred.
>
>
>
> The program for both dates is titled "Baroque Fireworks" and features the
> following pieces:
>
> Garrop, 'Spectable of Light'
> Handel: 'Music for the Royal Fireworks'
> Bach: Brandenburg Concerto No. 2 in F major, BWV 1047
> Haydn: Symphony No. 104 in D major, "London"
>
>
>
> The description for the program is: "Written for Baroque orchestra, Stacy
> Garrop’s Handel-inspired concert opener features bursts of musical color
> and leads perfectly into *Music for the Royal Fireworks*. Musical
> pyrotechnics continue in the jubilant trumpet line of Bach’s Brandenburg
> Concerto No. 2 and conclude with Haydn’s beloved final symphony. Dame Jane
> Glover conducts this spectacular program."
>
>
>
> Rehearsal runs from 10am-12:30pm with a 15-minute break about halfway
> through rehearsal.
>
>
>
> Before rehearsal begins, we can have some of the additional experiences
> we've chatted about: instrument exploration--touch/feel/play some
> instruments, exploring the model of the stage--an improved version based on
> your feedback, etc.
>
>
>
> At the break, we could have our Assistant Conductor and/or a couple
> musicians come to meet with everyone—chat and answer questions. After the
> rehearsal, we could all go on stage to explore it. If exploring the stage
> before rehearsal would be more beneficial, I could check into the
> feasibility of that.
>
>
>
> I'll definitely try to see how we might do audio description for this.
>
> The conductor will have a microphone, so you'll be able to hear their
> comments to the orchestra as they work throughout rehearsal.
>
>
>
> What length of experience would be best for the group? With potential
> additional experiences before and after the 2.5 hour rehearsal, the entire
> event could be four hours long...not sure if that's too much?
>
>
>
> Let me know if either May 14 (or May 13) work for the group, and if you
> have initial thoughts on the plan I've laid out, let me know. Open to all
> ideas and suggestions.
>
>
>
> Best,
>
> Kiersten
>
> [image: Donate Now!] <https://tickets.dso.org/support/membership>
>
> 
>
> *Kiersten*
>
> *Alcorn*
>
> * (she/her) <https://pronouns.org/>*
>
> *Manager of Engagement & Accessibility*
>
> *Detroit Symphony Orchestra*
>
> t: (313) 576-5122 <(313)%20576-5122>
>
> e: kalcorn at dso.org
>
>  |
>
> w: www.dso.org
>
> a: 3711 Woodward Ave, Detroit MI 48201
> <https://www.google.com/maps/search/3711+Woodward+Ave,+Detroit+MI+48201?entry=gmail&source=g>
>
> [image: DSO Facebook page] <https://www.facebook.com/detroitsymphony/>
>
> [image: DSO Instagram page] <https://www.instagram.com/detroitsymphony/>
>
> [image: DSO YouTube channel] <https://www.youtube.com/@detroitsymphony>
>
> [image: DSO LinkedIn page]
> <https://www.linkedin.com/company/detroit-symphony-orchestra/>
>
>
>
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