Dear students,
I have to say that I am very impressed with the way you performed on Sunday @ our dress rehearsal. It is clear to me that everyone has done their best to prepare the music. The most important part of your orchestra experience has already occurred-the rehearsals & the progress. The concert is the icing on the cake, when you get to share your musical experiences with many people who will appreciate greatly that you are performing for them.
Rehearsal/Homework - Sinfonietta
I am delighted to say that I do not really have any concerns about your music for the concert. When we did the play through of each piece they felt comfortable & manageable. Please practice all of your music with your metronome especially, but it wouldn't hurt to do some work with the tuner, & review all of your highlighted or circled areas where your section has had problems previously.
Rehearsal/Homework - Sinfonia
Ok, so we have a little work to do... I gave you very challenging music to learn & you have really risen to the occasion. In the rehearsal the Handel Little Fugue was probably the weakest & fell apart quite a bit. This is usually pretty solid so it just goes to show that you can always find more work to do in music!! Be sure to work on this with your metronome as that is the biggest group issue. Amazingly, we had hardly any issues with either Skaters' Waltz or White Christmas!! Keep reviewing all of your music, practicing with the tuner & metronome daily, & focusing on the problems that have been highlighted or circled.
I am excited to do the concert on Sunday. You have all impressed me with your effort & determination. Be sure to bring as many people as possible for the family concert so that they can all hear your wonderful work.
With great appreciation,
Louise :)
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Rehearsal details of Sunday 6th December, 2009
Sunday 6th December, 2009
The rehearsals are NOT at Timonium on Dec 6th.
The rehearsals will be held at the Scottish Rite Auditorium, 3800 N. Charles Street, Baltimore, prior to the YO/CO concert. All students are required to attend the concert even though they will not be performing.
It is vital that we have a rehearsal on this day. I know that the times will cause some complications for many students but this will be our final opportunity to play together before the concert. Please do everything that you can to make it to these rehearsals.
Sinfonia rehearsal: 1:00-2:15pm
Sinfonietta rehearsal: 2:30-3:30pm
As always you are expected to arrive 15 minutes prior to the rehearsal. Parking is a more lengthy process @ this location so allow extra time.
We will do a quick snack break so please do bring snacks (Scott Lee-Sinfonietta/Joanna Amberger-Sinfonia).
The rehearsals are NOT at Timonium on Dec 6th.
The rehearsals will be held at the Scottish Rite Auditorium, 3800 N. Charles Street, Baltimore, prior to the YO/CO concert. All students are required to attend the concert even though they will not be performing.
It is vital that we have a rehearsal on this day. I know that the times will cause some complications for many students but this will be our final opportunity to play together before the concert. Please do everything that you can to make it to these rehearsals.
Sinfonia rehearsal: 1:00-2:15pm
Sinfonietta rehearsal: 2:30-3:30pm
As always you are expected to arrive 15 minutes prior to the rehearsal. Parking is a more lengthy process @ this location so allow extra time.
We will do a quick snack break so please do bring snacks (Scott Lee-Sinfonietta/Joanna Amberger-Sinfonia).
Monday, November 9, 2009
SCHEDULE CHANGE - November 15th, 2009
SECTIONALS
I am very excited to announce that the Sinfonia & Sinfonietta will be having their first ever sectionals!!
-sectionals are where each section of the orchestra is coached individually by a teacher, to help with the problem spots in the music for that single section of the orchestra. It is a very effective way of improving everyone’s playing of the orchestra music.
-attendence at sectionals is very important. We pay additional teachers to come & work with each section.
Here is the schedule for 11/15/9 (next week):
Sinfonietta
3.30-4.30pm sectionals
4.45-5.15pm orchestra rehearsal
Sinfonia
5-6.15pm sectionals
6.30-7.15pm orchestra rehearsal
Snacks will be provided by the scheduled people as normal.
Sectionals will take place in the smaller rooms. There will be signs telling you which room you need to go to.
The orchestra rehearsal will take place in the usual room.
Please bring everything that you usually bring to the rehearsal.
This is a special opportunity to get extra help with your music for our concert. Please do everything that you can do to attend!! This is very important.
*** THERE WILL BE NO NOTEREADING CLASS THIS WEEK ***
I am very excited to announce that the Sinfonia & Sinfonietta will be having their first ever sectionals!!
-sectionals are where each section of the orchestra is coached individually by a teacher, to help with the problem spots in the music for that single section of the orchestra. It is a very effective way of improving everyone’s playing of the orchestra music.
-attendence at sectionals is very important. We pay additional teachers to come & work with each section.
Here is the schedule for 11/15/9 (next week):
Sinfonietta
3.30-4.30pm sectionals
4.45-5.15pm orchestra rehearsal
Sinfonia
5-6.15pm sectionals
6.30-7.15pm orchestra rehearsal
Snacks will be provided by the scheduled people as normal.
Sectionals will take place in the smaller rooms. There will be signs telling you which room you need to go to.
The orchestra rehearsal will take place in the usual room.
Please bring everything that you usually bring to the rehearsal.
This is a special opportunity to get extra help with your music for our concert. Please do everything that you can do to attend!! This is very important.
*** THERE WILL BE NO NOTEREADING CLASS THIS WEEK ***
Fall semester - November 8th, 2009
Rehearsal/Homework - Sinfonietta
*It is vitally important that everyone looks up at the conductor when they are playing in the orchestra. This takes practice. When you are at home, please practice looking up @ something on beat 1 of every measure so that you train yourselves to do it without difficulty. The First violins need to work on playing loud & strong.*
Notereading class:
-Our class was rocking this week with Carlos, Damonte, Pria, Rita, Eric & Tomas present. It is wonderful to see individuals develop their skills so quickly.
-This is a "come when you want to" class & you do not have to attend weekly.
-You can practice these skills online @ the links on this page.
Chanukah:
-this caused alot of problems in the orchestra, most of which were the result of rhythmic difficulties. There is a simple solution - practice clapping & counting aloud!!
-the cello & double bass must sound wonderful in m12-in tune & great tone.
Regal Procession:
-the main issue was the rhythm! So guess what??? You need to clap & count aloud, preferably using a metronome.
-violin 1 need to work with the metronome m28-32.
-viola & cello need to really focus on m25-32.
We Three Kings:
-please take this to your teachers & go over the bowings!
Rehearsal/Homework - Sinfonia
White Christmas:
-this piece has me a little scared... I think that it is possible to look @ the music & think that it is easy & doesn't need to be practiced, when in reality it is very challenging to play in tune because of the highly chromatic writing style.
-everyone needs to take this to their teacher & ask for help, even if you think that you are nailing this piece.
-everyone needs to work on this with their tuner.
At this point, without extremely committed practice, this piece could be a complete disaster. Or, this could be a beautiful addition to our program. Which do you choose?
Skaters' Waltz:
-parts of this piece have come a very long way & improved to the point that they sound like the piece. It is very impressive that you have grasped the concept of playing in 1. It is important to practice this with the metronome clicking on beat 1 & then either playing the pattern of a rest & 2 quarter notes repeatedly, or doing the melody with just beat 1.
-I want everyone to work on every measure of this piece with the metronome (in 1 or 3) this week.
-everyone must practice m43-59 as this is one of the weakest sections of the piece.
Handel Little Fugue:
-this is coming together nicely.
-practice counting & clapping with the metronome.
-practice the ending enough so that you can look up at me for the rit.
Thanks for all of your work, Louise :)
*It is vitally important that everyone looks up at the conductor when they are playing in the orchestra. This takes practice. When you are at home, please practice looking up @ something on beat 1 of every measure so that you train yourselves to do it without difficulty. The First violins need to work on playing loud & strong.*
Notereading class:
-Our class was rocking this week with Carlos, Damonte, Pria, Rita, Eric & Tomas present. It is wonderful to see individuals develop their skills so quickly.
-This is a "come when you want to" class & you do not have to attend weekly.
-You can practice these skills online @ the links on this page.
Chanukah:
-this caused alot of problems in the orchestra, most of which were the result of rhythmic difficulties. There is a simple solution - practice clapping & counting aloud!!
-the cello & double bass must sound wonderful in m12-in tune & great tone.
Regal Procession:
-the main issue was the rhythm! So guess what??? You need to clap & count aloud, preferably using a metronome.
-violin 1 need to work with the metronome m28-32.
-viola & cello need to really focus on m25-32.
We Three Kings:
-please take this to your teachers & go over the bowings!
Rehearsal/Homework - Sinfonia
White Christmas:
-this piece has me a little scared... I think that it is possible to look @ the music & think that it is easy & doesn't need to be practiced, when in reality it is very challenging to play in tune because of the highly chromatic writing style.
-everyone needs to take this to their teacher & ask for help, even if you think that you are nailing this piece.
-everyone needs to work on this with their tuner.
At this point, without extremely committed practice, this piece could be a complete disaster. Or, this could be a beautiful addition to our program. Which do you choose?
Skaters' Waltz:
-parts of this piece have come a very long way & improved to the point that they sound like the piece. It is very impressive that you have grasped the concept of playing in 1. It is important to practice this with the metronome clicking on beat 1 & then either playing the pattern of a rest & 2 quarter notes repeatedly, or doing the melody with just beat 1.
-I want everyone to work on every measure of this piece with the metronome (in 1 or 3) this week.
-everyone must practice m43-59 as this is one of the weakest sections of the piece.
Handel Little Fugue:
-this is coming together nicely.
-practice counting & clapping with the metronome.
-practice the ending enough so that you can look up at me for the rit.
Thanks for all of your work, Louise :)
Monday, November 2, 2009
Fall semester - November 1st, 2009
I was extremely proud of everyone who came to the rehearsals on Sunday. You were required to focus, be patient, listen, & make music under the most unbelievably chaotic circumstances. I sincerely appreciated the effort that everyone made to attend the rehearsal & concert.
Rehearsal/Homework - Sinfonietta
*Our biggest playing issue with the lower strings is counting the rhythms, especially the rests. For the violins they need to concentrate on the finger placement.*
Regal Procession:
-this piece has a lot of tricky rhythms for the violas, cellos & bass, especially with the rests. Practicing counting aloud & clapping with a metronome on would be a big help.
-we need to do a big diminuendo in m39-40 & then we can do a massive crescendo in the last 5 measures of the piece.
-the violins need to count especially when they have rests. A good example of this is m35-36.
-everyone should look @ the scale measures; violins m15 & lower strings m16.
Rehearsal/Homework - Sinfonia
Handel Little Fugue:
-in spite of the circumstances, I think that we made excellent progress on this piece in this rehearsal.
-we managed to work through section 2-4 with great success & those sections seem comfortable for everyone.
-it is vital that everyone really focus on section 5-end. Problems exist related to counting rests; violin 1 has low E1 (F natural); everyone must watch carefully in the 2nd to last measure.
Skaters' Waltz:
-I think that everyone is doing a very good job @ increasing the speed so that the beat is in 1.
-the introduction is nicely played.
White Christmas:
-@ m21 the violins must create a beautiful sound on their pizzicato.
-the bass has a significant solo @ m25-28 & m39.
-the 2nd violins are getting caught on the G sharp (high D3) @ m32.
Instrument skills:
-everyone must ask their teacher to work with them on spiccato, even if you think you can already do it!
Thanks everyone! I am looking forward to a "normal" rehearsal this week!! Louise :)
Rehearsal/Homework - Sinfonietta
*Our biggest playing issue with the lower strings is counting the rhythms, especially the rests. For the violins they need to concentrate on the finger placement.*
Regal Procession:
-this piece has a lot of tricky rhythms for the violas, cellos & bass, especially with the rests. Practicing counting aloud & clapping with a metronome on would be a big help.
-we need to do a big diminuendo in m39-40 & then we can do a massive crescendo in the last 5 measures of the piece.
-the violins need to count especially when they have rests. A good example of this is m35-36.
-everyone should look @ the scale measures; violins m15 & lower strings m16.
Rehearsal/Homework - Sinfonia
Handel Little Fugue:
-in spite of the circumstances, I think that we made excellent progress on this piece in this rehearsal.
-we managed to work through section 2-4 with great success & those sections seem comfortable for everyone.
-it is vital that everyone really focus on section 5-end. Problems exist related to counting rests; violin 1 has low E1 (F natural); everyone must watch carefully in the 2nd to last measure.
Skaters' Waltz:
-I think that everyone is doing a very good job @ increasing the speed so that the beat is in 1.
-the introduction is nicely played.
White Christmas:
-@ m21 the violins must create a beautiful sound on their pizzicato.
-the bass has a significant solo @ m25-28 & m39.
-the 2nd violins are getting caught on the G sharp (high D3) @ m32.
Instrument skills:
-everyone must ask their teacher to work with them on spiccato, even if you think you can already do it!
Thanks everyone! I am looking forward to a "normal" rehearsal this week!! Louise :)
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Metronomes & Tuners
So I've been asked about choosing a metronome & tuner.... You can spend up to hundreds of dollars on these items. For an elementary student though, something simple is more appropriate.
Here are a few suggestions in the lower price range that are perfect for your child as they are combination tuners & metronomes:
https://www.sharmusic.com/itemdy00.asp?t1=STM30
Shar Metro Tuner
Item # STM30
Sale: $11.99
https://www.sharmusic.com/itemdy00.asp?t1=ST204
Shar Digital Metro-Tuner
Item # ST204
Sale: $18.99
https://www.sharmusic.com/itemdy00.asp?t1=STM500
Shar 3-in-1 Clip Metro-Tuner
Item # STM500
Sale: $16.99
This example is much more expensive because it offers a greater degree of accuracy & provides more options. It would be suitable for an advanced student. It has many things that are completely unnecessary for your children.
https://www.sharmusic.com/itemdy00.asp?t1=imt301
Intelli Digital Metro Tuner w/Thermo Hygrometer
Item # IMT301
$46.99
If you don't wish to buy this online then you can get very similar things @ local music stores such as Music & Arts; Mencheys; Perrins etc
If you do order online then be sure to add in a couple of these so that your children keep their instruments in top condition:
https://www.sharmusic.com/itemdy00.asp?T1=1233U&Cat=
Shar Micropourous Super Cloth Untreated
Item # 1233U
$3.99
https://www.sharmusic.com/itemdy00.asp?T1=1133U
Shar Untreated Cleaning Cloth
Item # 1133U
Sale: $2.10
I hope this helps,
Best wishes, Louise :)
Here are a few suggestions in the lower price range that are perfect for your child as they are combination tuners & metronomes:
https://www.sharmusic.com/itemdy00.asp?t1=STM30
Shar Metro Tuner
Item # STM30
Sale: $11.99
https://www.sharmusic.com/itemdy00.asp?t1=ST204
Shar Digital Metro-Tuner
Item # ST204
Sale: $18.99
https://www.sharmusic.com/itemdy00.asp?t1=STM500
Shar 3-in-1 Clip Metro-Tuner
Item # STM500
Sale: $16.99
This example is much more expensive because it offers a greater degree of accuracy & provides more options. It would be suitable for an advanced student. It has many things that are completely unnecessary for your children.
https://www.sharmusic.com/itemdy00.asp?t1=imt301
Intelli Digital Metro Tuner w/Thermo Hygrometer
Item # IMT301
$46.99
If you don't wish to buy this online then you can get very similar things @ local music stores such as Music & Arts; Mencheys; Perrins etc
If you do order online then be sure to add in a couple of these so that your children keep their instruments in top condition:
https://www.sharmusic.com/itemdy00.asp?T1=1233U&Cat=
Shar Micropourous Super Cloth Untreated
Item # 1233U
$3.99
https://www.sharmusic.com/itemdy00.asp?T1=1133U
Shar Untreated Cleaning Cloth
Item # 1133U
Sale: $2.10
I hope this helps,
Best wishes, Louise :)
Monday, September 28, 2009
Fall semester - September 27th, 2009
We had a great rehearsal this week....! Keep it up!
Reminders:
-I must receive completed gray forms from everyone. At the present time I do not have them from:
Sinfonietta:
Pria Graham
Tomas Paral
Eric Artson
Niajea Randolph
Daja Bailey
Ethan Lee
Eleanor Lee
Carlos Gray
Sinfonia:
Sophia Amberger
Christian Bradshaw
Steven Eisner
Please just bring them to the next rehearsal that you attend. If you believe that you name is on this list in error then please let me know & I will do a thorough search.
-If you haven't yet completed & returned your yellow student info packet YOU ARE WAY LATE! Please take care of this....
Rehearsal/Homework - Sinfonietta
*Our biggest playing issue is having everyone play in tune. Intonation is very important for sounding good as an ensemble.*
Notereading class:
-I was delighted to have 3 new faces @ the class-Pria, Mayalen & Rita.
-This is a "come when you want to" class & you do not have to attend weekly.
-You can practice these skills online @ the links on this page.
Herb Round:
-I was pleased to see that this easy piece had greatly improved in one week.
-It is important to keep practicing the rhythms & this week I would like everyone to focus on playing through the piece so that we can begin work on playing this as a round.
Regal Procession:
-I was delighted to see that so many students had listened to this piece.
-Everyone marked down in their music the problems that they were having. These problem spots need to be practiced on their own. The trick to mastering these problems is practicing them VERY SLOWLY.
We Three Kings:
-We began to play through this to get an idea of the parts.
-The bowings are the most difficult aspect of this piece. Everyone must concentrate on whether the slurs are smooth or stopped.
Research project:
-I would like everyone to find about Jascha Heifetz. He was a violinist. You should know his basic biography & significant facts about his life. Then I will be able to tell you a story about him that relates to our discussion on playing perfectly...
Rehearsal/Homework - Sinfonia
Handel Little Fugue:
-counting in this piece, especially on the longer note values & rests, is going to be the biggest challenge. Please put the metronome on & clap & count your part.
-focus on practicing from the beginning through 4 this week.
Skaters' Waltz:
-the biggest problem in this piece is m43-59 for Violin 1. The combination of spiccato, bowing directions & rhythm presents a significant challenge so you MUST take it to your teacher.
-our goal speed is quater note=190 so start working with the metronome & increasing the tempo.
White Christmas:
-the biggest challenge with this is the intonation of the notes, so everyone must work with their tuner.
-work @ playing this @ quarter note=80
Instrument skills:
-everyone must ask their teacher to work with them on spiccato, even if you think you can already do it!
Music theory:
-memorize what a fermata is..
-why do we draw eyeglasses on our music?
-what is the meaning of grandioso?
Research project:
-I would like everyone to find out about a great player of your instrument-one of the "most famous ever".... so if you were a violist you could choose William Primrose (dead), Rivka Golani (living-my teacher), Kim Kashkashian (went to Peabody) etc... Please choose someone who interests you. The only restriction is that they must be famous enough that I have heard of them...
Thanks everyone, Louise :)
Reminders:
-I must receive completed gray forms from everyone. At the present time I do not have them from:
Sinfonietta:
Pria Graham
Tomas Paral
Eric Artson
Niajea Randolph
Daja Bailey
Ethan Lee
Eleanor Lee
Carlos Gray
Sinfonia:
Sophia Amberger
Christian Bradshaw
Steven Eisner
Please just bring them to the next rehearsal that you attend. If you believe that you name is on this list in error then please let me know & I will do a thorough search.
-If you haven't yet completed & returned your yellow student info packet YOU ARE WAY LATE! Please take care of this....
Rehearsal/Homework - Sinfonietta
*Our biggest playing issue is having everyone play in tune. Intonation is very important for sounding good as an ensemble.*
Notereading class:
-I was delighted to have 3 new faces @ the class-Pria, Mayalen & Rita.
-This is a "come when you want to" class & you do not have to attend weekly.
-You can practice these skills online @ the links on this page.
Herb Round:
-I was pleased to see that this easy piece had greatly improved in one week.
-It is important to keep practicing the rhythms & this week I would like everyone to focus on playing through the piece so that we can begin work on playing this as a round.
Regal Procession:
-I was delighted to see that so many students had listened to this piece.
-Everyone marked down in their music the problems that they were having. These problem spots need to be practiced on their own. The trick to mastering these problems is practicing them VERY SLOWLY.
We Three Kings:
-We began to play through this to get an idea of the parts.
-The bowings are the most difficult aspect of this piece. Everyone must concentrate on whether the slurs are smooth or stopped.
Research project:
-I would like everyone to find about Jascha Heifetz. He was a violinist. You should know his basic biography & significant facts about his life. Then I will be able to tell you a story about him that relates to our discussion on playing perfectly...
Rehearsal/Homework - Sinfonia
Handel Little Fugue:
-counting in this piece, especially on the longer note values & rests, is going to be the biggest challenge. Please put the metronome on & clap & count your part.
-focus on practicing from the beginning through 4 this week.
Skaters' Waltz:
-the biggest problem in this piece is m43-59 for Violin 1. The combination of spiccato, bowing directions & rhythm presents a significant challenge so you MUST take it to your teacher.
-our goal speed is quater note=190 so start working with the metronome & increasing the tempo.
White Christmas:
-the biggest challenge with this is the intonation of the notes, so everyone must work with their tuner.
-work @ playing this @ quarter note=80
Instrument skills:
-everyone must ask their teacher to work with them on spiccato, even if you think you can already do it!
Music theory:
-memorize what a fermata is..
-why do we draw eyeglasses on our music?
-what is the meaning of grandioso?
Research project:
-I would like everyone to find out about a great player of your instrument-one of the "most famous ever".... so if you were a violist you could choose William Primrose (dead), Rivka Golani (living-my teacher), Kim Kashkashian (went to Peabody) etc... Please choose someone who interests you. The only restriction is that they must be famous enough that I have heard of them...
Thanks everyone, Louise :)
Monday, September 21, 2009
Fall semester - September 20th, 2009
Excellent 1st full rehearsal! We're going to have a great year...
Reminders:
-please complete & return the gray form to me
-please complete & return the yellow packet to the manager, Julia, or me
-leaving the rehearsal room during snack time is NOT permitted except to use the rest room
New Info:
-as we are in the lounge now, we have been told that snacks can take place there. This will not continue if crumbs are left...
-October 11th is a very important day. We will NOT have any rehearsals, & therefore there will be no need for snacks, but EVERYONE is expected to attend some part of the Artistic Director interview/audition. I strongly suggest that you attend the Family Q & A & it would be good to see some of the orchestra audition time. If you think about it, given the average time span for a Artistic director, current students of my groups could be playing in the YO for the chosen candidate. In addition, the Artistic director has the capacity to enhance or diminish the experience of the GBYO for everyone-including the newest member of the Sinfonietta. They are our advocate to the Board, which is a very important thing for us.
Rehearsal/Homework - Sinfonietta
Notereading class:
-both Damontae & Carlos attended & have made significant strides over the summer! I am very pleased with their work.
Herb Round:
-this piece is going to be used to work on basic ensemble skills. We can work on this in unison which allows us to focus on looking @ the conductor as we play. We can also focus on the basic rhythms which occur.
Regal Procession:
-I was disappointed that so few students had listened to the recording that they were given last week. Many of the students study the Suzuki method & so have already seen the value of listening to a piece that they are going to play. It provides a huge jump in ease of studying the piece. Ask "Do I want my life to be easier or harder?"...
-I was pleased with how quickly the group came together at this first rehearsal. It seems that the biggest issue is going to be rhythm. Start counting & clapping NOW.
Rehearsal/Homework - Sinfonia
Handel Little Fugue:
-we began this piece by having each section of the orchestra play the Fugue theme
Skaters' Waltz:
-this piece gives me the greatest concern in terms of pulling it together... surprisingly it is already starting to sound like the piece. EVERYONE needs to take this piece to their teacher & ask for some guidance concerning the bowing style of spiccato-it is key to playing this piece. Violins 1 & 2 must work on m44-55.
White Christmas:
-the difficulties of this piece are chromaticism & rhythm. Everyone must figure out their notes.
Thanks everyone, Louise :)
Reminders:
-please complete & return the gray form to me
-please complete & return the yellow packet to the manager, Julia, or me
-leaving the rehearsal room during snack time is NOT permitted except to use the rest room
New Info:
-as we are in the lounge now, we have been told that snacks can take place there. This will not continue if crumbs are left...
-October 11th is a very important day. We will NOT have any rehearsals, & therefore there will be no need for snacks, but EVERYONE is expected to attend some part of the Artistic Director interview/audition. I strongly suggest that you attend the Family Q & A & it would be good to see some of the orchestra audition time. If you think about it, given the average time span for a Artistic director, current students of my groups could be playing in the YO for the chosen candidate. In addition, the Artistic director has the capacity to enhance or diminish the experience of the GBYO for everyone-including the newest member of the Sinfonietta. They are our advocate to the Board, which is a very important thing for us.
Rehearsal/Homework - Sinfonietta
Notereading class:
-both Damontae & Carlos attended & have made significant strides over the summer! I am very pleased with their work.
Herb Round:
-this piece is going to be used to work on basic ensemble skills. We can work on this in unison which allows us to focus on looking @ the conductor as we play. We can also focus on the basic rhythms which occur.
Regal Procession:
-I was disappointed that so few students had listened to the recording that they were given last week. Many of the students study the Suzuki method & so have already seen the value of listening to a piece that they are going to play. It provides a huge jump in ease of studying the piece. Ask "Do I want my life to be easier or harder?"...
-I was pleased with how quickly the group came together at this first rehearsal. It seems that the biggest issue is going to be rhythm. Start counting & clapping NOW.
Rehearsal/Homework - Sinfonia
Handel Little Fugue:
-we began this piece by having each section of the orchestra play the Fugue theme
Skaters' Waltz:
-this piece gives me the greatest concern in terms of pulling it together... surprisingly it is already starting to sound like the piece. EVERYONE needs to take this piece to their teacher & ask for some guidance concerning the bowing style of spiccato-it is key to playing this piece. Violins 1 & 2 must work on m44-55.
White Christmas:
-the difficulties of this piece are chromaticism & rhythm. Everyone must figure out their notes.
Thanks everyone, Louise :)
SNACKS - Fall 2009
Sinfonia
9/20 - Sarah and Emma Denlinger
9/27
10/4 - Corey Sekulow
10/11 - Steven Eisner
10/18 - Jonathan Jeyachandren
10/25 - Audrey Fioretto
11/1 - Abeni Schoch
11/8 - Matthew Mu
11/15 - Latarsha Tolson
11/22 - Bogumila Balcerek
12/6 - Joanna Amberger
Sinfonietta
9/20 - Carmen Paral
9/27 - Celeste Gallo
10/4 - Simona Clampin
10/11 - Antonio Jacobs
10/18 - Nisha Rao
10/25 - Tamisha Bell
11/1 - Necole Pearson
11/8 - Angie Gray
11/15 - Elsie Brown
11/22 - Mary Llewellyn
12/6 - Scott Lee
9/20 - Sarah and Emma Denlinger
9/27
10/4 - Corey Sekulow
10/11 - Steven Eisner
10/18 - Jonathan Jeyachandren
10/25 - Audrey Fioretto
11/1 - Abeni Schoch
11/8 - Matthew Mu
11/15 - Latarsha Tolson
11/22 - Bogumila Balcerek
12/6 - Joanna Amberger
Sinfonietta
9/20 - Carmen Paral
9/27 - Celeste Gallo
10/4 - Simona Clampin
10/11 - Antonio Jacobs
10/18 - Nisha Rao
10/25 - Tamisha Bell
11/1 - Necole Pearson
11/8 - Angie Gray
11/15 - Elsie Brown
11/22 - Mary Llewellyn
12/6 - Scott Lee
Thursday, May 28, 2009
End of Spring semester - May 28th, 2009
It has been quite a year!!
To start with I would like to congratulate all of you on such a wonderful concert @ Park School. It is quite an achievement for so many students of such a young age to pull together the level of music that you worked on. I was thrilled with the end result, of course, but I was also delighted by the process that we went through together of practicing & rehearsing & gradually seeing the pieces come together.
Well done to those of you that made it to the concert @ the Meyerhoff. Having the opportunity to see where you will be if you continue playing your instruments is pretty exciting. I sat @ the very front so that I was close to the performers & although I may be slightly biased (?) I can happily report that my students have the best sitting position!! I saw many incorrectly placed feet! I was very impressed with the level of music-making that I heard. Some truly great music...
So looking to the future...
* to those of you who are auditioning/have auditioned for the CS, I wish you the very best as you continue your music-making.
* to those of you returning to me in the fall - YIPPEE!! I am already planning the music that we will be learning... anyone for a fugue again??
* I will send out an email by the end of August telling you which group you are placed in - please don't ask before then...
Last, but not least, thanks to all of the families for your support, snacks (esp chocolate..) & bringing your children to their weekly rehearsals. None of this would be possible without your help.
I hope that you all have wonderful summers, but don't forget to practice your instruments & note-reading. (Couldn't resist telling you to practice)...
In Gratitude,
Louise :)
To start with I would like to congratulate all of you on such a wonderful concert @ Park School. It is quite an achievement for so many students of such a young age to pull together the level of music that you worked on. I was thrilled with the end result, of course, but I was also delighted by the process that we went through together of practicing & rehearsing & gradually seeing the pieces come together.
Well done to those of you that made it to the concert @ the Meyerhoff. Having the opportunity to see where you will be if you continue playing your instruments is pretty exciting. I sat @ the very front so that I was close to the performers & although I may be slightly biased (?) I can happily report that my students have the best sitting position!! I saw many incorrectly placed feet! I was very impressed with the level of music-making that I heard. Some truly great music...
So looking to the future...
* to those of you who are auditioning/have auditioned for the CS, I wish you the very best as you continue your music-making.
* to those of you returning to me in the fall - YIPPEE!! I am already planning the music that we will be learning... anyone for a fugue again??
* I will send out an email by the end of August telling you which group you are placed in - please don't ask before then...
Last, but not least, thanks to all of the families for your support, snacks (esp chocolate..) & bringing your children to their weekly rehearsals. None of this would be possible without your help.
I hope that you all have wonderful summers, but don't forget to practice your instruments & note-reading. (Couldn't resist telling you to practice)...
In Gratitude,
Louise :)
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Spring semester - May 3rd, 2009
Please check out the links on the left side of the page, where you can practice flashcards & fingerings online.
Sunday May 10 – Rehearsals as usual
Sunday May 17 – Sinfonia/Sinfonietta Concert @ the Park School, 4:30 p.m.;
Please plan to be there for 3pm as I would like to warm-up with both groups onstage.
Sunday May 24 – YO/CS Concert at The Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall;
all Sinfonia/Sinfonietta students are expected to attend
Sinfonietta:
NOTE READING HELP AVAILABLE EVERY SUNDAY:
3.10pm LOUNGE (CS ROOM)
BRING BINDER
-Satie Gymnopodie-I am still rather concerned about this piece. PLEASE TAKE THIS TO YOUR TEACHERS THIS WEEK.
-German Dance-this piece is holding together nicely.
Sinfonia:
-Fairly Fugal-this piece is now holding together well & I am very pleased with the obvious effort that has been made to get your parts together. Well Done!
Keep up the great work - there is light at the end of the tunnel....
Thanks, Louise :)
Upcoming schedule - May 2009
Just a reminder about the next few weeks:Sunday May 10 – Rehearsals as usual
Sunday May 17 – Sinfonia/Sinfonietta Concert @ the Park School, 4:30 p.m.;
Please plan to be there for 3pm as I would like to warm-up with both groups onstage.
Sunday May 24 – YO/CS Concert at The Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall;
all Sinfonia/Sinfonietta students are expected to attend
Sinfonietta:
NOTE READING HELP AVAILABLE EVERY SUNDAY:
3.10pm LOUNGE (CS ROOM)
BRING BINDER
-Satie Gymnopodie-I am still rather concerned about this piece. PLEASE TAKE THIS TO YOUR TEACHERS THIS WEEK.
- everyone needs to practice clapping & counting, as well as playing & counting.
- if you play the melody line you must work @ playing the notes, rhythms & bowings in a confident manner.
- please practice this with your tuner so that our intonation as a group is good.
- we need DYNAMICS-please practice the louds & softs. They should be very dramatic.
- find a recording of this piece to listen to so that you have a good sense of how it fits together-see link below:
- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o8Vw459QbAw&feature=related
-German Dance-this piece is holding together nicely.
- please clap & count/play & count with metronome.
- bass needs to play the solo faster, although I know that this is an extremely difficult part.
- violin 1 must write in the bowings.
- violin 1 must work on the bowings of m5-8 & m13-end.
- work @ 1/8th note = 80
- practice playing through the whole piece with the correct form.
- violin 1 must practice the break ALOT.
Sinfonia:
-Fairly Fugal-this piece is now holding together well & I am very pleased with the obvious effort that has been made to get your parts together. Well Done!
- work at 1/8th note = 138
- work on the small sections, one at a time & do a few of them each day.
- keep clapping/counting; playing/counting.
- violin 1-please work on the notes in m60-61.
- violin 2-work on m44 C natural & the rhythms in m48-55.
- work at 1/4 note = 152
- violins & violas need to accent the first of each group of 1/8th notes.
- cellos should work on the sound of the 1/4 note stroke, as there should be a slight gap between each note - this is not supposed to be legato.
- violins & viola must work with the metronome on m21+22, m35-41 m64-66.
- violin 2 & viola must work with the tuner on m50-60.
- everyone must work at playing the tune & break @ a forte volume.
Keep up the great work - there is light at the end of the tunnel....
Thanks, Louise :)
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Spring semester - April 26th, 2009
I am delighted with how many students are attending the notereading sessions prior to the Sinfonietta rehearsals & it is really making a difference. Students are showing major improvement & it is evident in the rehearsals. While I donate my time to run the notereading sessions & write the blog, I sometimes think that these things have the power to make the greatest difference for most of the students.
Sinfonietta:
NOTE READING HELP AVAILABLE EVERY SUNDAY:
3.10pm LOUNGE (CS ROOM)
BRING BINDER
-Satie Gymnopodie-this piece still requires a great amount of work to make it performance ready. Based on the poll taken of the students, most desire to perform this piece in our concert. There are alot of counting errors & pitch problems-it is "pitchy" as Randy from American Idol would say. This piece will NOT work if there are lots of intonation errors as the chords will not make any musical sense. Students must practice clapping & counting the rhythms as well as working with a tuner to check that each note is the correct pitch. It would be very helpful if students could take this piece to their teachers this week.
-German Dance-I am pleased that this piece is holding together. The bass solo must be much louder & in tempo; everyone must play the 2 quarter note + quarter rest pattern gently; 1st violins must make sure that they are doing the correct bowings on the 1/8th notes.
-Kesh Jig-this is a big week for the violas & bass! I must see huge improvement in your playing of the tune line or you will not get to do this part in the concert. I would really like to focus on you as usually you are playing the accompaniment & this would give you a chance to shine playing the tune, but if you cannot do it well then I will unfortunately have to cut this part out.
Sinfonia:
-Fairly Fugal-I have to say that I am quite stunned with the improvement in the 2nd violins from last week. Due to the difficulty of this piece I am going to bring in some reinforcements from the Concert Strings to help out but it was very clear that everyone had worked incredibly hard on their parts. The piece is now holding together & we were able to work on increasing the tempo. It is essential that everyone continues to clap & count with the metronome & practice playing small sections starting slowly & gradually increasing the tempo. I would like you to aim for 1/4 note=70 for this week.
-Vivaldi-it was interesting to return to this today after a break from rehearsing it... It seems that students only practice what is rehearsed on Sundays, despite the fact that every week I have specifically requested that this be looked at. This piece is deceptively simple. While the notes are easy to play, getting everyone to play with the same bow stroke & style & getting perfect intonation from everyone requires practice with the metronome & tuner. This must receive detailed practice even if you think that you can already play it.
-Ash Grove-the cellos must play their part gently & the 1st violins need to work on the break to fix the rhythm & bowings.
This was a great week of work. Please keep it up.
Thanks, Louise :)
Sinfonietta:
NOTE READING HELP AVAILABLE EVERY SUNDAY:
3.10pm LOUNGE (CS ROOM)
BRING BINDER
-Satie Gymnopodie-this piece still requires a great amount of work to make it performance ready. Based on the poll taken of the students, most desire to perform this piece in our concert. There are alot of counting errors & pitch problems-it is "pitchy" as Randy from American Idol would say. This piece will NOT work if there are lots of intonation errors as the chords will not make any musical sense. Students must practice clapping & counting the rhythms as well as working with a tuner to check that each note is the correct pitch. It would be very helpful if students could take this piece to their teachers this week.
-German Dance-I am pleased that this piece is holding together. The bass solo must be much louder & in tempo; everyone must play the 2 quarter note + quarter rest pattern gently; 1st violins must make sure that they are doing the correct bowings on the 1/8th notes.
-Kesh Jig-this is a big week for the violas & bass! I must see huge improvement in your playing of the tune line or you will not get to do this part in the concert. I would really like to focus on you as usually you are playing the accompaniment & this would give you a chance to shine playing the tune, but if you cannot do it well then I will unfortunately have to cut this part out.
Sinfonia:
-Fairly Fugal-I have to say that I am quite stunned with the improvement in the 2nd violins from last week. Due to the difficulty of this piece I am going to bring in some reinforcements from the Concert Strings to help out but it was very clear that everyone had worked incredibly hard on their parts. The piece is now holding together & we were able to work on increasing the tempo. It is essential that everyone continues to clap & count with the metronome & practice playing small sections starting slowly & gradually increasing the tempo. I would like you to aim for 1/4 note=70 for this week.
-Vivaldi-it was interesting to return to this today after a break from rehearsing it... It seems that students only practice what is rehearsed on Sundays, despite the fact that every week I have specifically requested that this be looked at. This piece is deceptively simple. While the notes are easy to play, getting everyone to play with the same bow stroke & style & getting perfect intonation from everyone requires practice with the metronome & tuner. This must receive detailed practice even if you think that you can already play it.
-Ash Grove-the cellos must play their part gently & the 1st violins need to work on the break to fix the rhythm & bowings.
This was a great week of work. Please keep it up.
Thanks, Louise :)
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Reminders re upcoming dates
Of course none of you need a reminder about the following as you all read the announcements & follow the calendar....
But just in case....
Sunday 12th April - NO REHEARSAL
Sunday 19th April - special workshop with hip-hop influenced violinist Daniel Bernard Roumain
Sinfonietta rehearsal 2.45-3.45pm
ALL STUDENTS 4-5pm workshop
Sinfonia rehearsal 5.15-6.30ishpm - I may keep people longer depending on how successful the rehearsal is...
But just in case....
Sunday 12th April - NO REHEARSAL
Sunday 19th April - special workshop with hip-hop influenced violinist Daniel Bernard Roumain
Sinfonietta rehearsal 2.45-3.45pm
ALL STUDENTS 4-5pm workshop
Sinfonia rehearsal 5.15-6.30ishpm - I may keep people longer depending on how successful the rehearsal is...
Spring semester - April 5th, 2009
Please remember that at this point in our schedule leading up to the concert, we must be practicing ALL of the music EVERY week.
Sinfonietta:
NOTE READING HELP AVAILABLE EVERY SUNDAY:
3.10pm LOUNGE (CS ROOM)
BRING BINDER
-I am SO pleased with the students who have been attending the note reading sessions. I am seeing a lot of progress!!
-Kesh Jig-this is coming together nicely & will sound good in the concert. I would like the violas/bass to work hard on the tune part. Please focus on the following sections: vln 1 work on the break line, especially on the 2nd half; vln 2/vla learn the notes of the tune line on the 2nd half.
-Satie Gymnopodie-this is a challenging piece for this group but I know that we can play this well if we do focused practice. Here are the spots needing special attention: vln 2 work on m13-16; vln 1 & vln 2 concentrate on the bowings of m13-15; vla & vcl focus on the notes & bowings m14-16.
-German Dance-keep working on this.
Sinfonia:
-Fairly Fugal-we worked on a few sections in the way that I would like everyone to practice at home. We clapped & counted, played & counted, played it slowly & gradually increased the tempo. I feel hopeful about this piece-it is certainly sounding much better this week.
-Ash Grove-everyone is playing this well. We listened to a recording that Sophia brought in & the tempo is pretty fast. Vln 1 students need to concentrate on the break line & the 16th notes.
-Vivaldi Concerto-keep practicing this so that all of the details are learnt when we rehearse it again.
-research Erik Satie & fill in composer sheet.
This was a good rehearsal!!
Louise :)
Sinfonietta:
NOTE READING HELP AVAILABLE EVERY SUNDAY:
3.10pm LOUNGE (CS ROOM)
BRING BINDER
-I am SO pleased with the students who have been attending the note reading sessions. I am seeing a lot of progress!!
-Kesh Jig-this is coming together nicely & will sound good in the concert. I would like the violas/bass to work hard on the tune part. Please focus on the following sections: vln 1 work on the break line, especially on the 2nd half; vln 2/vla learn the notes of the tune line on the 2nd half.
-Satie Gymnopodie-this is a challenging piece for this group but I know that we can play this well if we do focused practice. Here are the spots needing special attention: vln 2 work on m13-16; vln 1 & vln 2 concentrate on the bowings of m13-15; vla & vcl focus on the notes & bowings m14-16.
-German Dance-keep working on this.
Sinfonia:
-Fairly Fugal-we worked on a few sections in the way that I would like everyone to practice at home. We clapped & counted, played & counted, played it slowly & gradually increased the tempo. I feel hopeful about this piece-it is certainly sounding much better this week.
-Ash Grove-everyone is playing this well. We listened to a recording that Sophia brought in & the tempo is pretty fast. Vln 1 students need to concentrate on the break line & the 16th notes.
-Vivaldi Concerto-keep practicing this so that all of the details are learnt when we rehearse it again.
-research Erik Satie & fill in composer sheet.
This was a good rehearsal!!
Louise :)
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