Pasadena Youth Symphony Orchestra (PYSO): Notes from Ms. Lim (String Orchestra)

Pasadena Youth Symphony Orchestra

The Pasadena Youth Symphony Orchestra has continually offered robust musical training and personal development for young musicians throughout the San Gabriel Valley for over 40 years (1972). PYSO is considered among the best youth orchestras in the Southland. The PYSO is comprised of middle school students from grades six through nine. These committed young people receive advanced instruction and challenging music opportunities through a rigorous program that emphasizes ensemble playing. Members of the PYSO have performed throughout the world, including venues in Vienna, New York’s Carnegie Hall, the ASTA Conference and Competition in Santa Clara and many others. Last season, the PYSO appeared in concert with the United States Air Force Academy Band, Blue Steel at the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, CO. Members of PYSO have also had many opportunities for additional performances outside the full orchestra program such chamber music at Pasadena Symphony concerts and a special guest appearance on Fox’s TV sensation, Glee. PYSO falls under the auspices of the Pasadena Symphony Association and often interacts with Pasadena Symphony and POPS conductors, guest artists, musicians and staff.

Thursday, October 15, 2009

Notes from Ms. Lim (String Orchestra)

After observing your wonderful sectionals, here are some things to work on during the week...

1st and 2nd Violins practice "sweetening" the tone in Circinus. Remember not to attack the notes (especially on the E string), but rather lean in with lots of vibrato. Here's how to check if it's sweet enough. Play it for a parent and watch their body language. If they cringe, you still need to work on making it beautiful. Make them tear up because it's beautiful not because it hurts them!

Violas, you are so very musical! Now, if only you looked as good as you sound. I know..."ouch", but I'd like to see your scrolls up and not facing the ground. Make your teachers proud...if they say something at your next lesson about your wonderful new posture, I'll give you money. Scouts honor guys, don't try to trick me!

Celli and String Bass, you're intonation has improved immensely (now that we know how important it is to tune:). Now, we just have to figure out that rhythm thing. Metronomes are OK, but counting out loud, especially subdividing, is even better. There are moments when things move too quickly in Circinus, m. 45 - 48 (especially the sixteenth notes) that need attention. I will give a prize to the person who has the greatest exercise for steady rhythm.

Congratulations Jacqueline for making to the 2nd round for 1st Violin seating. Next week, we will find out who gets placed in 1st violin. Great job to all who have tried out!

Here's something to try for fun, works on cell phones - I checked:)

Phone Songs

All of the following songs may be played on a touch-tone phone. Commas are pauses, are eighth notes, and hyphens are held notes.
Deck The Halls

-9 6 3 2 1 2 3 1 2 3 6 2 -3 2 2 1 -2
-9 6 3 2 1 2 3 1 2 3 6 2 -3 2 2 1 -2
-2 3 6 2 -3 6 9 2 1 2 6 9 # 9 6 3 -3
-9 6 3 2 1 2 3 1 # # # # -9 6 3 2 -1