Listen, Listen, Listen!
Rhythm, Rhythm
Cheek-to-Cheek
PRACTICE
Dynamics, Dynamics, Dynamics
Fun, Fun, Fun, Fun
Inspire, Inspire, Inspire
There are so many things that go into performance. Only a few are listed above. In order to play an instrument, some 200 items need to be working at the same time. Compound that with the fact that your neighbor may or may not have those 200 items going on and it's a miracle that any performances happen! Can you tell I'm freaking out! OK, let's say that you all would like to have a sane conductor at the next rehearsal. Here are some items that need to be revisited this week.
Circinus- We need to connect our phrases, musical sentences, so that we don't sound like Morse Code or "Squarinus". -Remember that bow speed is key. Save then GO! connect your bows so their is no stopping! Here are some measures to work on 12-13; 16-17; 24-25; 28-29; 40-41; 44-45; 48-49; 56-57; 60-61; 64-65.
- General rule for musical shaping, if the notes go up, crescendo and if the notes go down, decrescendo.
Hallelujah- Where was the "joy" last night? We need to have energy in every single bow stroke! Download or look at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u6_nJ11BgTE the London Symphony
Santa at the Symphony- You are wonderful with your attacks, or beginning of notes, what we need to improve on is the release of the notes. We don't throw them away when we run out of bow...we calculate the bow speed to match the length of note. For instance, the Beethoven's Fifth, we need to hold the whole note for a duration of 4 beats, not 3.5 or 3.75 or 3.999.
Small Overture- 1st Violins - Do not rush the dotted quarter and following eighth notes in m. 1, 3, 5.
-2nd Violins - Remember to be in the upper half at m. 45 - 62; 79-86.
- Celli-Do not rush the dotted quarter and subsequent eighth notes in m. 9, 11, 13.
-String Bass- Big improvement in Circinus with your intonation at m. 17, keep improving the entire piece. Also, in Small Overture, please fix your intonation at m. 9 - 16. That's the really obvious spot. However, when you hold note, you are super important to the overall structure of the chords that are moving on top of your notes. Remember guys, you are the foundation!
Listen, Listen, Listen! has to be done throughout rehearsal and performance
Rhythm, Rhythm have to listen and watch to have the tempo that we all agree on
Cheek-to-Cheek have to practice this at home, it won't spontaneously happen at performance or rehearsal
PRACTICE we are only as good as our weakest player, do not be the weakest player!
Dynamics, Dynamics, Dynamics are what separate our orchestra from beginning groups
Fun, Fun, Fun, Fun What?? Oh yeah, we should have fun when we perform
Inspire, Inspire, Inspire Music moves people, you might inspire someone to take up the instrument. That's how I got hooked!
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.
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Pasadena Symphony Association
The mission of The Pasadena Symphony Association is to provide orchestral performances of the highest quality and to benefit the community through its music, outreach, and education programs. (Click on Picture for Link)
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