Letter from Dan (10/20)

Dear Concertino West,

Our rehearsal etiquette keeps improving, and I encourage you to think about how you can help make our rehearsals even better in the coming weeks. Here are a few things to focus on:

• Stop right away when the orchestra stops.
• Don’t play while someone is talking – even quiet pizzicato counts!
• Keep stand partner conversations short and focused on the music
• Be ready to play — set your bow or embouchure before the conductor starts.
• Always have your pencil handy and mark reminders in your music.

Which one (or more) will you focus on improving?

Fill out this form by next Monday at noon to share your plan.

Concertino West Member Page Reminder

Some students were asking how to access the member page. I encourage you to bookmark this link (especially if you don’t check email) and save the password:

• https://gtcys.org/members/concertino-west
• Password: concertinowest25-26

Practice Assignment (GTCYS10) for This Week

• Beethoven 5
  • Play through two times with the recording before our next rehearsal.
  • Identify three spots to improve and practice using the “5x perfect” technique – play chosen spot correctly five times in a row before moving on.
  • Tip: Count carefully in the Trio section to make accurate entrances
• Russian Sailor’s Dance
  • Play through two times with the recording before our next rehearsal.
  • Identify three spots to improve and practice using the “5x perfect” technique.
  • Tip: Keep the notes from touching (play separate!) during the prestissimo section. Only the slurred notes should connect.
• Waltz:
  • Learn measures 69-89
  • Tip: Write in key signature notes. This is a tricky key for 20 measures!
• Johnny Comes Marching Home:
  • Review the beginning of the piece
  • Tip: Remember, rests are just as important as notes!

Seating Auditions for Strings: Next week, October 27

Refer to your paper handout or you can find a link at the top of our member page. Remember, auditions are a chance to practice your skills and your placement in the orchestra doesn’t reflect your value as a Concertino West musician.

Fall Festival Performance

We are performing two pieces for Fall Festival at Orchestra Hall on Sunday, November 16 in this order:

• Beethoven Symphony No. 5
• Russian Sailor’s Dance

Have a great week!

Dan