Letter from Dan (2/23)

Dear Concertino West,

Thank you for your focused work last night in rehearsal. Here’s what we worked on, and this also serves as your GTCYS10 this week:

• Hadyn:Bring out the contrasting character of each movement (vigorous, heartwarming, and laughter). Subdivide and count accurately. Prepare entrances at least one measure ahead of time by having your bow on the string or your breath/embouchure set.
• Extraterrestrial:Look up during the rallentando and listen to the cellos and basses. Bring out the melody and play softer if you aren’t the melody. Look for spots that need individual attention and practice them.
• White Walls: Think about the start of each note. Strings should sink their bow deep into the string before playing, and wind players should have their embouchure and breath set. (Are you sensing a theme here?)
• Lord of the Rings: Check the rhythm. Are you play it accurately!

Reminder: The OK Factor put together some backing tracks for improvisation practice for us! You can check them out here. Use the handout to try different improvisation techniques.

Speakers and Soloists Needed

We are in need of orchestra members to introduce pieces at our concert and perform solos during Smile and a High Five. Fill out this form to let me know if you’d like to participate (or not!). Anyone who fills out the form will be a VIP at our next treat night!

March 8 Concert Order

• Haydn Settings (all three movements)
• Of the Extraterrestrial Sort
• OK Factor set of three piece (on their own)
• White Walls
• Smile and a High Five

OK Factor will be back next week and it’s our last rehearsal before our concert–so make every effort to be there!

See you next week!

Dan