Letter from Dan (9/14)

Hello Concertino West!

Thanks for a fantastic first rehearsal last night! Each week, you’ll receive a message from me that summarizes our rehearsal and provides guidance on how to prepare (GTCYS10) for our next rehearsal. Please read these emails carefully. Occasionally, there will be an interactive element that you will respond to (like at the end of this email!).

Rehearsal Summary

After finding our seats and going over some logistical things, we spent time learning how to tune as an orchestra. We played scales (D major, Bb major, and G major) and then focused on sightreading three of our pieces: Radetsky March, Sarabande, and Genesis. Some of the pieces came together easier, while others were a stretch for the orchestra. We then put away our things and participated in a social activity called Concentric Circles. The goal was to meet 3-5 new people, and I hope you enjoyed meeting your fellow orchestra musicians!

GTCYS10

I ask that each of you commit to practicing your GTCYS music at least 10 minutes per day. This is in addition to the other music you are working on for school ensembles, private lessons, and/or other musical activities you’re involved in. Your commitment to practicing your GTCYS music outside of our rehearsals will help our ensemble be the best that it can be!

Here’s what to practice this week:

• Scale focus:Concert G major and G minor
• Radetsky March
  • Follow along with your part three times this week while listening to the recording
  • Focused practice on mm. 57-92
  • Set your metronome on Half=84 and play in cut time
• Sarabande
  • Follow along with your part three times this week while listening to the recording
  • Focused practice:
    • Clarinets – mm. 28-37
    • All others – mm.1-29
  • Set your metronome on Quarter=74
• Genesis
  • Follow along with your part three times this week while listening to the recording
  • Focused practice on mm. 1-45
  • Pay particular attention to bowings and articulations

Since you made it to the end of this email, click here to respond to a quick survey about our first rehearsal. Which section will have the highest percentage of people who respond by this coming Sunday?

I look forward to seeing you all next week!

Dan