Letter from Diane (12/9)

Dear Camerata Con Brio,

Look at these amazing 21 people who braved the terrible weather to make it rehearsal tonight!  We are calling them the “Camerata Con Brio Chamber Orchestra!”

First of all, I want to honor the choice that many of you made to prioritize your safety when you considered whether or not to come to rehearsal this week.  Good choice. Your wellness and safety is always priority #1. But for those of you who were able to get to rehearsal, BRAVO!  Your commitment is extraordinary.

Those of us who were there focused on the repertoire for Saturday’s concert and also took some time to sightread “Jupiter” in anticipation of the Orchestrating Opportunities Event (more information on that later…)

Here are some things we learned:

• When the group is smaller, it is easier to be nimble and make significant changes in dynamics, pitch and tempos
• When the group is smaller it is harder to hide deficiencies in note, pitch and technical accuracy
• No matter the size of the group, it is essential to listen to the group of players that have the lead melodic idea and to follow them by taking on the role of an accompanist
• If the bass voices are setting up a rhythmic groove, it is also important to listen to them and work within their rhythmic framework

Since so many people were gone this week, it is important that each of you take your GTCYS 10 seriously and practice before Saturday’s concert.

Here is YOUR GTCYS 10

Play through the whole concert:

• Bizet–Carillon
• Mozart–Marriage of Figaro
• Galante–Nostalgia
• It’s The Most Wonderful Time of the Year

Notice the spots that need work and go back to work them out, aiming for accuracy in pitch, rhythm and articulation. The detail work you do on your own will benefit the whole orchestra!

On Saturday, we will need to use our dress rehearsal time to the fullest extent, so come prepared on your individual part and ready to dive in to rehearsal!

Look in your email or member page for a message from GTCYS with the details regarding Saturday’s concert, but here is the basic information:

Camerata Con Brio and Concertino West December Concert

• Wayzata High School
• Call time for CCB is 1:15
• Dress is concert black with Holiday accents
• Concert begins at 3:00 and will end at approximately 4:00
• You will have some down time in between our dress rehearsal and performance, so bring a game to share or something to do.

Additionally! We are still looking for outgoing, positive orchestra members to help welcome new students to GTCYS at our first rehearsal in January. If you are interested in this opportunity, we ask that you sign up by Monday, December 15.

See you on Saturday!  Until then, always live your life CON BRIO!