Letter from Diane (9/23)
Dear Camerata Con Brio,
I love this photo from our retreat on Sunday and the way it shows a moment of intense problem solving. (This group was challenged to flip the tarp they were standing on without taking their feet off of it–and they did it!) We’ve done a lot of collaborative problem solving this week–during our retreat rehearsals and this week’s sectionals, and your work is really paying off!
One of the things that we brainstormed at our retreat was our “way of being”–or how we show up when we are together. Your ideas were brilliant, and I’ve summarized them here.
The Culture of Our Group Shows that:
- We are kind, flexible and tolerant of others
- We are punctual and respectful of others’ time
- We give our attention to the work at hand with no distracting side conversations
- We Include all members of the group
- We come prepared to rehearsal so that we can be our best when we are together
- We strive for a consistently high level of conduct and musicianship
Our Way of Working Together
- We strive to to understand and listen to everyone
- We include all people in our ensemble
- We make an effort to meet new people
- We pay attention to the conductor and to one-another
- We put forth our best effort in the way we work and play together
Our Way of Playing. We strive for:
- Excellent intonation
- A mature, blended orchestral sound
- Accuracy in pitch and rhythms
- Flexibility so that we react and make good musical choices in the moment
- Unity in our way of working together
- Authenticity in the way we play the style and character of each piece
- Persistence in our desire to achieve our best work (Never give up!)
Here is your GTCYS 10 for this week:
Mozart–Marriage of Figaro: In string sectionals tonight we agreed that getting the notes right is a “personal problem.” Take the time to learn the fingerings and notes in your individual part so that when we are together we can work on “group problems.”
Dvorak-New World Symphony: Work on your part emphasizing dynamic contrast along with note and rhythmic accuracy.
Winds and Brass: Here are your seating audition excerpts Please be ready to play these for me on Tuesday, Oct. 7
Finally, I STRONGLY ENCOURAGE all Camerata Con Brio string players to consider joining the GTCYS chamber music program! This program invites all string players (no audition required) to become a part of a chamber ensemble that meets one hour before our weekly rehearsal time. There are still have openings for violin, viola, cello, and bass players and no audition is required! Our group will be coached by (the amazing) Joanna Philips, a professional player and outstanding music educator. Click on this link for more information. The registration deadline is next week–Wednesday, Oct. 1.
Thanks for your great work and have a great week.
Until then, always live your life Con Brio!