Letter from Emma (9/22)
Hi Sinfonia East!
I am so proud of your work at rehearsal this week. We rehearsed the slow opening section of the Strommen and started working on the end of the Tchaikovsky (from letter S to the end). Yes, we still have work to do on both, but your progress is not to be downplayed. Bravo!
Practice for the retreat/ next week
- Review anything that you struggled with in this week’s rehearsal. Practice SLOWLY. Slowwwwwwwwwly. No, like – SLOOOOOOOOOOWLY.
- Come prepared to work on measures 25 through 45 of the Strommen, plus a review of the entire piece except for the very end.
- Come prepared to work on letters P to S in the Tchaikovsky. You will need to be at least somewhat comfortable with your part ahead of time to feel successful at rehearsal.
General reminders and announcements
- We had the best on-time attendance we’ve had yet this year. Keep it up!
- I can’t wait to see you at our retreat!
Student learning support
Check out this website for pro tips on how to practice efficiently. The best musicians are the best practicers!
Challenge for the week
Winds and Brass: This week’s challenge will help you build your range and endurance. Pick your favorite (or least favorite) scale. Hold each note of the scale as long as possible – can you make it to 15 seconds? 20? 30?! But, here’s the catch – you have to play with a beautiful tone. If you start straining, stop, relax, and try again. Keep your shoulders and throat relaxed as you play higher. For an added challenge, try doing this as quietly as possible.
Strings: Practice your double stops on each combination of adjacent strings (ex: G and D, or A and E). Start with both strings open. Then, add 1 finger to one of the strings. Then, add another. Keep going. How many different combinations of two notes can you come up with in first position?
Go make music and go change the world!
In community,
Emma Fischer