Letter from Emma (9/29)
Hi Sinfonia East!
What a wonderful past few days it’s been โ I had so much fun at our retreat and our Tuesday night rehearsal!
In the Tchaikovsky, we worked on:
- Pitch, fingerings, and entrances from O to S
- Notes, rhythms, and entrances from B to H
In the Strommen, we worked on:
- Subdividing at the 8thnote level during the slow parts
- Differentiating between accents, staccatos, and tenutos throughout the B section
- Fixing a few rhythms
- Clarifying the 5|4 bar
Next week, our goals will be:
- Notes, rhythms, entrances from H to O in the Tchaikovsky
- Tempo in the Strommen
Please come to rehearsal having practiced these parts of your music.
While practicing the Strommen, our goal tempo for the B section (starting at 25) is 120 beats per minute. Using a metronome, start playing so slowly that it feels ridiculous. Each repetition, increase the metronome by 2-5 clicks. Repeat until you reach 120bpm (this might take a few practice sessions). Can you maintain good tone and articulation? If your playing becomes sloppy, decrease by 15bpm and resume.
General reminders and announcements
- Please continue putting up your nametags on your music stands
- Make sure that you have a pencil available at rehearsal
Student learning support
Check out this websiteย for pro tips on how to practice efficiently. The best musicians are the best practicers!
Challenge for the week
Email me to respond.
Imagine that Cumberland Cross was the soundtrack for a movie. What would be happening in the movie while the music plays? You may wish to describe the setting, plot, characters, or mood.
Go make music and go change the world!
In community,
Emma Fischer