Letter from Mr. Larson (4/7)
Sinfonia East Students and Families,
Great rehearsal this week! We are two weeks away from our performance at Boutwell’s Landing and we are in good shape, but even this week we were able to find dynamics, articulations, bowings, and places where we should modify dynamics to achieve better balance. Spring is busy for everyone and it can be difficult to find time to practice everything. This week find space to put in your GTCYS 10 and we will have some great concerts this Spring!
This week the focus should be on It’s About Time, Highlights from Harry Potter, and Jupiter.
For your GTCYS 10 this week:
- It’s About Time
- We spent time at the rehearsal working through balance and finding ways to support the melody. Keep working on playing out the melody
- Highlights from Harry Potter
- Listen to the recording this week and make notes about what is happening before your entrances. Some people acted surprised and missed or nearly missed their entrances. Plan on being ready a minimum of 1 full measure before entrances after extended rests.
- Jupiter
- Some of you are ready, but everyone needs to have Jupiter memorized. Spend some time focusing on memorization
- Strings – do a bowing check every 4 measures. Do you know which notes are slurred? Know which direction your bow starts when you start a new phrase.
- Finale
- Make your articulation very crisp. Having a little space between quarter notes will help with the character of the piece.
- Havana arr. Lopez
- Find the tenuto and staccato markings and make them have a clear contrast
- Bratislava – Holesovsky
- Play a couple of times to keep it ready to perform
Listening Links
Williams arr. Story – Highlights from Harry Potter
Happy practicing, I look forward to seeing you next week!
Mr. Larson