Adult Class Feb.3

We together are really making beautiful music!! I was so uplifted by this rehearsal.

Practice makes perfect though, and there is still much to be worked on in terms of dynamics, soft (piano), loud (forte), and learning to crescendo in Anasazi for example. We are now playing the whole of this piece, so practice all of it. Cellos need to practice the ending and should also be aware of dynamics.

We are now playing 2 octave scales in both C and G, which covers all of our music. Anasazi is the only one in C, low 2 on D and A strings (-1 on E for violins). The rest are in key of G, low 2 on A and E for violins, low 2 on A for for cellos/violas and fourth position shift to E, F#, G. We will continue practicing rhythm patterns, and remember to use your whole bow without moving your upper arm too much (for all instruments). Good to practice this in warm-up with scales using 2 beat half notes slowly. Later we will speed up scales when you know them better. All playing is in index finger, wrist movement, and lengthening lower arm.

The beginning adult class should practice as much as possible. I will be giving you each an individual test of first 16 measures of Bouree whenever you are ready, so practice that. Listen to the CD for tone and pitch but play it much slower like we do in class. Tests will be given after 8pm whenever you are ready.

Dervish continue practicing to measure 29. We will add more next week so you can mark fingerings if needed. Count 1& 2& as you play it to keep track of rests. You can practice all of Danny Boy because we will be playing it every class now. Hardest part is using all the bow in slurrs that are marked. Those who know vibrato should do it, so we all sound good.
I will give short vibrato instruction every week for experienced players but many of you need to wait till you have more experience with using full bows. Our fiddle tune Cripple Creek should be practiced at least to measure 24. If notes go by too fast just play first note in each beat. You will get it eventually. It may help to play pizz first then switch to very small bows to allow you to move from note to note more efficiently.

Small group playing Antartica keep working on making those harmonics ring true to pitch and come out louder using full bows.

Looking forward to next Wednesday...