I hope everyone had a productive sectional rehearsal yesterday. If you haven’t already, please thank our section coaches (Profs. Grose and Vacchi) for volunteering their time. I was very pleased with the string sectional and the progress we are quickly making (having just received the music). As I stated yesterday, it is absolutely critical that everyone be technically ready for next Monday when we join together again as a full orchestra. Tempi will be faster and we will begin more work on ensemble (vertical alignment), balance, stylistic articulations, etc. If you are unable to play the toughest licks at tempo, please have a solution where you can still contribute to the ensemble without detracting (i.e., simplify the rhythm, play every other note in very fast passages, etc) while you continue to work for full proficiency in the practice room.
On another note, I would really like to begin meeting with all of you so that I can better know who you are and what makes you tick. Please take a few minutes over the next week or two and stop by my office (110) just to say hello. I would love to know what your goals and dreams are, as well as what excites you about music. I look forward to our continued work together.
Sincerely,
Dr. Jacobs