I must begin by telling you all how pleased I was with our focus and progress last week. You displayed a level of maturity enjoyed by only the finest of collegiate orchestras. I was most impressed with how you were able to get to “the music” even during our first reading of each movement of the Bruckner, and how quickly you were able to make noticeable and nuanced changes to you performance.
I hope that you feel that your sectional rehearsals were productive. For the ones that I led personally, I can say that much was accomplished. We will continue using sectionals to work out technical and ensemble challenges this week and hopefully begin the Mozart with UOCO on Wednesday. Although the parts are scheduled to arrive by then, they will NOT be marked at the first rehearsal.
Please continue to be well-prepared for each rehearsal. Look carefully at the schedule and give particular attention to the movements being rehearsed each day. I try to be as specific as possible so that you may focus your practice.
Finally, a word to our string players. As you have already figured out, Bruckner loves the tremolo. Please take care of yourself. Do not play with tension, and feel free to modify your bow arm in rehearsal so that you stay healthy. Some tips – rest your right arm on your leg, slow sown the tremolo at times, take a bar or two off every now and again, move your bow as you tremolo so that different muscles are being used. Play smart, not hard in rehearsal so that you can give your all on Nov. 5.
Thanks for a great week, let’s continue to step it up for week #2.
uosymphony 