Please visit the auditions tab to get excerpts and instructions for this year’s audition. For those of you returning, note that we are splitting the audition day into two days (one for lower strings, and one for upper strings).

Audition information is now posted under the Audition Tab–>Auditions for Fall Term

Hello all,

I know this has been a crazy year so far. Between my sabbatical and COVID-19, we have not met together since last Fall. Despite President Schill’s announcement of most things going remote for the Fall, orchestra is still planning to meet and rehearse in person. I have developed a plan to divide the orchestra into three groups utilizing myself and our G.E. conductors. The highest priority is to be able to make music while following guidelines and restrictions that research has shown to mitigate the spread of the virus. Your health and safety is of the utmost importance to me and the university community.

In creating a plan, I have been guided by several principals that I wanted to share with you.

• Continue to be an orchestra with str, ww, brass, and perc, not just strings as some universities are doing.
• Be able to rehearse three ensembles simultaneously so that we can social distance.
• Never be in a room for more than 30m to allow the HVAC system to recirculate the air.
• Program worthwhile repertoire
• Having each student work with me as some point and not just G.E. conductors
• As much equity is possible between string, ww, brass, and percussion opportunities (e.g., each student should play more than one piece)

I decided repertoire in July, but have held back on posting it in case we have to make changes. I hope to be able to share that information with you as soon as possible so that you can get excited about making music together again.

I hope that all of you are healthy and safe as we navigate these unprecedented times.

Sincerely, Dr. Jacobs

Dear All,

I’ve attached the recording recently released from the UO Camerata’s performance of the Mozart Requiem as part of the Musicking Conference last year. It was an innovative project with our esteemed musicology department  as well as a great collaboration between Symphonic musicians and the vocal department. The double conducting included Prof. Marc Vanscheeuwijck and guest conductor Prof. Peter Van Heyghen from the Brussels Conservatoire.

Have a listen when you have some time, it was quite a unique experience!

Strings:

Audition Material and Registration Timeslots are all set, and can be found at uosymphony.com/auditions

There are also a few physical copies that I left in the music pick up box beside my office, room 177.

-Nicholas Sharma

Click here for Mozart Requiem Performance Practice Tips with images

Listen: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLX0kohQJQ9zWtb7Yq4DxaaJ-o5QKqrZBt

• General principle: the NOTATION is NOT the MUSIC !
• Staccato  =  buoyant, circular motion of the right hand in touching the strings with the bow
• Fermata =  abrupt stop, no ritardando
• Long notes need to have direction and grow towards what follows
• Chords = bottom of the chord happens on the beat
• Appoggiaturas are almost always long and ON the beat
• Bowing = start  on strong beats,  on weak beats, bow as it comes whenever possible
• Phrasing = when in doubt, follow the text
• Cadences = strong penultimate note, weak final note
• Vibrato = a special ornament to be used sparingly; no continuous vibrato!
• Strings use 1^st position and open strings whenever possible
• “In the 18^th century the bow lives off the string and goes on when needed”
• Accented beats are not stronger than normal, but unaccented beats are weaker!

Newport Run-out schedule

Friday, April 28 – Pick-up passenger van at UO Motor Pool (Evan, Dr. Jacobs)

Saturday, April 29

• 10:00am – pick-up cargo van from U-Haul in Glenwood (Evan, Dr. Jacobs)
• 12:00pm – Arrive at UO School of Music (eat lunch before coming)
• 12:30am – Load charter bus outside the clinical services building
• 3:00pm – Arrive in Newport (check-in if rooms are ready) Evan and Andres go to NMS to set-up for rehearsal
• 3:45pm – Sound check rehearsal (end at 5:15pm)
• 6:00pm – Dinner provided at Newport Middle School (optional). You may go on your own into town.
• 7:30pm – Attend combined schools mass performance
• 8:00pm – UO Performance (Tchaikovsky Symphony #5)
• 12:00am – suggested lights out

Sunday, April 30

• 7:00am – Passenger van leaves to take those wanting to leave early
• 11:00am– check-out of hotel, Lunch/shopping on your own
• TBD – Charter Bus meets at Shilo Inn and returns to Eugene

Hotel accommodations (downtown is a 15-minute walk from these hotels):

• Shilo Inn, 536 SW Elizabeth Street, Newport, OR 97365
• The Whaler, 155 SW Elizabeth Street, Newport, OR 97365

Newport Middle School:

• 825 NE 7th St, Newport OR 97365