Audition excerpts posted

Posted by Dr. Jacobs on July 20, 2015
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Hello all,

I hope you are having a wonderful summer.  Audition materials (strings) for Fall 2015 are now posted on our website under the “Auditions” tab.  For wind/brass/percussion, you will either play two contrasting etudes/solos, or you will have specific pieces/excerpts given by your studio teacher.  Dr. Dorsey is working with the studio faculty to get those excerpts compiled and posted.  We hope to have this completed by August 15.  For questions, ask your studio teacher.

Playing Tests

Posted by Natalie Parker on April 30, 2015
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Playing tests for the Stravinsky and Bartok will take place May 5, 6, 7, and 8.  Instead of doing a separate playing test and journal assignment, you exam will be inclusive and include the following:

  • Playing portions of the two works at the performance tempo.  Have planned in advance any simplification to get through the most difficult passages. (50 points)
  • Bring a sheet of paper typed with the following information (25 points)
    • At least one source that you consulted in your research of these composers/works.  Scholarly articles are preferred
    • Two recordings that you have listened to in preparation of your part and understanding how it fits into the whole.  Cite name of orchestra and conductor.
  • I will ask you to discuss things you learned in your research of the piece.  Mention anything interesting about an article you read.  Your success in teaching me more about the piece is evaluated.  I may also ask you about the recordings you consulted and about what you liked best and/or didn’t care for and why?  (25 points)

 This test will constitute 15% of your total grade.

For those of you not enrolled in orchestra, talk to Dr. Jacobs to discuss your options for this playing test.

Serenades Reading Sessions

Posted by mmfstuart on April 21, 2015
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Hello Everyone!

So as you heard today in rehearsal, the conducting students of Dr. Dorsey are putting together a Harmoniemusik ensemble (also known as “the original wind band”) group on Tuesdays at 7:30 or 8 pm. We will be playing serenades from composers such as Mozart, Beethoven, Dvorak, Gounod, and Strauss, in a reading rehearsal environment. The purpose is to provide an open space for students to engage in wonderful chamber literature, while being able to give conducting students the opportunity to conduct.  The general instrument make-up is 2 oboes, 2 clarinets, 2 bassoons, and 2 horns. If we get more players per section, we can rotate in. In latter sessions, we may branch out to include 2 flutes, and strings.  If you are interested at all (flutes and strings included), please email Michelle Stuart at michelle.stuart.my@gmail.com. There are five potential reading sessions left in the term, and we want to delve in ASAP!  Thanks so much for considering 🙂

Fall 2014 Personnel List

Posted by Natalie Parker on September 29, 2014
Posted in: Announcements. Tagged: , , , , . 1 Comment

Hello everyone! I have updated the personnel list for this term. It is located on this website under “About”, then “Musicians”, and is a word document that will be downloaded. The list will also be posted on the UOSO bulletin board outside of room 173 by tonight, Sunday, where you signed up for seating auditions. I apologize for those of you who currently only have last names on the list; I will update it as soon as I get some first names!

Also, if you haven’t noticed on this website already, the rehearsal schedule for this week is posted. This will happen every week, and even during the week if necessary. I would always check here first, as the schedule posted on the board outside 173 may not get updated as quickly. (I get busy, too!)

See you all tomorrow! I can’t wait to see you all, new & old faces alike.

-Natalie

Congratulations!

Posted by Dr. Jacobs on May 31, 2014
Posted in: Announcements. 1 Comment

Last night’s concert was incredible on many levels.  I think most of us found it it especially exciting to play on a professional stage.  It brought a new level of energy that invigorated our performance.  The Bach was well done and felt very comfortable last night.  Bravo Zeke.  The Faure was beautiful with lovely wind solos and the choir sounded fantastic.  The Ravel was sublime.  The opening was truly transcendent.  The Pantomime had some wonderful solos (congrats to Sarah, Bashar, Annissa, oboe trio, etc), and the Danse Gènèrale was over the top!  Amazing energy and preparation.  I think this one really impressed.  Bravo.  I consider it a great honor to be your conductor and I am so proud of your accomplishment!

Next week, we host an international level conducting workshop.  Please do your very best for these young talented conductors as they work with you and Maestro Varon from Eastman.  Let’s represent the University of Oregon School of Music and Dance well as these musicians get their first impression of you so they share with others how great you are.  See the rehearsal schedule for details.

 

Congratulations to all concerto competition finalists.

Posted by Dr. Jacobs on April 3, 2014
Posted in: Announcements. 124 Comments

Last night, I witnessed an incredible, albeit marathon concert last night.  It was a joy to see such talent from our school on display and I want to congratulate both finalists, and the honorable mentions and finalists from the orchestra.

Winners:

  • Ednaldo Borba – Brahms: Piano Concerto #1 in D Minor, Op.15
  • Maykin Lerttamrab – Rachmaninov: Piano Concerto in D Minor, Op.30

Honorable mentions from our ranks in the orchestra:

  • Sarah Benton – Reinecke: Concerto for Flute and Orchestra, Op.283

Finalists from our ranks in the orchestra:

  • Kathryn Brunhaver
  • Jennifer Jordan
  • Stephen Young
  • Chris Ives
  • Kelsi McGlothin
  • Eric Grunkemeyer
  • Sarah Morrow
  • Mara Liechty

Bravo everyone!