Tuesday, November 23, 2010

String Beans and Chili


I've never had chili with String Beans before, and it was delightful! Thank you to the Beans who came for an impromptu pre-Thanksgiving group class tonight!! In the spirit of Thanksgiving, please let me note that I am incredibly thankful for the opportunity to work with each and every one of you. You are all amazing.

A few specifics regarding your solos:
  • Lumpy: face the audience
  • Ronin: when you take a bow, count to three (slowly) before you stand up and walk away
  • Gretchen: practice your song 10 times a day so you can be sure of the notes
  • Cara: remember to leave off the last C before repeating the song
  • Anna: bow circle!
  • Ricky: more contrasts between the different "moods". Oh, and the down-down, up-up that we talked about in lesson. You left your Christmas music here.
  • Emma: if your teacher forgets to cue the ritardando, then YOU do it! Be a leader.
A few specifics regarding group songs:

Tweet Tweet
  • Be very sure about when to play and when not to play. If you are not sure, look at Christine and do what she does.
  • 3rd Violin people: memorize the 16th note part on page 2 (the third part of the "A" section). Please prepare this carefully at home so we don't have to spend your entire lesson on it next week.

Russian Rumpus

  1. single notes
  2. double notes
  3. single notes quietly (unless you are playing Violin 3 or Violin 4). We need to hear more Violin 3 and Violin 4.
  4. accelerando to the end

19th Century Tyrolean Carol

  • No one has told me what "Tyrolean" means yet. Hmm. Whoever can tell me at the next group class will get a prize.
  • 3rd violin people (the bottom line with open strings): practice your parts so you are sure about what strings to play. It's easy but you need to review it regularly so there's no question.

Jolly Old St. Nicholas
  • harmony people: don't stop listening just because you've played it a zillion times. The first line was rhythmically inaccurate today.
  • melody people: LONG notes at the end of each line - watch Christine and copy her bow.

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