Sorry Just Have To Share The Joy! Options

[jojo]

So sorry, but I HAVE TO share this with you as I am SO excited I feel like I am a 5 year old!!!

I have emailed 3 'medium to big' amateur orchestras and told them I am grade 4 and a half on violin, can I please (and begged) join them for rehearsals only???

One replied very promptly: The Sutton Symphony Orchestra

and said: yes, of course!!!! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/ohmy.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/woot.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/hurrah.gif)

They rehearse 2 hours every tuesday evening, so my first time will be next tuesday (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

At the moment they are rehearsing for their next concert on 20th of June:

Vaughan Williams: Overture The Wasps


Delius: Walk to the Paradise Garden (or Malcolm Arnold's "Little Suite")


Elgar: 'Cello concerto


Walton: March "Crown Imperial"


Handel: Water Music (arranged by Hamilton Harty)


Wood: Fantasia on British Sea Songs


NOW, I am also SCARED STIFF as I know I will just sit there like a lemon and not play a note for the whole 2 hours!!!!
I hope they will be patient and don't mind if I don't play at all or get it wrong for the next 6 months LOL LOL (IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif)

I have just arranged with my teacher to have weekly lessons (from fortnightly) as I really want to move on now and progress a bit and would like to do my grade 5 exam in november/december slot.

Anyone know the above scores?
Do you think I'll stand a chance and be able to play even just 'half a bar' ???? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/ill.gif)

AM SO HAPPYYYYYYYY
(hope they don't kick me out!)

[teoani]

HOW AMAZING!!! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/yay.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/yay.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/yay.gif)

I can imagine how you want to dance throughout the night, fly over the sofa... This is indeed excellent news!

I bet you will get to join a real performance before long! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/party1.gif)

Now you make me want to join a choir (IMG:style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif)

[Nick Cook]

Well done!! I've been looking at concert orchestras near me that I could join, but they all have their practice sessions on a Friday when I take my daughter trampolining. My daughter's now given up the trampoling and my excuse for not going has disappeared!!!! I'm trying to pluck up the courage to get in touch!!!

[Maizie]

Do you think I'll stand a chance and be able to play even just 'half a bar' ???? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/ill.gif)

Of course you will! Just imagine what they'll be like when they find out you're a double-bassist-in-training (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

Remember, if the music in front of you looks utterly complete dreadfully totally impossible...look at what the last note is. You can follow the music and join in with that lovely final finishing note, no matter what else you can and can't do on the night (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

[Libitina]

AM SO HAPPYYYYYYYY
(hope they don't kick me out!)

Good for you, Of course you know we'll be asking you know how the practice sessions are going.

All the best to you.

Rachel.

[jojo]

Remember, if the music in front of you looks utterly complete dreadfully totally impossible...look at what the last note is. You can follow the music and join in with that lovely final finishing note, no matter what else you can and can't do on the night (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/rofl.gif)
GREAT TIP!!! I think I'll do 'just that' for the first 6 months of training LOL
(IMG:style_emoticons/default/rofl.gif)

Good for you, Of course you know we'll be asking you know how the practice sessions are going.

All the best to you.

Rachel.

Oh don't worry, I WILL let you know (IMG:style_emoticons/default/ohmy.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif)

[viola-mad]

Yay! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/party1.gif) Nice work. It's scary making that initial contact, but I'm sure you'll love it once you get there.

Vaughan Williams: Overture The Wasps
Delius: Walk to the Paradise Garden (or Malcolm Arnold's "Little Suite")
Elgar: 'Cello concerto
Walton: March "Crown Imperial"
Handel: Water Music (arranged by Hamilton Harty)
Wood: Fantasia on British Sea Songs
...
Anyone know the above scores?
Do you think I'll stand a chance and be able to play even just 'half a bar' ???? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/ill.gif)

At grade 4-5 standard I should think you'll be able to give the Walton and the Handel a really good shot. Must admit I've never played the RVW or the Delius (although having played other pieces by Delius, I should say that it sometimes feels wrong when you're playing it, even when you're right!).

The Elgar is deceptively tricky. Not in the notes but the rests. It's very bitty. Remember - count, count, count. With a bit of practice I'm sure you'll be fine with the notes. The Wood is great fun and mostly quite playable. The hornpipe gets tricky as it speeds up, but if you play it in the concert don't worry unduly about this - audiences tend to get so excitable that they are not concentrating on whether you remembered to play a C# or not. And if it's a proms-type concert they won't hear anyway! Just as long as the music retains its character they will be happy.

If you're worried about being able to play this stuff, my best piece of advice is to try and get the CDs (or you could try you tube) and listen to the pieces before trying to play them. If you have your parts in advance of your first rehearsal, try listening to the CD whilst following your part. This can be tricky when you don't know the tempi, or when you have a change in time signature, but it's well worth persevering with - think about how much easier it will be when there's a baton to watch. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

Most of all, enjoy it. There's usually great camaraderie in each section of the orchestra. It's exhilarating sitting in the middle of a huge sound and fascinating to see how the music works, how the different instruments interact with each other, etc. Orchestral playing is the most fun! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

[Lizzy violin]

Great!!
Hope you enjoy yourself.

You'll probably find it's not half as bad as you think, I was able to play most of the music and I'm a similar level to you.

I'm sure you'll make a valuable contribution even if you don't play every note.

Make sure you say how you get on!

[jojo]

Yay! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/party1.gif) Nice work. It's scary making that initial contact, but I'm sure you'll love it once you get there.
<snip>
- think about how much easier it will be when there's a baton to watch. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

Most of all, enjoy it. There's usually great camaraderie in each section of the orchestra. It's exhilarating sitting in the middle of a huge sound and fascinating to see how the music works, how the different instruments interact with each other, etc. Orchestral playing is the most fun! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

Thank you Lizzy Violin and Viola Mad.
Viola mad, wow, so much help, thank you!

I will keep in mind all the tips given to me in this thread.
I will DEFINITELY go on youtube and try and listen to all the music before I go there, it will be ALL I listen to this week!

After all the excitement a sense of 'DOOM' is coming, I am SCARED STIFF of this now!
How will I know if I go in 1st/2nd/3rd/6th position when my teacher is not there? if to use 3rd finger or 4th? The way the bow goes is easy, I just watch all the other bows if I lose my place in the middle of a bar (IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif)

Do you know if I will 'annoy' the other (much more experienced as they are grade 8 and beyond I think) players if I get things wrong, my bow goes the wrong way etc??? If there is any chance of that I will put a practice mute on my violin (IMG:style_emoticons/default/mellow.gif)

[Gorf]

WELL DONE and to think it all started with Twinkle Twinkle Little Star!

[jojo]

WELL DONE and to think it all started with Twinkle Twinkle Little Star!

Thank you Sandy

ps shall I play twinkle twinkle quietly in the background during rehearsals??? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif) then when they all turn around and stare at me I'll turn around too and look 'surprised' (wasn't me honest!) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif)

[AmandaL]

How will I know if I go in 1st/2nd/3rd/6th position when my teacher is not there? if to use 3rd finger or 4th?

You will need to figure out the best fingering for you. Learn to plan your own fingering, make your own choices and ask your teacher what he/she thinks, rather than letting your teacher mark things up without you really taking much notice of how they are structuring the fingering.

Do you know if I will 'annoy' the other (much more experienced as they are grade 8 and beyond I think) players if I get things wrong, my bow goes the wrong way etc??? If there is any chance of that I will put a practice mute on my violin (IMG:style_emoticons/default/mellow.gif)

I'm sure you won't annoy them, but, if you are sat on the inside seat of the desk (ie. generally speaking there will be two of you to one music stand), you are the one who's responsible for turning the pages of the music!! This means you will have to stop a bar or so before the end of the page, so that you are ready to turn it over. In fast movements this come up rapidly, so at all costs make sure you can at least follow what's going on, even if you are not managing to play all of the notes. If you can score read, this is a skill which will be of immense help.

Using a practice mute won't help you. In the string sections of an orchestra, it's difficult enough to hear yourself playing anyway, so using a practice mute isn't going to benefit anyone. If in doubt, play quieter, so that any stray/dudd notes are not audible over everyone else.

The bowings should be marked on the music in advance - this is sometimes done by the orchestra leader, or occasionally each desk has to copy the markings from the leader's music.

I'll be honest. The whole experience will probably overwhelm you to begin with, but stick with it. Your playing and ability to 'keep up' will improve with time. One piece of advice: don't ever think that orchestral rehearsals = a portion of practice time. It doesn't. The same amount of private practice is required on top of ensemble activities and when you practice your orchestral part at home, don't waffle through the easy bits, work on the difficult bars.

EDIT: The Wasps Overture is quite fast, if you can't play every note, don't worry. Just follow the line of music and play what you can.... and remember to turn that page if you are sat on the inside of your desk. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)

Good luck!

[jojo]

How will I know if I go in 1st/2nd/3rd/6th position when my teacher is not there? if to use 3rd finger or 4th?

You will need to figure out the best fingering for you. Learn to plan your own fingering, make your own choices and ask your teacher what he/she thinks, rather than letting your teacher mark things up without you really taking much notice of how they are structuring the fingering.

I'm sure you won't annoy them, but, if you are sat on the inside seat of the desk (ie. generally speaking there will be two of you to one music stand), you are the one who's responsible for turning the pages

Using a practice mute won't help you.

I'll be honest. The whole experience will probably overwhelm you to begin with, but stick with it. Your playing and ability to 'keep up' will improve with time. One piece of advice: don't ever think that orchestral rehearsals = a portion of practice time. It doesn't. The same amount of private practice is required on top of ensemble activities and when you practice your orchestral part at home, don't waffle through the easy bits, work on the difficult bars.

EDIT: The Wasps Overture is quite fast, if you can't play every note, don't worry. Just follow the line of music and play what you can.... and remember to turn that page if you are sat on the inside of your desk. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)

Good luck!

Amanda, thank you so much for all your help, it is greatly appreciated.

I have just started recently to 'choose my own fingering and position', my teacher was 'dictating' what was what until recently.
I am learning the Chopin's Nocturne transcription by Neilstein and am working bit by bit on my own, my teacher came round last monday and was playing the next bit we were supposed to learn, I stopped him and said: AH, BUT I am doing that bit 'up here' (I say up here and show him because often I don't even know which position I am in, if it's 5th or 6th etc), he is pleased I am now doing this of course as it shows I am 'growing' as a 'musician' and learning/progressing.

I really hope they will be kind to me and don't ask me to be the 'page turning master' (IMG:style_emoticons/default/ph34r.gif) what is the inside of the desk? you mean if I sit on left and I have someone sitting to my right?
if I am in that seat I will ask to swap (IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif)

And thank you so much for the practice tip, not to count orchestral playing as practice time, I will make sure I get my daily hour practice before I go to orchestral rehearsal then (I am trying to practice an hour every day, sometimes I have to be happy with just 15 minutes (IMG:style_emoticons/default/sad.gif) )

I am absolutely 100% sure you are right that the whole experience will overwhelm me in the beginning, I am overwhelmed already!!! am scared stiffed but happy at the same time!

But all these tips from you and others are making me feel better. I am so happy this will help me progress and learn (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

[lottie]

FANTASTIC JO!!!!!!!! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/party1.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif)


You'll have a brilliant time!!

When I started with the fiddler orchestra (3weeks after picking up the violin for the first time) I played the last note in every bar. Then I added the first note in every bar, and after a few months I could play some bits in between (IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif) Not all the bits though for a while anyway!!!

What a brilliant opportunity. (I must phone our local orchestra - you've inspired me! (but it's the same time as my lesson so I'd need to sort that out (IMG:style_emoticons/default/sad.gif) ))


HAVE FUN!!!!!!! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/party1.gif)

[fayewolf]

How will I know if I go in 1st/2nd/3rd/6th position when my teacher is not there? if to use 3rd finger or 4th?

You will need to figure out the best fingering for you. Learn to plan your own fingering, make your own choices and ask your teacher what he/she thinks, rather than letting your teacher mark things up without you really taking much notice of how they are structuring the fingering.

I'm sure you won't annoy them, but, if you are sat on the inside seat of the desk (ie. generally speaking there will be two of you to one music stand), you are the one who's responsible for turning the pages

Using a practice mute won't help you.

I'll be honest. The whole experience will probably overwhelm you to begin with, but stick with it. Your playing and ability to 'keep up' will improve with time. One piece of advice: don't ever think that orchestral rehearsals = a portion of practice time. It doesn't. The same amount of private practice is required on top of ensemble activities and when you practice your orchestral part at home, don't waffle through the easy bits, work on the difficult bars.

EDIT: The Wasps Overture is quite fast, if you can't play every note, don't worry. Just follow the line of music and play what you can.... and remember to turn that page if you are sat on the inside of your desk. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)

Good luck!

Amanda, thank you so much for all your help, it is greatly appreciated.

I have just started recently to 'choose my own fingering and position', my teacher was 'dictating' what was what until recently.
I am learning the Chopin's Nocturne transcription by Neilstein and am working bit by bit on my own, my teacher came round last monday and was playing the next bit we were supposed to learn, I stopped him and said: AH, BUT I am doing that bit 'up here' (I say up here and show him because often I don't even know which position I am in, if it's 5th or 6th etc), he is pleased I am now doing this of course as it shows I am 'growing' as a 'musician' and learning/progressing.

I really hope they will be kind to me and don't ask me to be the 'page turning master' (IMG:style_emoticons/default/ph34r.gif) what is the inside of the desk? you mean if I sit on left and I have someone sitting to my right?
if I am in that seat I will ask to swap (IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif)

And thank you so much for the practice tip, not to count orchestral playing as practice time, I will make sure I get my daily hour practice before I go to orchestral rehearsal then (I am trying to practice an hour every day, sometimes I have to be happy with just 15 minutes (IMG:style_emoticons/default/sad.gif) )

I am absolutely 100% sure you are right that the whole experience will overwhelm me in the beginning, I am overwhelmed already!!! am scared stiffed but happy at the same time!

But all these tips from you and others are making me feel better. I am so happy this will help me progress and learn (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

Jojo!! Congratluations!!! I remember joining around the same time last year and I couldn't sleep after the first rehearsal!

Here is my experience (keep in mind that I only played for 3 months when I joined)
1. I cannot follow the music because my counting is weak! I have a hard time following the score, so if you're counting is good, don't worry, just make sure you know where you are at all times

2. Always try to watch the conductor with your peripheral vision (the first few months, you will likely glue your eyes to the music)

3. when you are lost, play the down beat of each bar

4. Bring a orchestra mute (the tiny ones), i don't know if any of the above music will require it, but if they say con sordina, you'll need that

5. Find a seat way in the back and to the left if you're violin section is on the left side (looking from an audience stand point). Yes, the inside chair will need to turn page, but in general, the right desk is the stronger player. Practice how to turn page without poking your stand partner with your bow, or drop everything

6. Bring pencil to write down bowings/dynamics whatever the conductor tells you.

7. Yeah, regarding figuring out fingerings, you can always ask your standpartner or section lead to help you, but it's also good to figure it out on your own. Everyone's experience is different and it could be harder for you while easier for others.

8. Most importantly, have fun and report back!