The joy of making music in ensemble, Surely there are few things more beautiful! Options

[katemorrisviolin]

I'm so excited I wanted to share my experience. A year ago I went along to what I was told was an informal string group, playing just for fun and at an easy level. Well, I couldn't keep up, played about one note in ten and although everyone there was really lovely and encouraging, I didn't return. The music was at least intermediate I'd say, and everything played very fast for me.
Anyway I went again two weeks ago, to have another go, and managed to keep up with most of it! It was taxing on the brain but very exciting, having only ever played violin to myself or my teacher. Last week I went again, and attendance was poor, there was only myself, another violinist, a viola player and cellist. So I played in a string quartet for the first time! I was so happy I nearly cried. When we'd finish a piece on a lovely major chord, the whole room would vibrate with the beauty of the sound. The other players were all relaxed and chatty like this was a normal thing to be doing... while I was nearly falling off my chair with joy and excitement. They probably think I'm bonkers but I don't care.
(IMG:style_emoticons/default/wub.gif)

[Sunrise]

That's wonderful, Katemorrisviolin, and that is exactly what I think. Ensembles are an amazing experience, and for me, the bigger the better!!

Just enjoy it..... (IMG:style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif)

[gwyntdi-enw]

What a lovely, happy post! EVery musician who is feeling a little jaded and wondering if it is all worth while should read this every morning to set them up for a successful day.

Thank you for sharing, and long may you enjoy playing.

[corenfa]

I remember that feeling well, I was 13 and heard my school's concert band play. I knew I had to join. I still like ensemble playing better than solo playing but as a pianist there's less opportunity for that. Accompanying is still fun though

[nicki_flute]

I love making music with others. Just a shame I don't get to do it much (IMG:style_emoticons/default/sad.gif)

[CJB]

Sounds great fun, and worth all the hours of practising. Now print out your post at the top of this thread with your feelings in bold big text and stick it somewhere prominant where you practise. Every time the going gets tough read how excited playing made you feel - it may inspire you through the boring bits.

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

[Blackbird77]

Your experience sounds absolutely amazing. Long may it continue (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

[Impressionist]

It is really is fabulous. I can still remember the thrill of playing in regional orchestras when I was a cellist (too many years ago!) and the music we played then still sends a shiver down my spine when I listen to professional recordings 30+ years later.

I've not done any ensemble playing for years - I'd love to be part of it again but there's nothing suitable in my area. Perhaps I ought to start my own!

[katemorrisviolin]

Perhaps I ought to start my own!

I hope you do! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif)

[Impressionist]

Perhaps I ought to start my own!

I hope you do! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif)

I am sorely tempted. I'd probably have to start playing cello again though... hmm... not a bad thought, and one which I'd love to do, given an extra couple of hours free a day! <Wanders off to browse cello buying websites>

[BerkshireMum]

I love making music with others. Just a shame I don't get to do it much (IMG:style_emoticons/default/sad.gif)

But you were so good about setting up your own flute choir at university. If there's nothing already happening, I'm sure there must be other people in your area who would like to join something musical. Could you use the local paper to gauge interest, or ask your teacher whether he has other adult pupils who might like to form a flute choir? It seems a pity that you're not playing in an ensemble at the moment.

[nicki_flute]

I love making music with others. Just a shame I don't get to do it much (IMG:style_emoticons/default/sad.gif)

But you were so good about setting up your own flute choir at university. If there's nothing already happening, I'm sure there must be other people in your area who would like to join something musical. Could you use the local paper to gauge interest, or ask your teacher whether he has other adult pupils who might like to form a flute choir? It seems a pity that you're not playing in an ensemble at the moment.

Unfortunately, I didn't set it up; I just ran it for 2 years. I have already tried to get people to form a little ensemble, but might try again. I am playing in a couple of things, but would dearly love to play in a decent orchestra again (little chance of that happening, though).

[louise1712]

I'm so excited I wanted to share my experience. A year ago I went along to what I was told was an informal string group, playing just for fun and at an easy level. Well, I couldn't keep up, played about one note in ten and although everyone there was really lovely and encouraging, I didn't return. The music was at least intermediate I'd say, and everything played very fast for me.
Anyway I went again two weeks ago, to have another go, and managed to keep up with most of it! It was taxing on the brain but very exciting, having only ever played violin to myself or my teacher. Last week I went again, and attendance was poor, there was only myself, another violinist, a viola player and cellist. So I played in a string quartet for the first time! I was so happy I nearly cried. When we'd finish a piece on a lovely major chord, the whole room would vibrate with the beauty of the sound. The other players were all relaxed and chatty like this was a normal thing to be doing... while I was nearly falling off my chair with joy and excitement. They probably think I'm bonkers but I don't care.
(IMG:style_emoticons/default/wub.gif)

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/yay.gif) it's great you've had such a fantastic experience. I remember my first session with WR training band, I hardly played a note either, then the second and subsequent weeks just got better and better. Still get that shiver down the spine when hearing certain pieces.

[flobiano]

Lovely to hear about your experience Kate. Fantastic that you've found some people to play with. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

I completely agree, it is amazing playing in ensembles - small and large. I've had both extremes recently as I had an evening of playing trio sonatas with some friends from orchestra, and last night I played with an orchestra of nearly 100 plus choir which I am still feeling pretty excited about! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

I am also hatching a plot with one of the Horn players from orchestra to put together a wind quintet. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wub.gif)

[Tenor Viol]

What a lovely post - you must be on (IMG:http://www.emoticonsfree.org/wp-content/uploads/character00100.gif)

As you may be aware I've returned to the cello after nearly 35 years away. I've joined a community orchestra which aims to give everyone a go, no limit on numbers or instruments. I turned up for first rehearsal in late November, very nervous (I was not an advanced player at school and I'd not done any grades).

Some of the music is arranged to be a bit easier (e.g. setting of Jupiter from the Planets) but other stuff (1st movement of Mozart 40) is the full thing. The benefit of singing for nearly 20 years is that my timing is reasonable so that was one problems avoided! I was surprised at being able to fit in - with some judicious busking in the trickier passages. It's definitely a challenge, but a lot of fun and i've already performed in a concert.

Yesterday included the third and fourth movements of Beethoven 5 - eek that was a bit of a shock - I don't think I've ever visited the A an octave up the A string before! (IMG:http://www.emoticonsfree.org/wp-content/uploads/character00265.gif)