Rehearsal Notes
Essential Elements: We played lines 77, 86, 53, 54, 55 and 120, and will add 89 and our pieces from the fall term to our warm up at our next rehearsal.
NOTES: At our next rehearsal, we will be timing our pieces and selecting our 15 minute program together. We will aim to play all pieces at the performance tempo, with dynamics and thinking horizontally about the melodic lines we are shaping. Playing at tempo will definitely help us to achieve this sense of forward motion in the melodic lines. You will still need to do a lot of practice at a slower tempo for those tricky spots, to get the muscle memory required to go faster, so be patient and do the wood-shedding on these spots. Think positively… we will get there together!
Relaxation and better playing technique: We tend to crunch down toward our music and instrument, so take a little time before and during practicing to stretch (arms in a Y shape above the head) to expand your chest and release any tension. Maintain a high chest and dropped (relaxed) shoulders while playing. This is key to a great sound and fluid, musical playing!
One of our keen musicians has created this link with all the pieces and instructions for adjusting the speed to practice. The mp3 files, with instructions on how to use them, are found at randomcharacters.ca/new_hor
user name = band
password = Ottawa
Visions: (metronome: 144 or maybe 152!) We spent the bulk of our time on 41 to the end. Make sure to get off the notes with rests after them, so you can be ready to come in again (we need time to breath!)Keep in mind how your part fits into the melody (mm. 65-73 for upper woodwinds) and where you only have small parts of the melody. Remember to let the trumpets shine through at 57 with their descant countermelody. Definitely listen to the link to get the dance (alternating 2 to 3) feel!
Wake of Spring: (metronome 72) It is sounding beautiful! Please remember to let the clarinets have their solo note after the fermata in the last line. We all need to slow down together, so keep an eye on the conductor.
25 or 6 to 4: (metronome 138 – 144) Your practicing is paying off! We are beginning to listen to each other as we play, which is a sign that you know your part and are ready to be aware of the other parts while playing yours. Low part: Keep your eighth notes ultra-steady, and the last note is staccato… right off. We worked on measures 45-46, to be together on the rhythm and articulation of DA duht duht DA DA DA duht DA –A- A
Celtic Air and Dance: In this piece, it helps to have the sections that change or begin a new tempo memorized, especially for the percussionists. This may not be as hard as you think! Try playing these bars with no music, with the recording.
Metronome settings: Opening measures (80 and slowing down)
Measure 4 (84)
Measure 35 (112 – 116) (trumpets come in at 45 at this tempo…it moves!)
Measure 57 (126 – 132)
Songs of Africa (SONG #3): Metronome (88) This song is an anthem, so make your part sing out…. Every note should get it’s full value, and a full, rich tone (support your sound from the abdomen, with lots of air).
Important Dates:
Note : Please save April 18 for the seniors residence concert
Sunday, April 9, 2017 at 3pm Concert at Dominion Chalmers (we will need to arrive early, around 1:30 for a 2 pm warm up on stage)
Tuesday, April 11 extra rehearsal (to play through all our repertoire for the senior residence concert
Tuesday, April 18 Senior’s residence concert
Saturday, May 6 1:20- 6:30 Intercity Band Clinic for New Horizons Bands from Ottawa (we are hosting!), Potsdam, NY, and Montreal, PQ
Links:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nkosi_Sikelel’_iAfrika (interesting info on Song #3 from Songs of Africa, a song which features several languages! Read more, including translation!)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MFW7845XO3g (powerfully sung by Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Paul Simon, Miriam Makeba and the audience)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tTtINHRja4k (sung by Soweto Gospel Choir)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KFasYKqLDYc (with pictures, a tribute to Nelson Mandela)
Songs of Africa (arr Johnnie Vinson) http://www.jwpepper.com/sheet-music/media-player.jsp?&type=audio&productID=2470645 (This is the band that we have. It includes three African songs, and the third one starts at 2 minutes 47 seconds, so you can choose to skip to it, but all three songs are great!)
Celtic air and Dance http://www.jwpepper.com/sheet-music/media-player.jsp?&type=audio&productID=10033567
In the Wake of spring: http://www.jwpepper.com/sheet-music/media-player.jsp?&type=audio&productID=2472272
Songs of Africa: https://www.jwpepper.com/Songs-of-Africa/2470645.item#.WG_vxxsrK00
Visions of Aranjuez: http://www.jwpepper.com/sheet-music/media-player.jsp?&type=audio&productID=2478597
25 or 6 to 4:
Our version (level 2, incomplete recording) www.halleonard.com/product/viewproduct.action?itemid=8724762&lid=9&subsiteid=1&instrument=Concert%20Band&
Marching band level 2-3 arrangement, full piece for listening : https://s3.amazonaws.com/halleonard-audio/03744607.mp3
