Final Pre Concert Reflection

Circle Rehearsal Reflection

Last class (10/8/14) we changed up our rehearsal practice. Instead of sitting in sections, we sat in four circles - the only restriction being that we couldn't sit next to someone in our section. I sat next to a trumpet and a clarinet and it really changed my perspective on our ensemble. I heard the lower and middle parts of the music which is different because I am so used to hearing the higher parts of the flute section. I realized that I need to be more confident when playing the melody but also listen for the parts that sometimes I didn't even know existed in order to be alert and stay with the music during parts where I rest. Also, this new style of rehearsal gives me an idea as to which parts I am to be louder and which parts where I am not the main person playing. I need to incorporate this into my practice and performance because at this point, the only things that need to improve for me is dynamics and style, both of which depend upon the other parts that are playing when I play. This new style of rehearsal really opened my eyes to the other parts of the ensemble which will greatly help my playing in practice, rehearsal, and concert. 

Artistic Performance Reflection

With our concert in a few weeks, it is important to give an artistic performance. I believe that this means we make the audience feel something. When we play His Honor, they should feel like they are at a parade. When we play Moscow, they should be put the war scene in Russia as the German troops invade. And finally, when we play Arabian Dances, they should be transported to the sands of the Middle East. This is making noise into beautiful art. When the audience feels like they are part of the song and the experience, then only has the performer(s) given their best. In concern to us, we need to add the little nuances of our pieces to show the emotion of the song. Right now, everyone should know the notes and the rhythms or atleast be practicing hard to get them. After that comes articulation and intonation, which is where we need work. Our band needs to be in tune with each other and small articulations in the music should not be ignored because they are what change the music. After that comes balance, style, and dynamics which are the nuances that change a mediocre performance to an awesome one. This is the type of stuff that I am trying to work on in my own practice to help improve myself and the band as a whole. I think that if each person works on those nuances, then our performance will be truly artistic.