This semester, there are 5 students in high school orchestra. It started out as 2 violinists and 3 cellists, but then we added a violinist and lost a cellist so now it’s 3 violinists and 2 cellists. It’s a fun group, quick to learn music and eager to play together.
We decided to have a “cabinet,” like student council but for orchestra. The violinist on the left is the secretary. She makes copies for me and keeps a set of spare parts in case anyone loses their music.
The cellist on the left (below) is our social chair. He’s in charge of making sure orchestra is fun by planning social events, recruiting members, and keeping the morale of the group up. I’m pretty sure this pose was his idea.
The cellist on the right is our president. Her job is to keep the social chair in line.
Intermediate Orchestra has 10 members this semester! There were a couple students missing from rehearsals last week due to illness and orthodontist appointments, but here are a few snapshots from the group.
Beginning band (aka flute/trumpet beginner duet) is off to a good start for the semester. We are working on a trio arrangement of “Joyful Joyful” as well as music from the Essential Elements book. We discussed the difference between ties and slurs; as I drew the examples on the board, they noticed that they looked like faces. They added a few embellishments to my musical illustrations. They also enjoyed purposely mispronouncing “slur” as “slurp.”
I’m working with one more group this semester – Suzanne Micheals and I are teaching the students selected for the ACSI Honor Choir event in Vienna this Spring. There will not be a string element of the festival this year, but I will be attending to glean some ideas and inspiration from the festival conductor, as well as being an advocate for a string component of next year’s festival.
Why is it that I do what I do, teaching orchestras and small groups of students? Why are private lessons not enough for budding musicians? Why do I want the string players in schools around Europe to have this chance to play together? Why the ensemble? “Ensemble” comes from the French word meaning “together.” Playing music is much more enjoyable when you get to share your experience with someone else. Struggling through a difficult passage alone can be disheartening, but when you have a friend with you, you don’t give up so easily. There is also something thrilling about being a part of something bigger than yourself, creating music as a team. One musician alone can be impressive, but a group of musicians playing in unity can be powerful as it gives voice to the range of human emotion.
