The Traveling Violist

Nerdy Violist-

For those of us who have to fly with our violas this winter, where can we find that handy piece of paper that says we are allowed to carry on our instruments?

Intonation Device

How about this kids... turn that plodding intonation work into a Guitar-Hero-like video game!!

http://intonia.com/index.shtml

Download the demo!!  Have fun.....

Ear Plugs

Hey All,
So being in the viola section in orchestra as we all know is extremely loud. Thanks is large part to our lovely friends in the brass section and even more specifically the trumpets. I want to buy some ear plugs does anyone have any suggestions for a specific brand or style that works best for orchestra playing. Love
Gabe

Viola Ensemble!!!!

There is nothing better, and I mean nothing, than the dulcet sounds of 14-16 violists playing the light classics.  It just shows viola versatility!!  We are an inner voice, an outer voice, a bass voice, a soaring melody, the rhythm section, a dessert sauce, a lethal weapon.....

Doing arrangements of things for instruments other than for what was originally written is an age-old tradition.  Even Berlioz would substitute instruments, back in the day.  As violists, if we ever want to get a shot at some of the great melodies, we have to take matters into our own hands!!!  All my students are required to do a transcription.  It can be anything from Van Halen to Van Beethoven, as long as it features the viola in some way.  This week, I'm working on the Radetzky March for the viola ensemble.  Requisite clapping will be achieved by audience members, or each violist slapping his/her stand partner upside the head with their bow.

Fingering "rules"

The following are a few rules that define how I am going to create fingerings.  Keep in mind, some rules supercede others, and the number ONE golden rule is:  You must shift according to your best strengths.  That however does not give you free permission to avoid your fourth finger!!

These will be added onto...but to get you started:

Some rules for fingering:

1. avoid shift in the middle of a tie/slur
2. only cross strings in a tie if its appropriate with the phrase
3. its better to stay on same string during a phrase, EXCEPT when it makes you sound bad
4. first position is always a safe position 
5. use ritards, string changes, open strings and slurs to hide your shift
   

Cold Hands

Dear Nerdy Violist
I have really cold hands all the time. Any suggestions for warming them up and keeping them warm.
Gabe

Orchestra Rep Class Repertoire and Schedule Fall 09

Orchestral Repertoire Class/ Audition Boot Camp mission:

The hour-long weekly Orchestra Repertoire Class prepares junior and senior undergrad and graduate students for professional orchestra auditions. Each week, one to two different excerpts are assigned. These are often coordinated with actual professional auditions that you may be taking. Every aspect of the orchestral repertoire is explored from bowings, tempi, fingerings and dynamics, to sight-reading techniques, to being an active and contributing orchestral musician. The psychological aspect of auditioning is given equal emphasis, with exercises given on how to be flexible during an audition, nutrition and sleep preparation, and how to prepare mentally for any stressful contingency. Mock auditions take place as mid-term and final exams, and once a year students participate in the “Audition Boot Camp” which utilizes techniques from the United States Navy SEALS and sports psychologists. Students participate in exercises created by Don Greene, author of books such as “Audition Success” “Fight Your Fear and Win” and “Performing Under Pressure.”

Fall 2009 Rep: (may be subject to change)

9/14 Beethoven 5 (mvmt 2,3); Mendelssohn Scherzo
9/21 Mendelssohn Scherzo; Tchaikovsky 6 (mvmt 1)
9/28 Shostakovich 5 (mvmt 1, viola section solo); Beethoven 3 (scherzo)
10/5 Brahms Haydn Variations V, VII, VIII
10/12 the dreaded Don Juan
10/19 Mozart 35 "Haffner" (complete)
10/26 MIDTERM.....FRIENDLY MOCK AUDITION
11/2 Tannhauser
11/9 Berlioz Roman Carnival; Bruckner 4 (mvmt 2)
11/16 Magic Flute; audition centering exercises
11/23 Mendelssohn Italian Symphony 4 (complete)
11/30 Brahms 2 (complete)
12/7 review and focusing exercises
12/14 FINALS...AKA UNFRIENDLY WORST CASE SCENARIO AUDITION

I'll email the music a week in advance, feel free to get it even earlier on your own. I'll try to have a complete book made before midterms.

Welcome to the new school year!!

Hello everyone! I am SO excited to meet and work with all of you. For those of you that did the Hartt Orchestra placement auditions today, great job! and boy we have work to do don't we!?!

No worries...it'll be good for you...like vegetables.

I found this great link- the blog author is obviosly a violist. Enjoy, and start researching for our viola ensemble concerts!

freestringmusic.blogspot.com

viola links

This blog is from a violist/composer graduating from NYU this year:

http://opensourcemusic.org/


He has some good ideas on excerpts:

http://www.stephenwyrczynski.com


the journal of the american viola society, which publishes a free summer issue online:

http://www.americanviolasociety.org/JAVS/javs.htm

Daily Torture Exercises

Well kids, now that the bloom of auditions and recitals has passed, let's get back to work, starting with the basics:

Daily Torture Exercise 1- An Oldie but a Goodie

Purpose:

Speedwork
This will train your fingers for fast combinations/muscle memory.

Directions:

1) Play each group of 4 four times fast. Short pauses may be taken between groups, but it is crucial that the 4 fingers be played as rapidly as possible. For example:

1-2-3-4 *pause* 1-2-3-4 *pause* 1-2-3-4 *pause* 1-2-3-4 *pause*
1-2-4-3 *pause* 1-2-4-3 *pause* 1-2-4-3 *pause* 1-2-4-3 *pause*

etc, etc, ad nauseum, and I mean NAUS-E-UM.



2) Play the whole exercise all the way through 4X, one time on each string

3) You can change up the half and whole steps/change keys

the groups:




comments? complaints?