Our first formal orchestra and chamber music concert was held at Canadian International School on Sunday, May 21. Allegro and Vivace orchestras both played, along with all four of our chamber ensembles.
Over the course of the year, students have worked on their skills as members of these ensembles: learning to remember to bring their stands, pencils and music; setting up on time for each rehearsal; paying attention to the conductor/coach and their peers during the rehearsal; practising their parts at home so that they arrive at rehearsal ready to collaborate with their peers; contributing their ideas to the rehearsal process…there has been a lot going on!
Allegro Orchestra Vivace Orchestra
https://youtu.be/zot5PXykNu4 https://youtu.be/AIt4sZrhRUU
After the orchestras played, Ms. Monica talked with everyone about what it means to be in an orchestra or chamber group. One of the things she shared was about her recent experience: Ms. Monica was supposed to play for the Harry Potter concert last week. After she had practised the music at home, and was ready for the rehearsals, the orchestra changed the rehearsal schedule. This meant that Ms. Monica had to miss one of the rehearsals. Every member of the “viola team” is so important to the success of the team that Ms. Monica lost the opportunity to play on the concert because of missing one rehearsal! Every member of the team is very important to the musical experience – students will likely be able to tell their parents how it impacts them if even one person is missing from their group, orchestra or chamber music experience.
One of the fun things for the chamber groups is creating their own group identity. The students created their own group names, and also worked together with their coach to decide their dress code for the concert. Wonder what things happened in their coaching sessions to inspire these particular names?!?!
Cow Quintet I Scream for Ice Cream (& friends)
https://youtu.be/AFYex-pHtDA https://youtu.be/Dp4uGiuYq9s
Life Salami Panini
https://youtu.be/Dp4uGiuYq9s https://youtu.be/awL85a7HqTc