FALL 2023
Below are links to soundfiles/performances of the music we are/will be working on. We want everyone to learn the music by READING THE RHYTHMS, not by listening, so while there may be some of our "practice soundfiles", we want you to get in the habit of learning it by looking at the music, not learning by ear. Just listening is not always accurate and you can end up with some pretty obnoixous mistakes that are hard to unlearn.
EMAIL DIANE IF YOU NEED MUSIC - PARTS ARE NOT ON THE WEBPAGE AND MUSIC WILL NOT BE AVAILABLE AT REHEARSAL
To download our recording soundfiles, when they are available, there is a way of getting to a menu that gives a list of things you can do with this link. Chose one that says something about saving or downloading the link:
- On an Mac computer, press and hold the control key while you click on the link.
- On a PC right click the link or press & hold ctrl while you click on the link.
- On a smart phone or table press and hold your finger down on the link.
(PC users, let me know if there are corrections or easier ways to do this!)
LINKS TO INFORMATION
Updated AUGUST 12,2023
STRINGS AND BAND TOGETHER
STRINGS
BAND
USING SOUNDFILES EFFECTIVELY
(let me know if soundfiles don't work OR of omissions in info OR errors)
Always "reload" the webpage to be sure you have the up-to-date info.

STRINGS & BAND TOGETHER
TBA in the fall. ANTICIPATE! ;-)

STRING ENSEMBLE
  
LISTEN A LOT to these soundfiles and any other recordings you can find.
The more you listen, the better you will understand the flow of the music and the faster you will learn to play the piece! That said, please do not try to learn the music by listening - it is never accurate enough.
Oliver & Kett have chosen 4 terrific classics for you.
Go back to the email with the music to find what Kett & Oliver said about these pieces.
Mahler Symphony No.1 Movement II, arr. Sandra Dackow. Click the title link to listen to the demo soundfile of the piece and to watch the score go by. Click on the small picture of a single page of music under “Preview”. Arrows on the side move you to the next page of the score.
Terkisher Klezmer Fest, by Julie Lyonn Lieberman. Follow the link to hear the demo recording of our piece - you can watch the score as you listen. Arrows on the side move you to the next page of the score.
What is a Terkisher?? Click here:https://www.yiddishdance.com/user/image/terkisher.pdf
Check out this amazing klezmer fiddler: Daniel Hoffman - Original Klezmer (klezmer fiddle)
Swan Lake Act 2 #10, P.I. Tchaikovsky/arr. Michael Hopkins. Follow the link to hear the demo recording of our piece - you can watch the score as you listen.
Do listen to the original version with full orchestra. This is Leonard Bernstein with the New York Philharmonic in 1970.
Nimrod (from "Enigma Variations") Edward Elgar/arr. Lloyd Conley. This link will take you to the demo soundfile of our arrangement. You can watch the score as you listen.
Here is a recording of Leonard Bernstein conducting the BBC Symphony Orchestra in 1982. Oliver says he won't take the Nimrod quite as slow as the recording, but the holding of tension is just unrivaled.

BAND - FALL
I haven't checked the soundfile links yet - sorry if some are wrong... tomorrow...
You should have music for:
Holst First Suite - We are playing only the Chaconne this session; Winter/Spring will see us working on the other two movements. Here are two recordings to watch/listen to:
Pavane - Three different soundfiles you might enjoy:
Windsong - This link will take you to the demo soundfile and you can watch the score: When you get to the page, click on the small picture of a single page of music under the heading “Preview”. The arrow on the right side will move you to the next page of the score.
Golden Jubilee Here is the link to the Marine Band playing this march — do listen to it and I hope you will love it!! Note that we will not be playing it as fast as they do. You can play it at 85%, which is about the tempo we will play it at, by clicking on the little gear icon, at the bottom right below the video window, clicking on “Custom,” and setting it at .85 speed. BE SURE YOU MAKE THE MARKING that were in the email with the music!!!! Don't get caught not knowing.
  

HINTS FOR EFFECTIVE USE OF SOUNDFILES IN YOUR PRACTICE
There are several really good reasons for listening to the soundfiles of music you are playing:
- *To get a sense of how the music sounds, its style, its phrasing, its harmonies (Most important reason!)
- Following your music while listening to the soundfile (not playing) helps you learn how your part fits with the whole and helps you learn to keep your place
- Playing along with the music gives you more opportunities to "practice with the group" than you can get just in rehearsals. You will not be able to determine when to play the very first beat, so come in on the next measure.
- If it goes by too quickly, see the next bullet
- Purchase the software, Amazing Slow Downer (from http://ronimusic.com/) and you can practice with the soundfile slowed down to where you can play along. (Soundfiles must be on the same device where the Slow Downer resides; you can not use YouTube, AppleMusic or soundfiles that are streamed from the web). For those of you cautious about what you download, this software site is safe according to Norton)
- You can also slow down YouTube by clicking the gear and adjusting the percentage. You don't have the minute control of the speed, but it is better than nothing!
If you are new to working with soundfiles, DO NOT try to play along right away. Your first task is to listen several times while just following along in your own music (not playing), perhaps even using your finger to keep your place in the music. See if you can stay with the music, whether or not you can hear your own part (sometimes it doesn't sound like your instrument because you are playing the same thing as some other instrument and your part adds to the overall, but isn't itself distinguishable). Watch for things like holds or sudden loud spots or a change from legato to staccato to see if you can hear those as you listen. Until you can reliably follow along & keep your place in your music while listening and looking at your part, you will never be able to successfully play along. Be sure to do the listening first or it is just frustrating! Once you get good at that, try listening and speaking your rhythms. Once you can do that, then try playing with it, although you may find that it is too fast for you to keep up. (See bullet #5 above)
  
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