March 26th, 2011

Hello Hornists!
I am reporting on our latest rehearsal (earlier this morning).  Thanks to everyone who came out and played, especially our fabulous pianist and set player!  Here are some rehearsal notes:

1. We rehearsed the following pieces:   
• El Capitan: Be aware that the group has a tendency to slow down. Also, please play dynamics!
• Choeur Danse: Maintain a light and charming style.
• Nimrod: Work on breathing (we shouldn't all breath together!).
• Bohemian Rhapsody:  Be sure to really exaggerate all dynamics and check any tricky rhythmic parts.
• Academic Festival: Keep up the forward momentum, and be sure to play any tricky rhythms exactly.
• West Side Story Medley: Be sure to count your parts exactly, or find someone to help you!  Also, play dynamics.  And any other pesky markings on the page, (if you still need a new copy of your part as of 3/19, be sure to pick it up at the next rehearsal).
2. Next week we will meet at CLS.  Park in the back lot and enter through the athletic entrance (check your email for more details, or click here for a map).
3. We usually have a tasty reception after the concert is over, so be thinking about what would be good to bring (check your email for the sign-up list).

Our next rehearsal will be on this Saturday, April 2nd at CLS, see you then!

Marth 19th, 2011

Hello Hornists!
I am reporting on our latest rehearsal (earlier this morning).  Thanks to everyone who came out and played, especially our fabulous pianist and bassist!  Here are some rehearsal notes:

1. We read a fun double-choir renaissance-y Latin piece.
2. We rehearsed the following pieces:   
• Bohemian Rhapsody:  Be sure to really exaggerate all dynamics and check any tricky rhythmic parts.
• West Side Story Medley: Everyone received new parts (Krupke has been edited out: maybe we will play this as a separate number on a later concert?).  Be sure to count your parts exactly, or find someone to help you!  Also, play dynamics.  And any other pesky markings on the page.
• El Capitan: Be aware that the group has a tendency to slow down (metronome practice anyone?).
3. Next week we will meet in the band room at MCC.  The following week (April 2nd) we will meet at CLS.  Please check your emails for details.
4. Special thanks to everyone who helped set up/tear down for our rehearsal!

Our next rehearsal will be on this Saturday, March 26th (in the band room) see you then!

March 12th, 2011

Hello Hornists!
I am reporting on our latest session in MCC's auditorium.  Thanks to everyone who came out and played (I think we had near perfect attendance!). Here are some rehearsal notes:

1. We rehearsed our approximate concert order:   
• La Chasse: We set up in the audience as 5 groups of 4.  Be sure to position yourself so you can see our conductor!
• Academic Festival Overture:  This will be the first piece on the stage.  Really pay attention to dynamics, and continue to move the piece along!
• Nimrod: Small group 1.
• Bohemian Rhapsody:  Excellent work!  This is really starting to groove! 
• Nachtgesang: Small group 2 (there may be some musical cuts to shorten this up).
• Choeur Danse: Small group 3
• West Side Story Medley: Again, there has been some great work done here, but be sure to continue working on your part so that we are ready (there may be an executive decision to cut the Krupke section).
• El Capitan: Be sure to exaggerate dynamics for musical effect.
2. This was our one rehearsal on the stage; be sure to remember where you sat for each piece (or even write it down!) to ensure smooth transitions.
3. Check for which pieces (if any) you need a mute. 
4. Special thanks to everyone who helped set up/tear down for our rehearsal!

Our next rehearsal will be on this Saturday, March 19th (in the band room) see you then!

Reminder

Hello all!  This is just a reminder that we will be rehearsing in the auditorium this week.  Enter the same door as normal, but turn to your left!
See you then!

March 5th, 2011

Hello Hornists!
I am reporting on our latest session (which was earlier this morning).  Thanks to everyone who ventured forth through snow and muck and played!  (When will this winter be over?!)  Our attendance numbers were a little smaller than normal, so for those of you who missed, here's what happened:

1. We rehearsed these pieces:   
• La Chasse: Be careful of the counting, especially when tied notes (hemiola) are involved.  Also, everyone can back off dynamically; focus on playing cleanly!
• Academic Festival Overture:  Remember, beats 1 and 3 are the important ones here.  In rehearsal, we found the parts with half notes tended to drag.  As this is a six part-er, focus more on style (light) and less on maintaining forte dynamics (at least until the last few bars).
• West Side Story Medley: We spent some time putting together the America, the Gym Dance and Officer Krupke sections.  The counting in these sections is essential (please work on the parts which are technically challenging to you!).  Again, remember that we can all back off dynamically on the group sections, and play lighter!
• Bohemian Rhapsody:  Here is another piece where challenging technical parts should be practiced.  I am intending on working the faster middle section (letter C to F?) next week.
2. If possible, we should work on the smaller ensemble pieces next week.
3. Do you know someone who could drum/bass/piano for Bohemian Rhapsody? 
4. Special thanks to everyone who helped lead rehearsal!

Our next rehearsal will be on this Saturday, March 12th, see you then!