Winter Concert Reflection, 12/15/16

Serenade in E Major by Dvorak Playing Test

Aniela Crayton

October 26th, 2016

Serenade in E Major by Dvorak Playing Test

Measures 7- 12

Measures 16-22

Measures 38-41

Fall Orchestra Concert Reflection

Aniela Crayton

Dr. Wang

Symphony Orchestra/ II Violin/ B4

Sunday October 9th, 2016

Fall Orchestra Concert Reflection

Marchz:

Group

-I thought that individually this piece was good, but when brought together it could have been cleaner.

-I really liked the style choices that were made, it sounded like a march, with the short bows, and on beat and off beat passages.

- I thought that the dynamics were good, but some of the other pieces had better dynamics.

-The clapping was a good idea, excepted the audience clapped the whole time and so at times it was confusing and hard to play.

Personal

-I felt that at times the rhythm was tricky and I messed up some parts.

- Intonation wasn't a big issue in this piece so that was good.

- At times I had trouble sticking with the right bowing.

- The unique struggle for this piece was just knowing where in the music to go next.

Holberg:

Group

- Same with this piece, each person was good on their own, but when we came together as an ensemble the piece was necessarily played together.

- I though our dynamics in this piece was really well done.

- Thought that as a group there were some trouble spots, like at the bottom of the first page, that if fixed would have made the piece a lot better.

- Felt that overall this was one of the best pieces we played.

Personal

-This was one of the pieces I though I personally played the best, I put the most at home effort into it.

- Thought that my bowing was off at times.

- In general would have liked to add more musicality to my playing.

Slavonic Dance

Group

-  Along with the Holberg thought that this piece was one of the best that we played

-Thought that our intonation was a little off at time, especially going out of first position in the violin sections.

-Really liked how much dynamic contrast we had.

Personal

-Thought that my intonation on this piece could have been better, just with the key signature and all.

-Though that the style of bowing that I used wasn't always correct, and the type that the rest of the ensemble was using.

- Especially in this piece my violin teacher highlighted that I over vibrate my vibrato, so that was something that could have been better in this piece.

Olympic Fanfare

Group

- I loved that the harps were part of this piece, they added a unique element to the piece!

- Really like our style and just the piece in general, it had the feeling of a song that would welcome the whole world to the Olympic games.

Personal

-Wish that I would have practiced this piece more, I thought it was easy, and it was, but I wish I would have put more artistic time into it.

-Sometimes, the rhythm was a little tricky at times, and I messed it up.

Pre- concert Reflection Blog Post

Aniela Crayton
Dr. Wang
Symphony Orchestra II Violin B4
Sunday October 2nd, 2016

Pre- concert Reflection Blog Post

Holberg Suite

What goals do you want to achieve for the Holberg Suite today?

- Be able to play at, a faster tempo

- Hit the notes on the descending scales

- Improve intonation

- Get better bow control and direction

- Get the double stops

- Improve rhythm

Concert Critiques on Holberg Suite

-There change in dynamics was good

- How they worked together and looked at one another to make sure they were together in rhythm and style

- The amount of passion they had and how they move on together

- Their ability to highlight instrument and part

Reflections

- Focus on bowing and improve on making sure it is constant

- Make sure that I watch at rite. because sometimes I am not with the orchestra

Slavonic Dance No. 8

What goals do you want to achieve for the Slavonic Dance No. 8 today?

- I want to improve my double stops

- Improve intonation

- Play with more confidence

- Do more dynamics

- Interact with other sections more

- Improve string crossing and better bow control

Concert Critiques on Slavonic Dance No. 8

-Really good dynamics

- Very excited and active

- Each section is with one another, they are cohesive

- Good dynamic balance

- Smooth string crossings

Reflections

- Improve ending, somehow I always end on an up bow

- Make sure to hold rests long enough

- Enjoy playing the piece more

- Better intonation (accidentals)

- Better rhythm

- Improve change in dynamics

When I scanned the actual piece of paper on to my computer, the writing was really faint and I wasn't able to read it, so I just typed up my responses, hope that's ok!

Day One Assignment: First Blog Post for the 2016- 2017 School Year

Day One Assignment: First Blog Post for the 2016- 2017 School Year

-Name, Grade, #of years playing your instrument or singing, and any other instruments that you play:

Aniela Crayton, 12th Grade, 6 years of playing the violin

-How much did you practice over the summer?

I practiced some over the summer, but with college applications, and the extended essay I was not able to practice as much as I would have liked to.

-What are you most looking forward to in this class this year?

I am looking forward to getting to know Dr. Wang better, and to see what new/ different types of ensemble pieces she has us play.

-What else does Dr. Wang need to know to ensure you have a successful year?

Nothing really, except that I usually don't come to the rehearsals after school on Thursday, unless they are mandatory, because I have cross country or track after school almost everyday.