Yesterday I practiced the music for the playing exam for 40 minutes. I went through the chromatic scales slowly a few times. If i had trouble with anote, I would figure out the fingering and then play that section of the scales a few times before moving onto the next one. For the study I didn't really have any trouble, other than it being quite high in some section. It just took playing through it a few times to get the notes down and the rythms, so that didn't really take much practicing. After that I practiced the Study #8 in the red book. This is what I worked on for the majority of my practice time. I found the rythms a bit odd, but I went over them with Hannah during class so that helped me alot. After that it was just getting the speed up, the high notes, and the dynamics. I played it over and over to get all the notes, then focused on my trouble section, which included the end of the secend line at the "fine". After this I worked on decresendoes and crescendos and also making sure I slurred the appropriate notes and tongued the rest. I also had a lesson for half an hour with Donna where I played through my stairways to heaven and celtic song. By this point I have been playing through it for so long it is just going through and perfecting minor things, like dynamics or some accents.
Today I had lessons with Donna for an hour. We played through my recital pieces once again, just as we did yesterday. We also did sightreading for half an hour. Sight reading is an essential part to music so I felt that this was very beneficial to me.
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Band Response
1. What has been your biggest improvement this year?
My biggest improvement this year has been the amount of time I spent practicing band music. Last year I barely ever practiced band music but this year, due to the “blogging” we are doing, I was forced to and I really think it showed. At first, senior band was a bit overwhelming as the music was such a step up from last year, but as I kept playing and practicing the music I got better and by the end of it had no problem keeping up. Practicing makes such a big difference that I never quite realized and I will be sure to do it next year. At first I was upset about having to blog but overall I think it really improved my playing and helped me be a better flute player.
2. What is the area you most struggle with?
The area I most struggle with would have to be the really quick sections with lots and lots of sixteenth notes. Examples of this are 199-end that we played for our playing section of the band requirements. Especially when these sections are high, they are quick and it can be tough to get all the notes in. Also, the notes are so close together that sometimes they can be hard to read. I definitely need to work on these areas and find as I practice these sections SLOWLY I can get them down, but it definitely takes a bit of work!
3. What was your greatest musical highlight this year and why?
My greatest musical highlight this year would have to be playing “Rumble on the High Planes” at the Spring Concert. It may not have been the best we ever played it, but you could tell everyone was emotional, including Mr. Stevenson, as it was many people’s last year. It was so emotional as the percussion continued to get louder and louder at the end and when I went in to play I felt so proud to have played for Oakridge and so happy to have played for Mr. Stevenson! At the end of that song, It really felt like the band was a family, everyone crying together and playing a fantastic song together.
4. What areas do you feel the band accelerates at and what areas do we struggle with? Give examples.
Areas I feel the band accelerates at are percussion, for obvious reason. We have a very well stacked percussion and the never let the band down (other than possibly playing a little too loud in Rumble!!!). The band is excellent at showing a balance, and dynamics, and overall we just have a really nice sound. The “ending” section of Rumble is a prime example of this. Our brass section is powerful and our flute section is light and beautiful. Areas we need to work on are accents, especially from trumpets from songs like Chillers (Darth Vader’s theme). The trumpets sound good, but if they could all get that little bit more of articulation they would sound phenomenal. The saxophone’s need to work on their confidence and being loud as they play. The flutes also need to work on articulation and not sounding to shrill on entries, like in Rosymedre.
1. What has been your biggest improvement this year?
My biggest improvement this year has been the amount of time I spent practicing band music. Last year I barely ever practiced band music but this year, due to the “blogging” we are doing, I was forced to and I really think it showed. At first, senior band was a bit overwhelming as the music was such a step up from last year, but as I kept playing and practicing the music I got better and by the end of it had no problem keeping up. Practicing makes such a big difference that I never quite realized and I will be sure to do it next year. At first I was upset about having to blog but overall I think it really improved my playing and helped me be a better flute player.
2. What is the area you most struggle with?
The area I most struggle with would have to be the really quick sections with lots and lots of sixteenth notes. Examples of this are 199-end that we played for our playing section of the band requirements. Especially when these sections are high, they are quick and it can be tough to get all the notes in. Also, the notes are so close together that sometimes they can be hard to read. I definitely need to work on these areas and find as I practice these sections SLOWLY I can get them down, but it definitely takes a bit of work!
3. What was your greatest musical highlight this year and why?
My greatest musical highlight this year would have to be playing “Rumble on the High Planes” at the Spring Concert. It may not have been the best we ever played it, but you could tell everyone was emotional, including Mr. Stevenson, as it was many people’s last year. It was so emotional as the percussion continued to get louder and louder at the end and when I went in to play I felt so proud to have played for Oakridge and so happy to have played for Mr. Stevenson! At the end of that song, It really felt like the band was a family, everyone crying together and playing a fantastic song together.
4. What areas do you feel the band accelerates at and what areas do we struggle with? Give examples.
Areas I feel the band accelerates at are percussion, for obvious reason. We have a very well stacked percussion and the never let the band down (other than possibly playing a little too loud in Rumble!!!). The band is excellent at showing a balance, and dynamics, and overall we just have a really nice sound. The “ending” section of Rumble is a prime example of this. Our brass section is powerful and our flute section is light and beautiful. Areas we need to work on are accents, especially from trumpets from songs like Chillers (Darth Vader’s theme). The trumpets sound good, but if they could all get that little bit more of articulation they would sound phenomenal. The saxophone’s need to work on their confidence and being loud as they play. The flutes also need to work on articulation and not sounding to shrill on entries, like in Rosymedre.
Practice this Week
SO this week I mainly practiced music for recital and music for the playing exam next week. I just never got a chance to actually blog but I did practice all week!
So...every day since wednesday I have been going through what I will be playing for the playing exam. This includes the 8 chromatic scales, Concert D major, lines 3,4,5 (I chose this one over the concert E minor), and the study #8 in the red book. Most of these are not too difficult and just take a bit of practice to get the fingerings and rythmse tc. The only thing I am having trouble with is the study #8 as the up and down sixteenth and eighth notes are somewhat awkaward and I'm not quite sure what the speed is supposed to be. Also the time signature isn't "four four" which we are so used to playing. I am going to ask Mr. Stevenson to go over it in class and then it shouldn't be a problem playing it. Just getting the general idea of how it is supposed to sound will be helpful.
For my recital pieces my flute piece has really come along and I am now basically just playing it to attempt to somewhat memorize it for the recital. My piano piece is good except for two parts. The introduction and one section in the middle. To improve upon this I play each of these sections hands seperate, then three times each slowly, then 2 times faster, then I play through the entire piece. This technique seems to be working well as my hands get used to the fingerings really well as i am playing those trouble sections sooo much. I will continue to use this technique and hopefully get those sections perfect for the recital!
So...every day since wednesday I have been going through what I will be playing for the playing exam. This includes the 8 chromatic scales, Concert D major, lines 3,4,5 (I chose this one over the concert E minor), and the study #8 in the red book. Most of these are not too difficult and just take a bit of practice to get the fingerings and rythmse tc. The only thing I am having trouble with is the study #8 as the up and down sixteenth and eighth notes are somewhat awkaward and I'm not quite sure what the speed is supposed to be. Also the time signature isn't "four four" which we are so used to playing. I am going to ask Mr. Stevenson to go over it in class and then it shouldn't be a problem playing it. Just getting the general idea of how it is supposed to sound will be helpful.
For my recital pieces my flute piece has really come along and I am now basically just playing it to attempt to somewhat memorize it for the recital. My piano piece is good except for two parts. The introduction and one section in the middle. To improve upon this I play each of these sections hands seperate, then three times each slowly, then 2 times faster, then I play through the entire piece. This technique seems to be working well as my hands get used to the fingerings really well as i am playing those trouble sections sooo much. I will continue to use this technique and hopefully get those sections perfect for the recital!
Sunday, May 24, 2009
Practice This Weekend
So this weekend I practiced for a total of 45 minutes. I played through scales and personal songs/songs for my recital coming up. For scales I play through, as usual, B flat to warm up, then I just choose different ones for different days so I don't get bored. Some of them are really easy, so I can play right through them. Some of them are more difficult when there are more flats so I play them one note at a time, two notes individually, three notes individually, play the whole thing, then move onto the fifth note etc. This helps getting the notes just right because if I just try to "wing" the whole thing, usually i get stuck and have to stop or start over.
For personal songs I played through my celtic song, stairway to heaven and also the sesame street song and pirates of the carribean, just for fun! Stairway to heaven is coming along really nicely, but I am still struggling with the first page. To fix this, I play through my trouble sections before I even attempt to play the entire piece at once. If I continue to practice this way, the first page should come along in no time. My cetlic song is really becoming amazing. I am just practicing to almost try to memorize the music, as this will be better for recital in case i am nervous or lose my place. The accents and dynamics are coming along as I have been going over them in practice and with Donna. For sesame street and pirates I just played through them for fun.
For personal songs I played through my celtic song, stairway to heaven and also the sesame street song and pirates of the carribean, just for fun! Stairway to heaven is coming along really nicely, but I am still struggling with the first page. To fix this, I play through my trouble sections before I even attempt to play the entire piece at once. If I continue to practice this way, the first page should come along in no time. My cetlic song is really becoming amazing. I am just practicing to almost try to memorize the music, as this will be better for recital in case i am nervous or lose my place. The accents and dynamics are coming along as I have been going over them in practice and with Donna. For sesame street and pirates I just played through them for fun.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
pppprrrraaaaccccttttiiiiccceeee.......
today i practiced for half an hour. Seeing as the spring concert is over, I didn't "practice" anything, I merely played what I wanted to for fun. I played through Pirates of the carribean, Sesame Street, Chillers and THrillers (I LOVE playing it! Especially Voldemort's theme!) and my 2 recital songs. For my recital songs, I am just playing through the sections that I find difficult. For stairway to heaven this incldues the introduction, especially the left hand. I will either play it hands seperately or play through it very very slowly with hands together. For my celtic song, the middle section is difficult because there are alot of HIGH sixteenth notes. I just play this part one note at a time, two notes, three notes etc. and put the entire thing together. I find this really helps to make these sections easier!
Monday, May 18, 2009
Practice
This Weekend I practiced for a total of an hour and a half. I played varous pieces, such as Carmina Burana, Thrillers and Chillers, Pirates of the Carribean, Sesame Street, Stairway to Heaven and my celtic piece.
For Carmina Burana I, as always, played thorugh the middle part with sixteenth notes. This is the only area I struggle with, so I made sure to focus on it. As I continue to play it more often, it is getting easier and, seeing as the concert is in two days, that is a good thing!
For Thrillers and Chillers, I practiced the sixteenth notes at the end in 'Darth vaider's theme". I also played through "Lord Voldemort's Theme". For this part I am just trying to get the dynamics correct so it will osund as mysterious as possible for the concert.
For Pirates of the Carribean, I just played through this one for fun. We aren't performing it so I do not need to perfect it. I am merely just playing rhough it as I love the piece.
For Sesame Street,w e only read through it once so playing it is like sight reading to me. I played through it just a few times so that the next time we play through it in class the rythms will be more familiar to me.
And ifnally, my recital pieces. As always, I am just working on getting the rythms down and getting them quicker. I am also focusing on dynamics and accents, so that the piece wil be absolutely perfect for the recital!
For Carmina Burana I, as always, played thorugh the middle part with sixteenth notes. This is the only area I struggle with, so I made sure to focus on it. As I continue to play it more often, it is getting easier and, seeing as the concert is in two days, that is a good thing!
For Thrillers and Chillers, I practiced the sixteenth notes at the end in 'Darth vaider's theme". I also played through "Lord Voldemort's Theme". For this part I am just trying to get the dynamics correct so it will osund as mysterious as possible for the concert.
For Pirates of the Carribean, I just played through this one for fun. We aren't performing it so I do not need to perfect it. I am merely just playing rhough it as I love the piece.
For Sesame Street,w e only read through it once so playing it is like sight reading to me. I played through it just a few times so that the next time we play through it in class the rythms will be more familiar to me.
And ifnally, my recital pieces. As always, I am just working on getting the rythms down and getting them quicker. I am also focusing on dynamics and accents, so that the piece wil be absolutely perfect for the recital!
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
PRACTICE
Today I practiced for an hour. I played thorugh carmina burana, thrillers and chillers, my irish celtic song and finally stairway to heaven. Carmina burana is really coming along well. The first page is very simple but the second page, but it is difficult where there are teh divided flute parts joining together are more difficult and the quick sixteenth note section as well. I play the sixteenth notes one at a time, then two at a time etc. as always as i find this the best way to really get the notes and fingerings into my head so it will be more natural for me to play. I am really looking forward to the concert next wednesday as i feel our song selections are really fun and the audience will really enjoy them!
In thrillers and chillers I worked especially on the "darth vader theme", the ending rythms and the "lord voldemort's theme". The darth vader has some awkward rythms, so I practiced those. The entrance for the flutes is what I need to work on the most.
I also played my stairway to heaven and celtic song. On my stairway to heaven I need to work on the first page, where teh left hand fingering is more complex. It is higher and has alot of accidentals so I will go through that page individually a few times before playing the whole through in practice. In my celtic song, I just need to keep practicing to get the rythms as fast as I possibly can, and focus on getting dynamics and accents!
In thrillers and chillers I worked especially on the "darth vader theme", the ending rythms and the "lord voldemort's theme". The darth vader has some awkward rythms, so I practiced those. The entrance for the flutes is what I need to work on the most.
I also played my stairway to heaven and celtic song. On my stairway to heaven I need to work on the first page, where teh left hand fingering is more complex. It is higher and has alot of accidentals so I will go through that page individually a few times before playing the whole through in practice. In my celtic song, I just need to keep practicing to get the rythms as fast as I possibly can, and focus on getting dynamics and accents!
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Practice This Weekend
So this weekend I had a basketall tournament in Kitchener so I didn't have alot of time to practice as I wasn't home at all. I did however practice today (Sunday) for half an hour. I went through Carmina Burana, especially the ending with all the crazy triplet scales that have lots of accidentals. I played it one note, then two notes then three notes etc. through the entire thing then took the entire thing slowly. I also played through Thrillers and Chillers, just for fun as I really enjoy playing this piece. I absolutely love John Williams so it is really cool to be playing his music. I especially love the "Lord Voldemort" section. I also played through Rumble and Rosymedre, as i assume we are playing it on Tuesday at nationals so I just wanted to run through them one more time as it has been awhile since I have played them (especially Rosymedre!)
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Practice THis Week
So I have been sick for the last few days so I haven't gottent he chance to blog for a while. I practiced for half an hour on saturday, 20 minutes on Sunday and half an hour today. I played through my celtic song each day, practicing the rythms faster and faster as I continue to get better. I also played through Pirates Just for fun and the new band piece that we got on thursday, Carmina Burana. I practiced the really quick part near the end that the flutes play that is like the "team section"(some flutes play one note, then others play the three high ones just that you have to play all the parts. I played through Bohemian Rhapsody, as well as some of the studies from the red and purple book, focusing on songs with sixteenth notes, because I feel that I need to improve on my ability to articulate quickly. I found that by the end of practicig the songs came more comfortably.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Practice this week.
This week, monday and today that is, I practiced for an hour. On monday I spent 20 minutes playing through Pirates, going through some of the quick rythms and playing them slowly to try to get them down. I especially focused on the section "One Last Shot" as the rythms have triplets and are more comlex. I just played them one at a time, then two at a time etc. until they became easier. The other 10 minutes I played through my celtic pieces.
Today I only played my recital piece on flute and also my "Stairway to Heaven" on piano. It is really coming along nicely. The flute piece is getting faster and faster as I continue to play it and I really think it will be wonderful for the recital. I have been working on dynamics and now need to concentrate on accenting the first note of each bar, now that the rythms are easier to play. I can actually play the piece so accenting is crucial to making the piece absolutely perfect!
Today I only played my recital piece on flute and also my "Stairway to Heaven" on piano. It is really coming along nicely. The flute piece is getting faster and faster as I continue to play it and I really think it will be wonderful for the recital. I have been working on dynamics and now need to concentrate on accenting the first note of each bar, now that the rythms are easier to play. I can actually play the piece so accenting is crucial to making the piece absolutely perfect!
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Practice this Weekend.
This weekend I practiced for a total of 1 hour. On Saturday I practiced my celtic music for half an hour. I played my recital piece, but also played a few other pieces in my book just for fun. The songs are all very fast and are excellent for sight reading. The rythms are usually quite similar but they are so fun and playful that you can't help loving playing them.
Today I practiced "Pirates", just for fun, and I also played through 'Bohemian Rhapsody" and "James Bond", trying to get the rythms down for if we play it in class. Taking the rythms slow is key, especially in Pirates, but once I have played them over slowly, they get easier.
Today I practiced "Pirates", just for fun, and I also played through 'Bohemian Rhapsody" and "James Bond", trying to get the rythms down for if we play it in class. Taking the rythms slow is key, especially in Pirates, but once I have played them over slowly, they get easier.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
practice.
Today i practiced for half an hour. I did rumble and light eternal for 20 minutes and played my celtic music for 10 minutes. I practiced just generally going over the two band pieces so that I feel comfortable for tomorrow night's show. In light eternal I went over the part on the third page that si really fast and has high rythms. It's sort of like a flute solo? At least you can really hear the flutes! In rumble I went over the chromatic up and down scale and the very last chromatic scale at the end of the piece. My celtic song I just played for fun, as always.
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Youtube Assignment
James Galway-Annie's Song (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BkUpto_ohEc)
This is the name of the youtube video I selected. It is a celtic song which I really love and that is why I chose it for the assignment. Sir James Galway plays this piece, along with a band behind him. Sir James Galway is one of the first floutists to make an international career as a soloist for himself. He studied under John Franics at the Royal College of Music and then went to the Guildhall School of Music studying under Geoffery Gilbert. He then went to the Paris Conservatoire and studied under both Gaston Crunelle and Jean-Pierre Rampal. After this incredible education he became an orchestral player for 15 years. He was born in Belfast and launched his solo career in 1975. He has sold over 30 million albums and has made frequent television appearances. He is now nearly 70 years old.The piece I chose by James Galway is "Annie's Song" which he first recorder in 1978. The piece was written originally be John Denver. This piece is quite repetetive, but still very beautiful. The band in the background makes it sound almost like an italian piece, but if you focus on the flute alone, you hear beautiful long notes and a perfect tone. It is very hard to play long notes on a flute and have them sound perfect from beginning to end but James Galway manages to do this. This is especially difficult to do when the notes get higher as it takes more air. The simplicity of the song is actually what makes it difficult to play as you have to play every note to perfection. The rythms are always perfect and always sound the same. He is a very consistent player and you can tell he has clearly been playing the flute for a long time and knows his instrument well. The band behind himd does make this song sound better, but his playing is the main focal point and it is really amazing.
pRaCtIcE
Today and yesterday I practiced for a total of 1 hour. Yesterday I practiced through the Holst and through my celtic music. I played through the 1st and 2nd movement, as I feel like I have the third movement down pat. I practiced through the high section at the end of movement one many many times as I want to have it perfect for kiwanis. I play it one note, then two notes, then three notes at a time etc. until I have it down perfectly.
Today I practiced through Rumble and through my celtic song. Rumble I have rpetty much got down, I just practiced the chromatic up and down scale a few times to make sure I can still do it. I also practiced the scale that goes up really fast at the very end that only the flutes play. My celtic song is really coming along nicely and I can't wait to play it for recital.
Today I practiced through Rumble and through my celtic song. Rumble I have rpetty much got down, I just practiced the chromatic up and down scale a few times to make sure I can still do it. I also practiced the scale that goes up really fast at the very end that only the flutes play. My celtic song is really coming along nicely and I can't wait to play it for recital.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Practice
Today I practiced for an hour and a half! I had a music lesson for an hour, so I brought my Holst and practiced what I will be playing for the test tomorrow with Donna. I picked the end of the first movement for my "difficult part" and a piece fromt eh fourth movement for my "easy part". The difficult part is only difficult because I always play high A instead of high A flat. It is a new fingering for me so it is more difficult to play. I am playing through it slowly and getting better and better at it. Now I just need to increase my speed!
I also practiced my celtic song and my stairway to Heaven piece on Piano. The celtic song (on flute) is getting better and i am getting faster and faster at it. I am trying to work on dynamics now and keeping up a fast pace with it. My Stairway to Heaven still needs alot of work, but that will just come with more practice, getting all the notes and rythms down pat.
I also practiced my celtic song and my stairway to Heaven piece on Piano. The celtic song (on flute) is getting better and i am getting faster and faster at it. I am trying to work on dynamics now and keeping up a fast pace with it. My Stairway to Heaven still needs alot of work, but that will just come with more practice, getting all the notes and rythms down pat.
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Practice this weekend
So today and yesterday I practiced a total of 40 minutes, 20 minutes each day. I played the first movement of Holst, mainly the ending where there is a key change. I also, as always, played my celtic music. The Holst is going well, it's just getting the high A flats and being able to play it all at a fast pace. I am playing through it slowly and starting to get it, but it is challenging. It goes so fast that your fingers are flying and getting that high A flat is a real challenge for me. But hopefully , as i continue to play through it slowly, it will improve!
My celtic song is coming along nicely. I basically have the rythms down, now I just need to work on dynamics, accents etc. It is a very prettys ong and I think it will be very nice for the recital.
I also played through my "stairway to heaven" which is getting easier as i play it. For now i am mainly working on just getting the notes and rythms down, and then i will concentrate on dynamics, phrasing etc.
I also played "hallelujah" (from shrek) on piano. This is a very basic song but I love playing it because of how beautful the melody is!
My celtic song is coming along nicely. I basically have the rythms down, now I just need to work on dynamics, accents etc. It is a very prettys ong and I think it will be very nice for the recital.
I also played through my "stairway to heaven" which is getting easier as i play it. For now i am mainly working on just getting the notes and rythms down, and then i will concentrate on dynamics, phrasing etc.
I also played "hallelujah" (from shrek) on piano. This is a very basic song but I love playing it because of how beautful the melody is!
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Practice
Today I practiced for half an hour. Half of this time was donated to band repetoire and the other half was my own personal music. I only practiced the Holst for the Band music as we are performing it tomorrow night and I feel it is the piece that I need to work on the most. I worked on end of the first movement where there is a key change. I am still having alot of trouble getting that high "a" AND being able to play it fast. I am taking it slowly and hopefully it will come. I practiced the third movement as well and, other than never seeming to have enough air in my lungs I find it fairly easy. I have the rythms down it's just playing them so fast that can be difficult as it takes so much air to play. For the 2nd movement I practiced playing slowly and quitely, but still smoothly. It can be difficult to get the notes out witht eh flute and play quietly but I am getting the hang of it. I just hope I can play it that well tomorrow night!
For my personal pieces I just played some of my celtic music and my "stairway to heaven" on piano. This music is just for fun and to keep my playing. Stairway to Heaven is really coming along nicely and I think it will sound amazing at the recital. The first page has some difficult parts as there are many accidentals in some sections but as I continue to play it more and more I am improving. The rest of it is just practicing and getting the notes and rythms down perfectly. My celtic song is getting better and better every time I play it. I have practiced it so much that I find that I often know the next note before I see it (sounds wierd I know!). I am getting faster and faster and, although not quite at the pace i want yet, I am slowly getting there. Once i do get there, I will work on dynamics, accents etc.
For my personal pieces I just played some of my celtic music and my "stairway to heaven" on piano. This music is just for fun and to keep my playing. Stairway to Heaven is really coming along nicely and I think it will sound amazing at the recital. The first page has some difficult parts as there are many accidentals in some sections but as I continue to play it more and more I am improving. The rest of it is just practicing and getting the notes and rythms down perfectly. My celtic song is getting better and better every time I play it. I have practiced it so much that I find that I often know the next note before I see it (sounds wierd I know!). I am getting faster and faster and, although not quite at the pace i want yet, I am slowly getting there. Once i do get there, I will work on dynamics, accents etc.
Saturday, April 4, 2009
Practice
This morning I practiced for 20 minutes, 10 minutes of band music and 10 music of personal music. For band music I played through the Holst a few times. Now that the rythms are getting easier I am trying to "phrase" them better. I don't want to just play the notes, I want the whole piece to really come across beautifully. The second movement is a prime example of this. It is such a sad song/story that I really want the piece to be "felt" by the audience.
For personal music I played out of my celtic book. I played "Jefferson's Gallop", which is really quick and helps me with quick rythms. I also played "Down by the Galley Gardens" which is a really beautfiul piece and has slow rythms somewhat like the second movement in Holst. Finally, I played "Carter's Red Mare" which is just a fun quick piece to improve my playing.
For personal music I played out of my celtic book. I played "Jefferson's Gallop", which is really quick and helps me with quick rythms. I also played "Down by the Galley Gardens" which is a really beautfiul piece and has slow rythms somewhat like the second movement in Holst. Finally, I played "Carter's Red Mare" which is just a fun quick piece to improve my playing.
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Practice
So Today I practiced for an hour. I did mostly personal music and some band music. I played the Holst for about ten minutes, once again practicing the rythms in the first movement down. I am working on getting the rythms quick "tight" and perfect so they don't sound at all sloppy. I also played through "The Light Eternal" as I hadn't played it for a while. Also I practiced the end of Rumble on the high planes, playing the scale one note at a time. I played the firstnote, then the first two, then the first three etc.
I also played a bit through Bohemian Rhapsody and Pirates. I really enjoy playing them and can't wait to be able to fully play both as a class. I was playing these pieces just for fun, but they both do have their challenging bits.
I also played through my Irish Celtic Song. The rythms, although fast, are slowly getting easier and I find that every day that I play it it gets quicker. It is nowhere near perfect but I am improving. I am playing through it slowly for now and once I get the rythms fully down I will pick up the pace as the song is meant to be played quite fast.
I also played a bit through Bohemian Rhapsody and Pirates. I really enjoy playing them and can't wait to be able to fully play both as a class. I was playing these pieces just for fun, but they both do have their challenging bits.
I also played through my Irish Celtic Song. The rythms, although fast, are slowly getting easier and I find that every day that I play it it gets quicker. It is nowhere near perfect but I am improving. I am playing through it slowly for now and once I get the rythms fully down I will pick up the pace as the song is meant to be played quite fast.
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Practice This Week
So this week I practice band pieces three times, but didn't actually have the chance to blog. I practiced my personal music, which I play for my piano teacher, Donna, 5 times. I am playing the same celtic music and also workin ons ome scales. They are very similar to the ones we play in class. I am having a difficult time deciding which song I will play for recital, but I think it is between the celtic song, "The Chase" by Jessica Walsh, or the song "The butterfly" also by jessica Walsh. They are both very fast songs with lots of up and down "scale-like" rythms. THey are very fun to play and I really enjoy playing them.
For band music I played through teh Holst piece. I am working on the first movement, trying to get the rythms oft he very high notes and getting them to sound quick and not sloppy. I am trying to get the notes to sound tight so they are heard very clearly. I also worked on the 4th movement just getting that repetetive rythm perfect as that is what makes up the majority of the piece. I am also working on the dynamics in the piece. I also played through the scales we do in class, I always do it as warm up. FInally I played through Pirates of the carribean a few times just for fun. I love playing teh "he's a pirate" section as it is very fast and really fun to play.
For band music I played through teh Holst piece. I am working on the first movement, trying to get the rythms oft he very high notes and getting them to sound quick and not sloppy. I am trying to get the notes to sound tight so they are heard very clearly. I also worked on the 4th movement just getting that repetetive rythm perfect as that is what makes up the majority of the piece. I am also working on the dynamics in the piece. I also played through the scales we do in class, I always do it as warm up. FInally I played through Pirates of the carribean a few times just for fun. I love playing teh "he's a pirate" section as it is very fast and really fun to play.
Sunday, March 22, 2009
PrAcTiCe
So it has been a while as I just got back from Italy but i did manage to do some practicing today. I ddin't bring home any of my band stuff so this time it was just personal pieces. I practiced mostly just the celtic songs I have for flute. I just did this for fun as I am feeling quite tired today due to the jetlag (oh that lovely jetlag!). I am increasing speed on most of the songs as I continue to play them. I need to work on the dynamics and some of the slurring. Sometimes the songs are so fast I forget to slur so that is what I will work to achieve next!
Monday, March 9, 2009
Practice!
Today afterschool I practiced flute for half an hour. I mostly just went over band pieces, seeing as we play tomorrow in Musicfest. I went over second suite for a few minutes as well just for fun. I went over the accidental "up and down" scale in Rumble just one last time to make sure it is absolutely perfecct. I also went over the final scale that only the flutes play. I can play it slowly, but still need to work on playing it ultrafast. I play it one note at a time, two notes etc. and It has slowly but surely improved! Now i just need to play it perfectly tomoorrow!
p.s. i won't be writing for around a week as I am leaving for march break and don't get back until a week saturday!!!
p.s. i won't be writing for around a week as I am leaving for march break and don't get back until a week saturday!!!
Saturday, March 7, 2009
PRACTICE
Today I practied for an hour. I played 45 minutes of flute and 15 minutes of piano. I played the 2 chromatic scales that we had on our previous test. If I take them one note, then two notes, then three etc. the entire scale is much easier to play. I played Rumble on the high planes once again practicing that accidental up and down scale. (Want to get it PERFECT for music fest!!!!) and I practiced the quick scale at the very end (once again, taking it one note, then two notes etc. at a time) I also practiced the intro to light eternal just to make sure it is perfect. In second suite I once again played the first movement, mostly the higher parts. I am taking it slow but am really getting the hang of it.
On piano I practiced "stairway to heaven" and I played "Hallelujah" form Shrek. Stairway to Heaven is somewhat difficult but I really think it is goiing to turn out great! Hallelujah is pretty easy but I mostly just play it for fun. I also did some scales in my "Hanon" book.
On piano I practiced "stairway to heaven" and I played "Hallelujah" form Shrek. Stairway to Heaven is somewhat difficult but I really think it is goiing to turn out great! Hallelujah is pretty easy but I mostly just play it for fun. I also did some scales in my "Hanon" book.
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Practice Today
So today I only practiced personal music. I played both piano and flute. I practiced my celtic song on flute, which I am continuing to improve upon the more I play it. The rythms are getting much easier for me and I am getting quicker at it too! Once i have all the rythms down I will work on the dynamics of the piece to make it perfect! I also practiced a few scales from the book from class. I find that if I break it down by playing the first note, then the first two notes, then the first three notes etc. (as we did in class) it gets alot easier to play when you play the entire thing at once.
On piano I played my recital piece "Stairway to Heaven", which is really beautiful, but also quite hard. I can only play the intro so far (which is a page long!) but I am getting better. There are some difficult chords but I find if I break it down and play the specific part many times in a row (to drill it into my head), it tends to get easier. I also played the song "My Beloved Monster and Me" from Shrek. It is very easy, but I just enjoy playing it for fun!
On piano I played my recital piece "Stairway to Heaven", which is really beautiful, but also quite hard. I can only play the intro so far (which is a page long!) but I am getting better. There are some difficult chords but I find if I break it down and play the specific part many times in a row (to drill it into my head), it tends to get easier. I also played the song "My Beloved Monster and Me" from Shrek. It is very easy, but I just enjoy playing it for fun!
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Practice This Weekend
This weekend I practiced for 10 minutes on Saturday and 25 minutes on Sunday. I played both piano and flute (but mostly flute). I practiced my piano piece for my recital this year. I am played "Staircase to Heaven" by Led Zeppelin. For flute, I practiced an irish celtic piece that I am playing this year. I also practiced my band pieces and played over "Pirates of the Carribean" that we recieved on Friday. I worked on the scale in Rumble on the Highplanes (with all the accidentals). I tend to practice that alot as it is very difficult and I really want to get the rythm down. I also practice the first movement of " Second Suite". It is not that difficult, just quite high, but I have found that as I continue to practice it more I am getting faster. Once I get these rythms down I will focus on dynamics and accents. I didn't practice scales this time, but I will be sure to do it next time.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Practice Today
Today I practiced for 30 minutes. I did 15 minutes of personal pieces and 15 minutes of band music/scales. The personal pieces I played were for Donna (my music teacher). I am practicing an Celtic song for my recital. The rythms are very fast and will therefore help me with my playing and also my sightreading. I really enjoy playing this style of music as it is very upbeat and fun to play.
I also played Rumble on the High Planes and Light Eternal. I am getting faster and faster on both pieces (especially that one intracit rhythm on rumble on the high planes that has alot of accidentals, it goes up and down once). I need to work on my dynamics now that I am improving on the rythms. I also played the third chromatic scale in the purple book.
I also played Rumble on the High Planes and Light Eternal. I am getting faster and faster on both pieces (especially that one intracit rhythm on rumble on the high planes that has alot of accidentals, it goes up and down once). I need to work on my dynamics now that I am improving on the rythms. I also played the third chromatic scale in the purple book.
Monday, February 23, 2009
Practice This Weekend
This weekend I practiced for an hour and a half in total, but I didn't have time to input it last night (so I am doing it now). I work on personal pieces, band pieces and scales. Scales are improving, especially chromatic scales. I am getting faster and faster as I practice it and am starting to get a hand of the notes. I have been practicing it by playing the first note, then the first two, then the first three etc. I played some band pieces, specifically "Second Suite". The rhythms are a little tricky and high, but they are so repetitive that I am starting to get them. Movements 1 and 4 I find quite easy, but 2 I am struggling with slightly as we have not played it much as a class so I am not sure on all the rhythms. Personal pieces are going well. I have a Celtic flute music book that I am playing through and i really enjoy it. It also helps me with rhythms. I am considering playing one of the pieces in this book for my recital in June.
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