Festival Reflection and Plan for Improvement (Orchestra)

This year at festival, I think we did a fantastic job as an ensemble, and I know we worked hard to earn our first division rating. Not only did we perform well as an orchestra, but every single person dedicated time and effort to their own playing to reach a greater quality sound when performing with the group.

Rondo Energico:

• Watch for incorrect intonation in lower notes (violas/cellos) and higher notes (violins)
• Try to maintain a constant tempo-resist the urge to rush in pizzicato sections
• Could exaggerate dynamic contrast a bit more to keep audience enraptured
• Great balance between the sections throughout the peace
• Nice "quick fixes"-adjusting to little mishaps

Rating: 

Tone: A
Intonation: B
Rhythm: A-
Technique: A-
Interpretation: A

The Far Away Place:

• Make sure F sharps and C sharps are in tune
• Create more balance between melody and harmony
• Don't rush the eighth notes-keep a steady pace fitting to the piece
• Overall beautiful dynamic contrasts 

Rating:

Tone: A-
Intonation: A-
Rhythm: A-
Technique: B
Interpretation: A

Bells:

• Nice balance and energy level
• Intonation-specifically F sharp and C sharp, and the occasional A sharp
• Make sure the accelerando is gradual and together
• Try to distinguish between forte and piano in measures 5 and 6

Rating:

Tone: A

Intonation: A

Rhythm: A-

Technique: A-

Interpretation: A

Overall Grade: Division I

I feel that we played very well, and had musical aspects in all three of our songs. We put a large amount of time and effort into our pieces, and the outcome was great. We had strong tone, balance, and rhythms, and we collaborated well as a team. If anything, we need to work on intonation, particularly those hard to reach sharps, and greater phrasing in Rondo and Bells. For those reasons, I evaluated our orchestra's performance, and awarded us with a division I rating for all of our hard work.

Plan for Improvement:

Personally, I can (yes, I admit it) practice more frequently with more dedication to improve my playing. I practiced a significant amount for this performance but I believe I could have practiced more. There are many reasons why I didn't, from legitimate to made-up excuses. One of the things I need most work on is time-management; balancing homework, OYO practice, solo and ensemble, auditions, school orchestra practice, and enrichments. Once I learn how to manage my time a bit better, I think that I will have more time to practice all of my music equally.

I should also get into the habit of practicing with a metronome, because it helps me to fully understand the timing of my part, and the complicated rhythms.