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Small vs large orchestra experience

July 9, 2009 at 6:05 AM

My knees were shaking when I was walking from my car to the rehearsal hall. I wanted to turn around so bad, but I thought to myself, I gotta give it a try (for various reasons that I won't bore you with!). This is my first time playing some very difficult music with a community symphony orchestra. I've been playing with a smaller chamber orchestra for a year and enjoyed every minute of it. We have the summer off, so I decided to try playing with a larger group. Just a slight problem, the music is way over my head. Tchaikovsky 6..... I was so scared! But after 5 minutes into the rehearsal, I learned that when you have winds/brass blasting behind you, you can't even hear yourself play!! In my chamber string orchestra group, I was much more exposed, you can't make mistakes, but it's bit more forgiving in a symphonic orch group.

I will, however, try not to fake that much and really try to learn the music and give it my best! I love violin, i love music!

From Donna Clegg
Posted on July 11, 2009 at 1:02 AM

Been there, done that. You made me smile. Grats on a new experience.

From PM Rolf
Posted on July 11, 2009 at 2:51 AM

Donna, do you enjoy playing in chamber or symphony orchestra more?

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