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Concert on Friday

March 15, 2007 at 5:47 AM

This will be my 3rd concert as a violist in the Hillsboro Symphony. My father is making the drive from Washington to come listen to me again. Each concert comes easier and easier for me. The very first one 9 months ago I was nervous, scared and even after much practice and several rehearsals not very prepared to play in an orchestra. This time, I feel that I'm ready and really looking forward to the event. I've taken a few days vacation so that I can decompress and focus on my music (as well as weeding the garden, spring cleaning, and sleeping in late).

Lessons tonight went very well. Bruch is coming along nicely and I have managed to add some vibrato to the piece. A major event!!! My teacher has been trying to teach me an arm vibrato. We had an AHA moment when he realized that I was gravitating to a wrist vibrato. After a little bit of gear shifting, the vibrato came, a little tenatively at first, but then later with more gusto. I was sent home with some new fingerings (of course), working from practice marks E-G (only one page remaining!), more vibrato exercises, and some stylistic recommendations/orders, and a compliment on my achievements to date.

I've done more recordings of myself during home practice times, and played a piece back to my father the other night when we were talking on the phone - my latest attempt at Bruch with vibrato added. He asked for me to burn a CD for him when he comes out this weekend. I got a "Dad's thumbs up". I haven't had a recording yet that I would put in public ear yet (Niel!!), but getting closer to having a debut per say.

From Neil Cameron
Posted on March 15, 2007 at 11:06 AM

Always a pleasure to read of your progress Mendy. I await the (eventual) recording with my tongue on a hook.*

Neil

* baited breath :)

From Karen Allendoerfer
Posted on March 15, 2007 at 11:16 AM

That is cool that your father is so supportive of your playing!

From Terez Mertes
Posted on March 15, 2007 at 12:25 PM

I'm SO glad you're able to perform with this orchestra. It's a lot of fun reading about your progress there. And congrats on the vibrato progress!

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