New blogger

November 8, 2005 at 3:31 PM

After a year of reading violin blogs, I've decided to jump in with my own. I guess I feel as though I have something exciting to share finally. As an adult beginner, it was somewhat intimidating to read about the hours of practice and performances posted by many of you. That being said, however, you have all been my inspiration to practice harder and expand my playing opportunities.

I have played in an excellent church orchestra for 3 years now and that alone has been a tremendous experience. They allowed me to join as a true beginner (finger tapes and all) and let me work through those frustrating experiences of trying to play in tune. I had a strong music background, so intonation has been my biggest hurdle. Encouragement from fellow orchestra members gave me confidance and the drive to practice harder.

This past summer I auditioned for our local community orchestra, the Southern Crescent Symphony Orchestra, and was amazed to be accepted. We began rehearsals in September for our first performace of the year which is a collaborative effort with a local private school. The school is using the event to raise money for their Fine Arts department.

This is the exciting part. The people that put this all together somehow got the rights to perform King David Oratorio. It was written to celebrate the 3,000th anniversary of Jerusalem by two of the best in musical theatre - Alan Menken (Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, The Little Mermaid, Newsies, Little Shop of Horrors, etc.) and Tim Rice (Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Jesus Christ Spurstar, Evita, Lion King, Aida, etc.). The war in Israel prevented the production's performance abroad, but the work was performed one time in NYC at the re-opening of the New Amsterdam Theatre. We are using the original music from that production, complete with bow markings,many cuts and scribbled notes. It is very challenging to read and very long - over 2 hours. Professional soloists from New York, Chicago and Atlanta are singing with the talented high school chorus, school alumni, staff and board members.

How can a private school and community orchestra possibly pull off something of this callibre? Beats me, but it is phenomenal! Our performances are this Friday and Saturday. Alan Menken has indicated that he will jet in from LA for Saturday night's concert and will "stay to drink champagne" with us. How cool is that - I guess some one better get busy and buy champagne!?! Needless to say, this has been quite an experience for me and now I can say I am an official blogger to boot.

From Eric Stanfield
Posted on November 8, 2005 at 3:49 PM

Just curious (also adult beginner), how many months/years between when you started playing and when you landed the community orchestra seat? I'd like to join one of the local orchestras and I know I have some time yet before I'll have enough technique but I'm just looking for some frame of reference.

From Carley Anderson
Posted on November 8, 2005 at 5:38 PM

How exciting! Welcome to Violinist.com. We're glad to have you!

From Natasha Marsalli
Posted on November 8, 2005 at 8:36 PM

One thing you have to do now that you're involved in an orchestra and play the violin; memorize all the viola jokes. :)

From Karin Lin
Posted on November 8, 2005 at 9:19 PM

Ha ha, Natasha. :) Welcome, Donna! I'm not an adult beginner (I played for many years as a child, then quit after college) but I feel like one in some ways because my whole attitude toward the violin has been transformed since I started again at the age of 30-mumble with a really fantastic teacher. It is so much harder to find the time to practice as an adult, but I think we bring to our experiences a certain maturity and true "doing it because you love it" joy. Don't let the young-uns intimidate you. ;)

From Gwen Falconer
Posted on November 9, 2005 at 1:26 AM

Aww I'm glad to read about another violinist! Keep us updated. :)

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