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Vernon Parish Community Orchestra |
Notes |
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ad libitum – at the discretion of the performer; affords the performer license to alter or omit a part agitato—agitated all marcia –in the style of a march allargando—getting slower and broader, more majestic andantino—faster than andante animato—animated, with spirit cadenza--a passage usually towards end of a solo piece, where soloist plays alone in a skilled way cantabile—singing style con—with con brio—with liveliness or spirit con grazia—with grace con moto—with movement con sprito—with spirit or animation dolce—sweetly, tenderly energico—with energy expressive—emotional, eloquent, passionate giocoso--gay, merry grave – very slow and solemn
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lento—slow maestoso—majestically meno—less meno mosso—less movement molto—very morendo—gradually dying away pesante—heavy, lumpy piu--more piu mosso—more movement, quicken prestissimo—as fast as possible religioso—spiritual rubato –in Italian “stolen time,” a musical term for slightly speeding up or slowing down the tempo of a piece at the discretion of the soloist or the conductor scherzando—playful sempre—always sostenuto—sustained
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tempo primo—back to original speed tenuto—in musical notation it means “to hold”—it can mean either hold the note in question its full length or longer, or else play the note slightly louder tranquillo—calm tutti—all obligato--not to be left out; indispensable. Used of an accompaniment that is an integral part of a piece trill--the rapid alternation of two tones either a whole or a half tone apart vivace-a movement that is usually in a lively mood and so usually in a fast tempo vivo – quick and lively |
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SOME MUSICAL TERMS |
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Maximize your talent. You are a talented musician, and you want to be better. You can do it!
In his book TALENT IS NEVER ENOUGH, John C. Maxwell outlines an analysis of characteristics that will move talent to a higher level.
Maxwell says, "Make these choices and you can become a talent-plus person. If you have talent, you stand alone. If you have talent plus, you stand out." Maxwell lists thirteen "key choices that can be made to maximize any person's talent."
1. Belief lifts your talent. 2. Passion energizes your talent. 3. Initiative activates your talent. 4. Focus directs your talent. 5. Preparation positions your talent. 6. Practice sharpens your talent. 7. Perseverance sustains your talent. 8. Courage tests your talent. 9. Teachability expands your talent. 10. Character protects your talent. 11. Relationships influence your talent. 12. Responsibility strengthens your talent. 13. Teamwork multiplies your talent.
—From John C. Maxwell’s Talent Is Never Enough., p. 4. (2007); Thomas Nelson; Nashville , Tennessee.
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FOR STRING PLAYERS: NOTES FROM DR. GORDY
The following thoughts are excerpts from PERFORMANCE SUCCESS: PERFORMING YOUR BEST UNDER PRESSURE, Don Greene, Ph. D., Routledge in New York, NY 2002
1. Make before and after tapes of each project. 2. Stress can make or break you, but it is normal. You can learn to deal with it. 3. Right-brain thinking is great to use in Optimal Performance (best you can do). It is a wonderful place from which to perform. It is more quiet and more focused. It is where you can imagine as you play, hear the sound you want to create. When you perform, think and create, but don’t allow the left brain to criticize. The seven essential skills for performance are: Determination, poise, mental outlook, emotional approach, attention, concentration and resilience. 4. Psychological response to stress: Feeling confused, loss of focus, inner-directed attention. Physical response is “fight or flight”: Muscle tension and increased perspiration. 5. Performance consequences of stress: Impairment of timing and fine muscle coordination; jerky movements, muscular tension. Keep muscles relaxed, from neck and jaw, through shoulders arms and hands, to back and legs. Stress can cause faulty decision-making—inflexible, indecisive or impulsive thinking mental distraction by left-brain criticism. Negative (Doomsday) thinking may result from stress. Stress leads to lack of focus and inability to concentrate on task at hand. 6. Think of your practice goals as a daily “to-do” list. Repetition means reinforcement. 7. Ralph Waldo Emerson: “Self trust is the first secret to success.” 8. “Consciously or unconsciously, you always get what you expect.” Robert Anthony 9. Repetition of the right physical, mental and emotional habits eventually brings them under automatic control. 10. “If you want a rainbow, you gotta put up with a little rain.” Dolly Parton |
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www.vpco.net |
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Need a Luthier?
Check with Cadenza Violin Shop in Shreveport, LA. Toll-free: 888-474-0946 or 318-869-2449.
www.cadenzaviolins.net/ |
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Gerald Klickstein has a new book that is being heralded as a most valuable resource for string players. Sizzlin’ Strings students are urged to get a copy of THE MUSICIAN’S WAY: A GUIDE TO PRACTICE, PERFORMANCE AND WELLNESS. Klickstein has five chapters on the art of practice, from creating a practice environment to “practicing deeply.” |
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TWO NEW BOOKS ON LOUISIANA FIDDLERS
Congratulations to Ron Yule, local fiddler, music historian/author and VPCO violinist, who has just published his fifth and sixth books on Louisiana’s music heritage, both books available now. In LOUISIANA BLUEGRASS, THE EARLY YEARS, Yule chronicles the pioneering bluegrass pickers and promoters in the state whose music prior to the mid–1980’s reflected the true character of the genre and made a powerful impact on the music scene. The book covers a brief history of bluegrass in Louisiana, sketches bluegrass pioneer groups, second generation bands, contemporary bands and more. Contact Ron Yule for a copy. LOUISIANA FIDDLERS, published in 2009 by University Press of Mississippi, “shines light on sixty-two of the bayou state’s most accomplished fiddlers of the twentieth century,” from nationally acclaimed fiddlers to masters such as local champion fiddler Mastern Brack. Contact Ron or http://www.upress.state.ms.us/books/1228. LOUISIANA BLUEGRASS and LOUISIANA FIDDLERS are available from Ron at PO Box 819, DeRidder La 70634 or www.ronyule.com . |
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The ABCs of Violin for the Advanced- BK.3, available at Shar Music Company (1-800-248-7427 or www.sharmusic.com) is recommended for violin, viola and cello players. The book provides excellent developmental exercises for shifting and fingering, among other topics. |
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Find Us:
Michael Bodine Conductor Leesville High School Band Hall michaelbodine@vpsb.k12.la.us
Dr. Karen Gordy Associate Conductor Founder Sizzlin’Strings Studio kgandbg@cebridge.net |
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Eric Rosenblith’s “AH, YOU PLAY THE VIOLIN...,” published in 2010 by Fischer of New York, is an unusual collection of thoughts to help the aspiring violinist attain artistry. Rosenblith addresses all aspects of left arm and right arm contributions to violin production including fingering, thumb placement, shifting, vibrato, bow speed, contact point, role of each part of the arm and articulation. He believes artistry comes from solid technical basis, knowing how to study and development of artistic personality. “...The student must learn to stand on his own two feet…” to finally prepare himself for the teacher who will have the most permanent influence on his development—himself.
“Good training should hopefully also result in flexibility of mind and a real sense of curiosity. There is no question that a musician needs to be a poet, a painter, a philosopher, and engineer and a person who can relate well to fellow human beings.” Available at www.amazon.com for $24.95. |
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RECOMMENDED READING |
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Another book highly recommended by Dr. Gordy is Principles of Violin Playing and Teaching by Ivan Galamian. Available at amazon.com. |