Orchestra

Last night was the first rehearsal of the Colleges of the Fenway Orchestra, of which I am now a member. I had my audition two weeks ago, and it took all of one minute for the director to make up her mind about me. Everyone got the same treatment, I'm pretty sure. But she must have been impressed, because I am now playing first violin for the first time since high school. Granted, I've only had one year of playing in a real orchestra between high school and now, but it still feels rather odd to suddenly be one of "them" again. I'm sitting at the last stand in the section, but I'm the outside player, which means my stand partner has to turn the pages (good for me--I hate that job) and I am completely exposed to the audience.

It took forever to get rehearsal started, what with sorting out music and seating and all of the complications of a first rehearsal. We've apparently double in size from last year to a nice 70 member group. The music is going to be tough to get ready for our November 20 concert (take not Katie, are you free that day?). We're playing Beethoven's Fifth Symphony, Mozart's La Clemenza di Tito, and Georges Bizet's "L'Arlesienne" Concert Suite. I think our spring program will be a little lighter--I've been told last year they played the theme form Star Wars.

Of course, now that I have a group to play in again, I need to look at taking better care of my instrument. Apparently the trip out here and change in climate was not good for my bow--I lost five hairs last night alone just in tightening the bow to play. And I lost two more the last time I had it out to practice. But, there's got to be a place in Boston that can re-hair it for me. I just need to do a little research. I also dropped my rosin on the floor, but there's a big enough chunk left that it should last me quite some time, so I don't think I'll be replacing that just yet.

Rehearsal felt long, even though it was almost an hour shorter than it will usually be, just because of our delayed start. I haven't played that much all at once for a few months. I guess I'll have to work on getting my stamina back if I'm going to make it all the way through Beethoven. At least it's fun. Last night we pretty much just read all three pieces without going back to work on the trouble spots. The point was just to get a feel for the music so we can practice on our own. Our director even took it all pretty fast, even though we were sight reading. There is no "tempo de learno" here, apparently. Still, since we've only got six rehearsals before the concert, it makes sense to just push forward. It'll be hard work, but it will be worth it.

-Kim