September 2015 Newsletter

Upcoming Events: BPYO Concert -- November 14, 2014, 3:00PM at the Morrison Center

Conductor’s Note:

Dear Educators,

Welcome to BPYO 2015-16! Congratulations to all our members for successful auditions this year and to all of the educators who helped to make this experience possible for our students. We are looking forward to an exciting season.

Our first rehearsal was this past Monday, September 14. This is by far the strongest opening rehearsal we've had. Great job to all for their preparation. Our repertoire for this year's fall concert consists of Franz von Suppe's Poet and Peasant Overture, Prokofiev's Second Violin Concerto, the Bachanale from Samson and Delilah by Camille Saint-Saens, and finally the Overture to Russian Easter by Rimsky-Korsakov. All of these pieces for the first concert establish good ensemble balance and listening practice with easily-identifiable textures and melodic/harmonic roles. Additionally, we are stretching the bounds of musicality by introducing such contrasting ideas in nationalism and exoticism.

As we trek through the year, we will continue to encounter scheduling conflicts. BPYO’s policy is that foreseeable absences must be submitted in writing 2 weeks before the requested absence date. We hope that this will allow time for discussion of any kinks if necessary. Please do not hesitate to contact me with conflict concerns. I am very happy to work with you about the best course of action to take where a student’s musical education and well-being is involved.

BPYO's rehearsals are always open and welcoming of our community educators. Please do not hesitate to stop in.

We look forward to seeing you at our next concert!

Sincerely,

Deanna Tham BPYO Music Director

BPYO Rehearsal Update:

In the past few rehearsals, BPYO has been focusing on the following concepts:

-cross-orchestra listening for roles in common orchestral textures

-hierarchy of section dynamics and leadership

Student recognition:

Congratulations to the following students for outstanding preparation for the first rehearsal:

Natalya Bleier for her performance on the opening solo in the Saint-Saens.

Katherine Marx for her excellent preparation and leadership in the Rimsky-Korsakov.

The violas for their cohesiveness of sound.

BPYO still needs a tuba and percussion! Please consider urging your students to experience some substantial orchestral repertoire.