February Newsletter

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Orchestrating Lifelong Participation in the Arts

1629 22nd Ave SE, Olympia WA 98501 | 360-352-1438 | StudentOrchestras.org StudentOrchestras@gmail.com | Facebook.com/StudentOrchestras | February 2021 Vol. XXI No. 7

Tango Time!

by Cameron May, SOGO Music Director

As January drew to a close, the Conservatory Orchestra finished up work on Tango by local composer Austin Schlichting. This is one of two pieces that Conservatory will be performing on the next SO-GO Virtual concert, scheduled for Sunday, March 28. Austin Schlichting is a music educator in the North Thurston School District and also a violist in the Olympia Symphony Orchestra. Tango came into existence as the result of a commission by Yakima Youth Symphony Music Director Bruce Walker, and Austin composed the work in a mere week back in 2013! At three-minutes in length and a mostly steady tempo, Tango works well in the virtual setting. There are two violin solos near the (Continued on p2)

‘Tango’ composer Austin Schlichting and Music Director Cameron May at Conservatory rehearsal Q&A

Hold Your Applause!

Musicians from the Debut and Academy orchestras learn the history of various composers that they are rehearsing for the upcoming concert. Because SOGO has a music historian on staff, Anne Edge, the young musicians receive ample background on the often-colorful lives of these famous composers. Edge surprised the students this past month with a music history lesson on hand clapping. Believe it or not, she had a full page Anne Edge, SOGO Music Historian of hand clapping history. Beginning with applause as being the primary form of how an audience can express their praise for (Continued on p2)

LEAD • INSPIRE • PERFORM •

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Enthusiastic SOGO Students, Parents, and Teachers Tune in for Master Class by Midori, World Renowned Violinist More than 40 pairs of eyes and ears eagerly tuned in last month to watch world-renowned concert violinist Midori give her undivided attention to four SOGO musicians. For each student, Midori and the viewers watched a previously recorded solo performance. Then Midori offered individualized coaching and new techniques for the students to experiment with live in front of the audience. This violin master class kicked off a series of workshops “You can break Midori provided for students, parents, and teachers (see “‘How to Practice’ and music into parts and see patterns ‘Aural Heritage’” below). Debut’s Isabel Arslanian was the first violinist to receive Midori’s soft spoken encouragement. “You have such a nice spirit to the music,” Midori told her.

like a puzzle.” ~ Isabel Arslanian, Debut violinist

Isabel says the experience was “good practice getting feedback in front of others. It was REALLY cool to get to meet Midori and get feedback from her.” She also learned to “break music into parts and see patterns like a puzzle.” “Finding contrast in repetitive sections gives a musician a lot of creative liberty.”

Zach Sears, an Academy musician, went second. Midori complimented Zach on his “natural resonance and reverb,” and then asked him to try different ways of phrasing ~ Zach Sears, his piece. “There is always a shape to the Academy violinist phrase. Where is the music going? I always have my goal in my vision,” she said. Zach says he learned that “finding contrast in repetitive sections gives a musician a lot of creative liberty.” “The way you’re holding the line is beautiful,” Midori told Maria Aurelio, Conservatory Orchestra, after hearing her perform. “Know exactly where you are going – don’t doubt.” (Continued on p2)

SOGO Hosts Midori Workshops: ‘How to Practice’ and ‘Aural Heritage’

by Greg Allison, SOGO Artistic Director

In Midori’s “How to Practice” workshop, she shared tips and strategies to make personal practice more productive. Noted were ways to structure individual practice time and implement goal setting along with helpful accessories and apps to have at the ready. The next segment of the workshop put into “practice” the strategies and processes shared. Using music selections SOGO students are currently working on with their orchestras, Midori demonstrated how to intentionally dissect problem areas and improve in an efficient way. She also noted ways to keep motivated during the learning process and how to control performance nerves by playing for others on a more regular basis and in a (Continued on p2) Experience SOGO at a FREE virtual rehearsal! Sun, Feb 28 - Visit studentorchestras.org for info.

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