Please listen to this video and make a comment (a constructive one) about the sound of the group. Yes, I know the video is shaky and difficult to watch, but I was conducting, too.
50 comments:
Julie Manning-Lee
said...
We sound good and enthusiastic but we look really sad. There were a few sharp/natural problems. Bowing wasn't perfect. And I wish the song was 2 paged instead of double sided.
I thought that we were okay, but I thought that we didn't present ourselves well, like some of the violins (a lot) were slouched and looked like they didn't care, also some cellos were kind of slouching over the cello, like making the bow heavy and things like that. Also we didn't have many great dynamics, so it sounded imature, I think that we could do much better.
I think that the overall sound was pretty good, but at 1:30 we could have been more together as a group. Also, besides a few times, you couldn't really identify many dynamic changes, so we should probably work on that.
I think it was good overall but we need to work on the bowings a bit better, our overall posture, and we also need to work on our articulation a bit more. The notes weren't as clear as they could have been
We're good at the forte parts, but the softer parts aren't piano- more like a less exciting version of forte. That made the whole thing seem kind of the same throughout, which is sort of boring to hear and to watch. Also, no eye contact. None. At least, I didn't see any. That might be why we're not together at the beginning, and why we're all sort of doing our own thing with dynamics, except the part where the first violins are the only ones doing, "de-de-de, de-de-de, de-de-de", because they're sort of forced to be quiet at the risk of being singled out for being too loud when we're supposed to be making soft crunchy sounds. As always, there is room to improve.
I think there is definitly room for improvement and we could start by looking up at the conductor. There are places in the song where different groups get out of synch with eachother and the overall sound gets messy.
We sounded pretty good overall, but the bowing could have been better. I also noticed that the second violin section wasn't together at one point; I could hear an echo after the first stand, Ryo and Emily played. We need to work on that. Also, as everybody pointed out, our dynamics were not obvious at all. We all could have done better.
Dynamics arghh. The difference between forte and pianissimo is inaudible, especially after the c and g arpeggios going into the section with a coupple mesures of g chord going into the e minor chord. I heard a bit of an echo effect in the upper ranges. We sort of feel a little apathetic with the main melody: and a one, and a two, and we're somewhere else. and a one and a two and we dont quite care...
When the violins suddenly play softly and the rest of the orchestra then comes in (at 53 seconds), it sounds a little sloppy. Another part that needs work is at 1:20, where we all play forte, then the trumpet plays, and then we must come in again. I think everyone should focus on their bowing and dynamics. Otherwise, I think we're doing well. I've had this song in my head all day!
I think it was good overall, but everyone need to articulate a bit more with each other. Some of the notes sounded slurred because of that. Also, the violin section needs to work a bit more on dynamics.
The intonation of some notes, especially the high ones sounded off, as well as some of the mid-octave scales.
We need to make sure we really play dynamics, especially the Piano or Pianissimo ones, because sometimes you can't hear the winds when they really need to be heard.
I felt that at the end and middle, especially ~2:00, we started to fall apart and it got kind of mushy.
It was always rushing and kind of on the verge of unraveling, very shaky sounding. Also there was a total lack of dynamics, it all sounded kind of noisy and loud. Otherwise it was alright, the notes were fine except for one part in the middle with fast fingerings.
I think our phrasing could be a lot better because this piece does have some pretty distinguishable phrases that are repeated a lot. If we really varied each of the textures (the short vs. the long) and really brought certain ones out, it would make playing and listening to the piece a lot more interesting. I think the dynamics need to be more extreme (the louds louder and the softs softer) and the intonation of the high notes were a little off, but it was sounding okay.
I didn't think the dynamics were great. We need the sound to be more dramatic, because i only hear one volume throughout the entire peice. And, like many other people have said, our posture needs improvement. Our notes were correct, which is good.
Well it was definitely hard to hear the winds in the recording I don't know if that's what it sounds like for real but I dunno maybe the winds could get mic-ed or everyone else has to play softer because if I play my clarinet any louder it will probably squeak. There are a lot of violins and violas but only 1 clarinet and I'm in the back.
I thought the basses and cellos could probably play softer because there are a lot of them and low instruments are naturally easy to hear even if they don't play loudly.
I thought that we performed well. I think that we got worse towards the end of the song , and that we could have had a stronger ending! but overall it was good. We can work on more dramatic dynmaics
Overall I though we sounded good. However there is room for improvement. First we could look more enthusiastic while playing and also be mindful of the conductor.
I thought it was pretty good overall, but I have to agree with Julie. We sounded good, but we all looked depressed. We need to work on our dynamics too, I couldn't really hear a big difference in volume throughout most of the song. Our bowing was also off.
While playing, i noticed that some of the bow movements at some parts, including mine, were going in different directions. Also, some people were slouching back in their chair and had a overall bad posture. Our dynamics were pretty flat all the way, we could've emphasized the change from piano to forte a whole lot better that would've added a exciting aspect into the piece.
It sounds pretty good, but it is mostly the same dynamic throughout the whole piece and not very musically interesting. Also, there were times where I felt that not everyone was together. The notes sounded fine and articulation was good most of the time.
I think that the sound of the group with the band today was actually fairly promising, however, there are still many things we can improve on. Similar bowing and articulation is a must if we are going to make it sound more refined. Also, as mentioned, many people seem to have their head buried in their music, never lookin up, and are looking down right miserable. Also, the contrast between forte and piano should be greater, as it would provide a better dynamic contrast and make this piece somewhat interesting to listen to.
we sound good. although, there were a few notes that were out of tune, and we dont look amazing. not that many people look enthusiastic, and our bowings are all over the place. but altogether the band and orchestra sound good together
So like everyone else has mostly said, it was pretty good but there is definite room for improvement. Everyone should be more enthusiastic, and watch the conductor more so that we're all together.
First of we weren't quite piano in the beginning of the peice.we were pretty quite but not quiet enough to have a good contrast between the loud and soft. Also some of our slurring notes sounded sour along with some high notes.
I think that we were ok with staying together and with rhythm but we were lacking in dynamics especially. We sounded bored, at only mezzo piano or mezzo forte the entire time. By enhancing our dynamics the musically will come through and we will sound much more mature.
I think that this can sound better if we put in more dynamic changes and decresc and cresc to make it more interesting. The intonation is sort of off, but we are still able to tell what the melody is, so that's not that big of a problem. I also wish that the eigth notes can be crispier.
Overall we played well however we need to work on making a more cohesive sound, especially in the first few measures of the piece. Although the beginning is rather fast we need to work on starting together and staying together. Also, we need to put a greater emphasis on dynamics seeing as there were not many noticeable dynamic changes throughout the duration of the piece. We also should work on other aspects of the performance such as correct bowing and looking up at the conductor.
Our bows should be together and i think the violins drag their bows too much and use too much instead of doing short staccato when there are a lot of dotted notes. Not many followed dynamics but if everyone used the correct type of bowing dynamics would be easier to fix.
No one ever looked up. I know it's awkward to look when the camera's directly on you, but it should be hard to avoid if you are already into the habit of looking at the conductor.
I think that we sounded good throughout, however the bowing was so not together and about half way through we were all at different spots some people were falling behind others were way to far ahead. Also there wasn't that much eye-contact maybe a few people looked up but none that i saw. We need to practice the dynamics because we were very good when it was time to be loud (f) however at piano it was... not good we need to pay more attention and i think we should act alive because not many people were smiling, sitting upright, ect. the sound was good but presentation very poor...lets fix that before the show!
I thought that we sounded alright overall, but there's things we could improve on. A lot of people's posture was bad, and our bowings weren't together. Dynamics could also have been better.
People need to learn the difference between naturals, sharps and flats. I remember once Ms. Minnis said that the DHS orchestra was renowned for their bowing together. I didn't see that.
We need to work on our dynamics... when we're at the quieter parts, I don't hear much (if at all) sound difference. Our bowings and playing-together-ness is a bit off. We should also try to look a little more enthusiastic and maybe sit up straight. :)
I felt that at about 2:13 we went a little too fast and maybe we can work on our dynamics. Sometimes the bowing was sharp and short but other times it dragged out the song. I think it needs a little enthusiasm from the audience and that we were a little too relaxed and out of posture.
It sounds all right, but it looked like there were a few problems all around. Noticeably, I saw we seemed to be out of unison quite a bit. In general, the piece still needs finishing work, but we have down the basics and it sounds OK, so we'll just have to keep up with attention to detail.
I thought the overall performance was good. However, I thought in places the tuning was off, which made for some strange sounds. I thought in addition, there could have been more dynamic contrast because the song sounded a little bit monotonous at times, and the students didn't look as though they really cared too much.
Orchestra rocks! Kinda. Everyone is playing their parts well, but I think it would sound alot better if everyone would know what voice of the song they are playing. Like, if the violas were playing the melody they should bring their part out, but if they were playing the harmony, they should lay back and let the melody shine through.
weee sounded good in the beginning, but as time went by we got lazy and sloppy and fell apart. we need to look at the conductor and not get lazy half-way through the song
I think that we sounded alright but there are places for improvement. I thought that the volume could be louder and quieter at certain places. The bowings were off a bit but we also didnt sound big and formal like its supposed to be. if we can keep in mind for like what the real song sounds like and work towards that, this piece could improve by a lot and really be a highlight of the winter concert.
I thought it was okay, but we still haven't given our full 100% effort yet. The articulation needs to be fixed and our tempo is a bit unsteady at certain sections. The timing with the conductor is awkward after the brass and wind have their little solo. Also, try not to be afraid about using emotions (which is a good thing). Move your body side to side sometimes with the flow of the music. And really, dynamics are great with many of you guys, but I could see that a couple of you aren't following the dynamics. You are just keeping the same tone of sound and dynamic through out the piece. When the violin or cello have their melody, try to let them have their show, don't go auto-pilot during those parts, try to balance your sound(s) with theirs.
comparing to the other performance by the austria people or whoever they are... we should really try and go a bit faster and get the dynamics down: it sounds like the second violins and cellos are at the same level as the firsts, but they should really be in the background.
i thought we could have gone faster and emphasized the dynamic changes much more. the only part where i heard a big change in dynamics was at 2:18. Mostly we need to emphasize pianos an pianissimos because we were overpowering the winds and brasses.
First and foremost, it didn't sound or feel like a marching song. There wasn't the crisp, loud energy that usually goes along with them. Many people had bad posture, and though most of the song is staccato, some people played the notes as if they weren't. However, the notes and the timing seemed pretty spot on save a few mistakes. I think that if everyone focusing on keeping those short notes short and follow the tempo, the song will sound a lot better and professional.
I think one of the key things that needs to be worked on that can improve the piece instantly are the dynamics written in the piece. The volume of the piece and the bowing changes the mood of the piece.
We need to have shorter and more exact notes. We need to be more relaxed and light/jumpy...after all, it is a march. We are too sloppy with the eight notes and staccatos. We need to listen to each other more. Dynamics are essential to making the march light and colorful like the performance by the Vienna Philharmonic.
The cellos and bass need to still work on making our notes more crisp and and not all muddled when we play certain parts. We definitely need to work on getting all the violins bows together, but before that they should at least practice and play the right rhythm. Without that it is impossible to at least make it look nice. -Bobby J
50 comments:
We sound good and enthusiastic but we look really sad. There were a few sharp/natural problems. Bowing wasn't perfect. And I wish the song was 2 paged instead of double sided.
I thought that we were okay, but I thought that we didn't present ourselves well, like some of the violins (a lot) were slouched and looked like they didn't care, also some cellos were kind of slouching over the cello, like making the bow heavy and things like that. Also we didn't have many great dynamics, so it sounded imature, I think that we could do much better.
Olivia (Cellos)
I think that the overall sound was pretty good, but at 1:30 we could have been more together as a group. Also, besides a few times, you couldn't really identify many dynamic changes, so we should probably work on that.
I think it was good overall but we need to work on the bowings a bit better, our overall posture, and we also need to work on our articulation a bit more. The notes weren't as clear as they could have been
We're good at the forte parts, but the softer parts aren't piano- more like a less exciting version of forte. That made the whole thing seem kind of the same throughout, which is sort of boring to hear and to watch. Also, no eye contact. None. At least, I didn't see any. That might be why we're not together at the beginning, and why we're all sort of doing our own thing with dynamics, except the part where the first violins are the only ones doing, "de-de-de, de-de-de, de-de-de", because they're sort of forced to be quiet at the risk of being singled out for being too loud when we're supposed to be making soft crunchy sounds. As always, there is room to improve.
I thought that is sounded really nice- put it would be better if all of our bows were going in the same direction!
I think there is definitly room for improvement and we could start by looking up at the conductor. There are places in the song where different groups get out of synch with eachother and the overall sound gets messy.
We sounded pretty good overall, but the bowing could have been better. I also noticed that the second violin section wasn't together at one point; I could hear an echo after the first stand, Ryo and Emily played. We need to work on that. Also, as everybody pointed out, our dynamics were not obvious at all. We all could have done better.
Dynamics arghh. The difference between forte and pianissimo is inaudible, especially after the c and g arpeggios going into the section with a coupple mesures of g chord going into the e minor chord. I heard a bit of an echo effect in the upper ranges. We sort of feel a little apathetic with the main melody: and a one, and a two, and we're somewhere else. and a one and a two and we dont quite care...
When the violins suddenly play softly and the rest of the orchestra then comes in (at 53 seconds), it sounds a little sloppy. Another part that needs work is at 1:20, where we all play forte, then the trumpet plays, and then we must come in again. I think everyone should focus on their bowing and dynamics. Otherwise, I think we're doing well. I've had this song in my head all day!
I think it was good overall, but everyone need to articulate a bit more with each other. Some of the notes sounded slurred because of that. Also, the violin section needs to work a bit more on dynamics.
We're just so fantastic and awesome.
The bowing's everywhere.
The intonation of some notes, especially the high ones sounded off, as well as some of the mid-octave scales.
We need to make sure we really play dynamics, especially the Piano or Pianissimo ones, because sometimes you can't hear the winds when they really need to be heard.
I felt that at the end and middle, especially ~2:00, we started to fall apart and it got kind of mushy.
It was always rushing and kind of on the verge of unraveling, very shaky sounding. Also there was a total lack of dynamics, it all sounded kind of noisy and loud. Otherwise it was alright, the notes were fine except for one part in the middle with fast fingerings.
I think our phrasing could be a lot better because this piece does have some pretty distinguishable phrases that are repeated a lot. If we really varied each of the textures (the short vs. the long) and really brought certain ones out, it would make playing and listening to the piece a lot more interesting.
I think the dynamics need to be more extreme (the louds louder and the softs softer) and the intonation of the high notes were a little off, but it was sounding okay.
I thought the clarinet sounded amazing.
I didn't think the dynamics were great. We need the sound to be more dramatic, because i only hear one volume throughout the entire peice. And, like many other people have said, our posture needs improvement. Our notes were correct, which is good.
Thank you Michael Coe.
Well it was definitely hard to hear the winds in the recording I don't know if that's what it sounds like for real but I dunno maybe the winds could get mic-ed or everyone else has to play softer because if I play my clarinet any louder it will probably squeak. There are a lot of violins and violas but only 1 clarinet and I'm in the back.
I thought the basses and cellos could probably play softer because there are a lot of them and low instruments are naturally easy to hear even if they don't play loudly.
I thought that we performed well. I think that we got worse towards the end of the song , and that we could have had a stronger ending! but overall it was good. We can work on more dramatic dynmaics
Overall I though we sounded good. However there is room for improvement. First we could look more enthusiastic while playing and also be mindful of the conductor.
I thought it was pretty good overall, but I have to agree with Julie. We sounded good, but we all looked depressed. We need to work on our dynamics too, I couldn't really hear a big difference in volume throughout most of the song. Our bowing was also off.
While playing, i noticed that some of the bow movements at some parts, including mine, were going in different directions. Also, some people were slouching back in their chair and had a overall bad posture. Our dynamics were pretty flat all the way, we could've emphasized the change from piano to forte a whole lot better that would've added a exciting aspect into the piece.
It sounds pretty good, but it is mostly the same dynamic throughout the whole piece and not very musically interesting. Also, there were times where I felt that not everyone was together. The notes sounded fine and articulation was good most of the time.
I think that the sound of the group with the band today was actually fairly promising, however, there are still many things we can improve on. Similar bowing and articulation is a must if we are going to make it sound more refined. Also, as mentioned, many people seem to have their head buried in their music, never lookin up, and are looking down right miserable. Also, the contrast between forte and piano should be greater, as it would provide a better dynamic contrast and make this piece somewhat interesting to listen to.
we sound good. although, there were a few notes that were out of tune, and we dont look amazing. not that many people look enthusiastic, and our bowings are all over the place. but altogether the band and orchestra sound good together
So like everyone else has mostly said, it was pretty good but there is definite room for improvement. Everyone should be more enthusiastic, and watch the conductor more so that we're all together.
First of we weren't quite piano in the beginning of the peice.we were pretty quite but not quiet enough to have a good contrast between the loud and soft. Also some of our slurring notes sounded sour along with some high notes.
I think that we were ok with staying together and with rhythm but we were lacking in dynamics especially. We sounded bored, at only mezzo piano or mezzo forte the entire time. By enhancing our dynamics the musically will come through and we will sound much more mature.
I think that this can sound better if we put in more dynamic changes and decresc and cresc to make it more interesting. The intonation is sort of off, but we are still able to tell what the melody is, so that's not that big of a problem.
I also wish that the eigth notes can be crispier.
Overall we played well however we need to work on making a more cohesive sound, especially in the first few measures of the piece. Although the beginning is rather fast we need to work on starting together and staying together. Also, we need to put a greater emphasis on dynamics seeing as there were not many noticeable dynamic changes throughout the duration of the piece. We also should work on other aspects of the performance such as correct bowing and looking up at the conductor.
Our bows should be together and i think the violins drag their bows too much and use too much instead of doing short staccato when there are a lot of dotted notes. Not many followed dynamics but if everyone used the correct type of bowing dynamics would be easier to fix.
No one ever looked up. I know it's awkward to look when the camera's directly on you, but it should be hard to avoid if you are already into the habit of looking at the conductor.
I think that we sounded good throughout, however the bowing was so not together and about half way through we were all at different spots some people were falling behind others were way to far ahead. Also there wasn't that much eye-contact maybe a few people looked up but none that i saw. We need to practice the dynamics because we were very good when it was time to be loud (f) however at piano it was... not good we need to pay more attention and i think we should act alive because not many people were smiling, sitting upright, ect. the sound was good but presentation very poor...lets fix that before the show!
I thought that we sounded alright overall, but there's things we could improve on. A lot of people's posture was bad, and our bowings weren't together. Dynamics could also have been better.
People need to learn the difference between naturals, sharps and flats. I remember once Ms. Minnis said that the DHS orchestra was renowned for their bowing together. I didn't see that.
I think we really need to work on making a crisper, cleaner sound and not dragging the notes on for a long time because it is a march.
We need to work on our dynamics... when we're at the quieter parts, I don't hear much (if at all) sound difference.
Our bowings and playing-together-ness is a bit off.
We should also try to look a little more enthusiastic and maybe sit up straight.
:)
I felt that at about 2:13 we went a little too fast and maybe we can work on our dynamics. Sometimes the bowing was sharp and short but other times it dragged out the song. I think it needs a little enthusiasm from the audience and that we were a little too relaxed and out of posture.
It sounds all right, but it looked like there were a few problems all around. Noticeably, I saw we seemed to be out of unison quite a bit. In general, the piece still needs finishing work, but we have down the basics and it sounds OK, so we'll just have to keep up with attention to detail.
I thought the overall performance was good. However, I thought in places the tuning was off, which made for some strange sounds. I thought in addition, there could have been more dynamic contrast because the song sounded a little bit monotonous at times, and the students didn't look as though they really cared too much.
Orchestra rocks! Kinda. Everyone is playing their parts well, but I think it would sound alot better if everyone would know what voice of the song they are playing. Like, if the violas were playing the melody they should bring their part out, but if they were playing the harmony, they should lay back and let the melody shine through.
weee sounded good in the beginning, but as time went by we got lazy and sloppy and fell apart. we need to look at the conductor and not get lazy half-way through the song
I think that we sounded alright but there are places for improvement. I thought that the volume could be louder and quieter at certain places. The bowings were off a bit but we also didnt sound big and formal like its supposed to be. if we can keep in mind for like what the real song sounds like and work towards that, this piece could improve by a lot and really be a highlight of the winter concert.
I thought it was okay, but we still haven't given our full 100% effort yet. The articulation needs to be fixed and our tempo is a bit unsteady at certain sections. The timing with the conductor is awkward after the brass and wind have their little solo. Also, try not to be afraid about using emotions (which is a good thing). Move your body side to side sometimes with the flow of the music. And really, dynamics are great with many of you guys, but I could see that a couple of you aren't following the dynamics. You are just keeping the same tone of sound and dynamic through out the piece. When the violin or cello have their melody, try to let them have their show, don't go auto-pilot during those parts, try to balance your sound(s) with theirs.
comparing to the other performance by the austria people or whoever they are... we should really try and go a bit faster and get the dynamics down: it sounds like the second violins and cellos are at the same level as the firsts, but they should really be in the background.
i thought we could have gone faster and emphasized the dynamic changes much more. the only part where i heard a big change in dynamics was at 2:18. Mostly we need to emphasize pianos an pianissimos because we were overpowering the winds and brasses.
First and foremost, it didn't sound or feel like a marching song. There wasn't the crisp, loud energy that usually goes along with them. Many people had bad posture, and though most of the song is staccato, some people played the notes as if they weren't. However, the notes and the timing seemed pretty spot on save a few mistakes. I think that if everyone focusing on keeping those short notes short and follow the tempo, the song will sound a lot better and professional.
I think one of the key things that needs to be worked on that can improve the piece instantly are the dynamics written in the piece. The volume of the piece and the bowing changes the mood of the piece.
We need to have shorter and more exact notes.
We need to be more relaxed and light/jumpy...after all, it is a march.
We are too sloppy with the eight notes and staccatos.
We need to listen to each other more.
Dynamics are essential to making the march light and colorful like the performance by the Vienna Philharmonic.
The cellos and bass need to still work on making our notes more crisp and and not all muddled when we play certain parts. We definitely need to work on getting all the violins bows together, but before that they should at least practice and play the right rhythm. Without that it is impossible to at least make it look nice.
-Bobby J
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