Blog of Carol Doemel
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Wednesday, April 15th 2009

Essential Question: 
How can bow nuance affect tone, phrasing, and color?

Please check the calendar for after school rehearsals for our big finale concert, "A Night at the Movies!". If you haven't purchased a table yet, DON'T WAIT!! They are going fast. Forms are in the orchestra room. This is the HARDEST music of the year and time is quickly running out. PREPARE YOUR MUSIC. This event is huge and hundreds will be there to hear YOU. Please put the time in on your instrument.

Friday, April 3rd 2009

Essential Question: 
What is my plan of attack for audition preparation? Please write down what you will do each day to meet your goal.

Our “Night at the Movies!” concert is quickly approaching. Thursday, April 30th, 7:30pm – Lassiter Gym. Ticket order forms have been distributed in class and e-mailed to parents. Remember, tables go fast, so get those forms in QUICKLY!

This year’s feature films and film scores: Aladdin, Braveheart, The Incredibles, Shrek, Gone with the Wind, Rocky, Gladiator, and Star Wars. What a great evening!

Audition Material for next Playing Test (this has been distributed to all students):

Violin: Bb Major and A Minor – 3 octaves with arpeggio. One scale will be slurred.
#132 and #96 from the Advanced Technique book

Viola: Eb Major and D Minor – 3 octaves with arpeggio. One scale will be slurred.
#132 and #163 from the Advanced Technique book.

Cello: Eb Major and D Minor – 3 octaves with arpeggio. One scale will be slurred.
#132 and #145 from the Advanced Technique book.

Bass: Bb Major and A Minor – 2 octaves with arpeggio. One scale will be slurred.
#132 and #145 from the Advanced Technique book.

Monday, March 23rd 2009

Essential Question: 
What aspect of the concert was the most musically enjoyable to you?

Congratulations String Ensemble and Symphony for your fabulous concert Tuesday evening! Your level of musicianship never ceases to amaze me. The Telemann sparkled! Bernstein was beautifully phrased. I believe that was the best Carpe Diem we’ve played this year. Magnificent job, String Ensemble! Chamber Strings - so much maturity in your playing. Tempo was very stable, great rhythmic integrity, and overall beautiful playing on the Vivaldi. Bravo!

Christina and Sarah, you both were breath-taking! The Lalo was so passionate and absolutely mesmerizing, Christina. Jacqueline du Pre’ would have been so proud!

Sarah, the Sibelius was riveting. You play with such spectacular technique, however that is overshadowed by your brilliant musicality. I am amazed by both of you, and I know our audience felt the same. Bravissimo!!!
Orchestra: incredible job accompanying these musicians. Both works were hard as nails!! You made the soloists comfortable on stage and you played beautifully. In addition, the Barber was passionate and heart-wrenching. I had many folks come up and say they were in, or near tears. And the Mussorgsky was so suspenseful!! I could feel the gathering ghouls all around me!

This was a concert to remember. Congratulations!

Sunday, March 8th 2009

Essential Question: 
How does harmonic structure drive the music?

This week is elective registration for next year. We will do all elective registration on Wednesday, since we have a field trip on Thursday. Thursday, March 12th, the orchestra will take a field trip to Woodruff Arts Center to attend an open rehearsal with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra. Following the rehearsal, the guest soloist, pianist Horacio Gutiérrez, will meet with our orchestra for a "Meet the Artist" discussion. Lunch will be on your own across the street at Colony Square.

Learn more about Horacio Gutierrez

Wednesday, February 25th 2009

All orchestras are currently preparing for the "Night of Classics" concert at Kell High School, 7pm, on Tuesday March 24th. String Ensemble will perform the Telemann, Carpe Diem, and Bernstein's One Hand, One Heart. The String Ensemble Chamber Strings will perform a work by Vivaldi, and String Ensemble Cello and Bass Choir will be featured also. Symphony is currently preparing Barber's Adagio, Moussorksky's Night on Bald Mountain, and our solo winners, Sarah Ohms and Christina Robin, will perform Sibelius Violin Concerto III, and Lalo Cello Concerto I respectively.

On Another Note: Check out pianist, Lang Lang, and a very vivid musical description!

Sunday, February 15th 2009

Big Week!!!

String Ensemble has their GMEA Performance Evaluation this Wednesday, 3:30pm at McEachern High School.  Parents are welcome to attend!  We will take county busses to and from the performance.  If you are planning on taking your student home with you, you must send in a signed note stating so, and tell me as you depart with your student.

Thursday, February 5th 2009

Essential Question: 
What is the importance of tone color?

Announcement! The Lassiter Orchestra will be attending an Atlanta Symphony Open Rehearsal on March 12th. Nicola Luisotti conducting Thaikovsky's Capriccio Italien, Prokofiev Piano Concerto No. 3, and Beethoven Symphony No. 7. We will go to lunch afterwards at Hard Rock Cafe, then return to Lassiter. Info to come.

String Ensemble: Playing test week - Carpe Diem
Symphony: Sectionals on full orchestra music. Lalo and Sibelius will be distributed this week.

Thursday, January 22nd 2009

Essential Question: 
What element of music should be addressed first when preparing a piece?

String Ensemble: Prepare for playing test from "Carpe Diem". Playing tests will be the week of February 2nd.
Festival is February 25th. Performance will be 3:30pm at McEachern High School's Performing Arts Center. We will bus to the event, then stop for dinner on the way home. Info to come.

Symphony: New music for the full orchestra concert will be our focus. Bowings, fingerings, musical line. Seniors: Make sure and get your banquet info to the student officers (form and pictures). Next performance is March 24th at 7pm - Kell High School.

Thursday, January 15th 2009

Essential Question: 
How does the form of a piece of music guide the preparation?

Great start to second semester! Both orchestras continue to perform at a high level. Thank you for your attention to your personal preparation.

This Saturday is the All-State Final Audition. Information and times have been given out in class. If you have questions, please see Mrs. D. Good luck to these hard-working students!

String Ensemble: Our first goal is GMEA Large Group Performance Evaluation. The Performance Evaluation is an evaluation of musical performance and sight-reading abilities for performing groups. Performance Evaluation participation affords valuable opportunity and motivation for learning during and extended period of time before the event. We will focus on our program, along with continuing to develop skills on our instrument.

Symphony: We will have a full orchestra performance on Tuesday, March 24th at 7pm, Kell High School. We are now setting the program. Barber Adagio, Night on Bald Mountain, American Rhapsody, plus 2 concerti.

Wednesday, December 10th 2008

Chamber Ensemble: Midwest Packing List  | Midwest Itinerary

String Ensemble: The String Ensemble performance has been moved from December 10th to 6pm on January 22nd, prior to the Open House. The String Ensemble will present the 3 numbers that they will be performing at the Georgia Music Educators Performance Evaluation and for the performance in Washington DC.  This will be followed by a short informational meeting on the Heritage Festival Washington DC trip. It will be held in the Lassiter Theater.

Tuesday, November 18th 2008

Essential Question: 
What is music?
We'll do some brainstorming on this - talk about open-ended!

String Ensemble: Playing tests tomorrow and Thursday. Here's the 3rd movement of the Holst - very true to the score. Notice the bow style/ placement, and dynamics (so important to the energy in this movement). http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yRM8J0F-hOU

Chamber Orchestra: Please try to find time to woodshed spots that you are having difficulties with in our Midwest Program. Use the metronome! Carol of the Bells mm = 50. Still big problems with rushing. Work on your Db scale and Embraceable You. Lush! Vibrato, sustaining, contrast between accompaniment and tutti sections.

Bartok - the ending still rushes (NAACP). Work A LOT with a metronome goal - HN = 116. Start practice with metronome on the quarter notes about 144 and work up to 232 (or 116 with the upbeat). This spot must settle in, or the passage will feel tense!! Accents...pulse. Make sure it's obvious. Carpe - work on releases. Still sloppy. Zou-San - work bow speed nuance. Breeze - adhere to tempo HN=112. LOTS TO CLEAN UP and SO LITTLE TIME! You are so close to a spectacular performance. Keep up the progress.

Wednesday, November 12th 2008

Essential Question: 
How is rhythmic integrity important to the musical line?

Lots is going on! Thursday, 11/13 Chamber Orchestra will perform their complete Midwest program followed by a parent meeting. 7pm in the LASSITER THEATER (this is a location change). Student need to arrive at 6pm for a rehearsal with our guest soloist. All Midwest payments should be in at this time. Please let Mrs. D know of any financial issues. Great YouTube of Judy Garland singing Embraceable You! What a classic tune. You’ll enjoy this and it will give you a better understanding of the piece.

String Ensemble: Be working on your 4th playing test: G Minor (bass and violins) and C Minor (viola and cello). Playing test will be the middle of next week. Continue to work on your 6/8 rhythms with a metronome. The Washington DC trip info went home today with the String Ensemble students. Please check book bags for this form! Here is a beautiful performance of the Air from Brook Green Suite (not the best location, but nice performance).

Friday, October 31st 2008

Essential Question: 
Why is the ability to sight-read important for a musician?

Congratulations on a wonderful Fall Concert!

String Ensemble: the maturity of your sound and technical facility was far beyond my expectations for this time of year. I am looking forward to the new literature and your progress. All String Ensemble should have completed their 3rd playing test: G major 3 octave w/ arpeggio (violin), C major 3 octave w/ arpeggio (viola, cello, and bass). Next playing test in 2 weeks: G minor (violin, bass) C minor (viola, cello) w/ arpeggio.

Chamber Orchestra: Great 1st performance. Our big pieces are in place as far as notes, rhythm. We will work to clean articulations, dynamically match within the section, and expand our dynamic range. Click here the rehearsal schedule leading up to Midwest. Please take time to prepare each night for the literature the following day. All sections should have completed 3 playing tests at this point.

The administration, Ms. Borchert, and I are currently working on the exam schedule. We should have details next week.

Wednesday, October 15th 2008

Essential Question: 
Why is rhythmic integrity important to an ensemble?

Reminders: Lassiter Orchestra Fall Concert is Thursday, October 23rd, 7pm at Kell High School. Please read former blogs for more information. Freshmen: Make sure your dress is hemmed, closed-toe pumps for girls. Guys - Standard tux, black socks, black dress shoes. Uniform information is available.

Get your Tornado Rider money in ASAP! We'll take a picture with Tornado Riders for our "Wall-of-Fame". Don't miss out! Check next week's blog for dinner location. We will go out for pizza before the concert. Parents: This is NOT a school sponsored field trip. You are responsible for your son/daughter.

I will be available Friday morning for make-up playing tests. This is your last opportunity to make up a test.

Honor Orchestra Registration is going on now. This is a wonderful opportunity, so please consider auditioning.

Monday 10/20 - Chamber Orchestra Midwest Rehearsal 4-6
Tuesday 10/21 - String Ensemble Rehearsal 3:45-5

Wednesday, October 8th 2008

Essential Question: 
How does chord placement affect intonation?

Continue preparation for your concert Thursday, October 23rd. Make sure your tux and gown with appropriate shoes are in order. The concert is at KELL HIGH SCHOOL. String Ensemble will take their picture at 6pm. Concert begins at 7.

Rushad is coming! Get your $10 to me by October 15th (payable LHSOA). We will go out to dinner at 5:30 beforehand.  Dinner location TBA. This is not a field trip! Your parents are responsible for all transportation and supervision. The concert is at KELL HIGH SCHOOL, Monday, October 27th at 7:30pm.

4th Period Playing Tests: Monday, October 13th

Violins - G Major 3 octaves with arpeggio

Viola, Cello, Bass - C Major 3 octaves with arpeggio

All classes have completed 2 playing tests.

GHP - For those of you who meet the criteria and pass my interview, here is the Governor's Honors Program Information:
Printable PDF  |  Microsoft Word

Wednesday, October 1st 2008

Essential Question: 
How can we affect tone through technique?

Great rehearsals this week! I'm hearing very good preparation, especially on the playing tests.

Chamber - 5th period - Friday, October 3rd - Chamber playing test. Cello before school, everyone else during class.

String Ensemble - 3rd Period - Friday, October 3rd - Playing test on Brandenburg

Reminder!  Get your money in for the Rushad Eggleston and  the "Tornado Riders" Concert on Monday, October 27th at 7pm - Kell High School.  EVERY and ANYONE will be incredibly entertained by Rushad and his band.  So talented and very different!

Please check out www.myspace.com/tornadoriderband for information on this unbelievable group!
www.sonicbids.com/tordnadorider - click on 'audio' and you can download some of their songs (Bison Land is cool).
Tickets are $10 and money is due October 17th (checks payable to LHSOA)

Wednesday, September 17th 2008

Lassiter Chamber Orchestra picture will be taken during 5th period on Wednesday, September 17th during class.

Are you interested in GHP?
If you are a member of the Lassiter Chamber Orchestra, are a sophomore or junior, and meet the criteria, you can audition for GHP.
INFORMATION MEETING TIMES:
Friday, Sept 19 8:00 AM
Monday, Sept 22 8:00 AM AND 3:30 PM
Wednesday, Sept 24 3:30 PM
You only need to come to one.

String Ensemble: Your next combined rehearsal is Tuesday, September 30th 3:45-5pm. This is in place of our cancelled rehearsal. Please let me know ASAP if you have a conflict via parent note.

Tuesday, September 2nd 2008

Thank you Chamber Orchestra for a wonderful performance at Open House.  The Tangos are coming along nicely! Reminders for Chamber sectionals:  Violins - Thursday morning at 7:15, Cello Friday 7:15.

String Ensemble: Please utilize the "Practice Tips" sheet I gave you. Practice in small chunks.  Work on playing passages with open strings - get the bow stroke clean and in the correct part of the bow before adding fingers.  Make sure you are using the fingerings given out in class, especially position work.  Practice the scale you were given on the playing test EVERY DAY.  We will work on other scales that directly relate to this scale.  We are building on knowledge that you have.

Here is the form for registering for the following events: [ download ]
GMEA All-State
GMEA Solo and Ensemble
Cobb County Honor Orchestra
The dates of the events are on the Orchestra Calendar and the form.
Deadline for turning in forms and money is Tuesday, September 3rd.  Please return to the LHSOA drop box.

Here is the information for the 2008 Honor Orchestra: [ download ]

Tuesday, August 26th 2008

What a great week for the LHS Orchestra Program! We had a wonderful parent meeting Tuesday, very successful auditions on Thursday, and one of the most productive orchestra camps in history on Friday and Saturday. Your clinicians not only did an amazing job with you, but voiced their approval on what a fantastic work ethic you all have. Thank you for being prepared for them. It is our goal to be ready for camp and to take advantage of what these professionals have to offer, and you did just that. The overall tone production of String Ensemble was a major goal and you all surpassed the standard. In addition, the technical advancement you made, especially in rhythmic integrity, was fabulous.

Chamber Orchestra - even at tempi yet to be incorporated, you made major advancements in the Bartok. I am pleased to say, I do believe this piece is in our capabilities, IF you continue to work at the pace you are working now.

Big news! Selmer Pro/ Army Blues jazz chair/ and THE Army Brass Quintet trombonist, Harry Watters, will be performing with us at the Midwest! What a treat you all will have! Mr. Watters is currently the most sought-after trombonist in the country. I will give you further information this week on our guest artist. His wife, Holly Watters, is a violist with the Army Strings. The Army Symphony will be performing immediately after us at Midwest. The Midwest is a small world! You will be surprised at the musicians, professors, composers, that we will come across that week. What an exciting opportunity!

Please look for Smart Music assignments. They will be posted shortly.

Thursday, August 21st 2008

Lassiter Orchestra Camp
August 22^nd and 23rd
PRINTABLE SCHEDULE

Friday, August 22nd

5:30PM: Registration in the Lassiter Orchestra Room

6PM: Orchestra Meeting in LHS Theater
  Rehearsals: Chamber in Chorus Room  |  String Ensemble in Orchestra Room

Time TBA: Team Building with Ms. Morantz

10PM: Parent Pick-up

Saturday, August 23rd

8:30AM: Orchestra Meeting in LHS Theater
  String Ensemble Rehearsal in Orchestra Room w/ Mr. Nicholson
  Sectional rehearsals – Chamber Orchestra

12PM-1PM: Bag Lunch in Cafeteria

1PM: Performance by Guest Clinicians in Theater

2PM: String Ensemble Sectional rehearsals with clinicians 
  Chamber Rehearsal w/ Dr. Heald in Chorus Room

4PM: String Ensemble with Mr. Nicholson

4:30PM: Performance in Theater

5:30PM: Depart for Bowling and Pizza (AMF Lanes in Woodstock)

8PM: Parent pick-up at AMF Bowling Center (770) 926-2200

 

Monday, August 11th 2008

Welcome to a new school year! Download the 2008-2009 Orchestra Syllabus. Please returned the signed portion of the syllabus by August 19th (remember, returning this is part of your grade!).