Performance Team Rehearsal at the Wilsons

A Tuning the Air Journal

Monday April 19, 2010 – Performance Team Rehearsal at the Wilsons

I picked up Mary Beth and Travis in Ballard, and headed out to Bob and Jaxie’s for the 8:30 rehearsal. Chris had to work the Mariners game tonight, so we were Music Director-less, but we had our marching orders.

When we arrived, Jaxie showed us a viola she is trying out on spec, and considering buying, so we knew right away there would be some experimenting in addition to the work we knew was ahead of us. Bob was on parental duties when we first arrived, so before we began the “formal” rehearsal, Mary Beth and Taylor presented a duet version of a work-in-progress.

Bob joined us and we began looking at some of the repertoire with an eye toward tightening it up a bit. Jaxie is on a new part for Batrachomyomachy this season, so we focused on that, with the metronome. We also looked at the blending and complimenting between Ian and Travis as they trade and double melody lines in Voices of Ancient Children. Mary Beth is switching parts on Thrak, and we worked with the metronome using a number of different strategies to find the pocket. Eye of the Needle, with metronome. Jax was then encouraged to grab the viola, and we ran The Wig Maker, with her adding an entirely improvised part. During the middle section, we gave her lots of time and space to stretch out. A wonderful sound. Violas are loud, even with a mute. Definite potential here.

After the break, we went back to A Day In The Life. I find that I am nearly “off book” on the first three verses – not quite confident enough to take my eyes entirely off the score, but not dependent on it either. I think my task for the week is to get the Lennon verses reliably in my hands. Travis worked the four “piano” players through the chord patterns, focusing on blending while maintaining tempo and energy. Working with the metronome, we discovered that it is really a lot quicker than we have been playing it, which changes the feel a bit. General dynamics addressed, noting that they are most organic and natural when the “pianos” are following the lead of the bass and rhythm parts, rather than trying to drive the dynamics themselves. Still to be addressed: the middle section, aka the McCartney section, which is not going to be simple, but it feels like we are on the verge.