PYP Musician's Blog

The spring concert is less than two weeks away!

admin — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 16:58:52 +0000

Its evident that we have what it takes to perform Bruckner at an outstanding level. However, it seems too easy to slip into an “auto-pilot mode” and accept the occasional missed entrance or ambiguous transition between different sections. Last night, the viola section missed a solo by eight measures because we accidentally counted in 4 instead of 2. We all laughed after Mr. Edwards pointed out our mistake. I think it will be a great concert nevertheless.

Its hard to believe that this will be my last season concert with PYP. Six years ago, I was still playing lobby concerts in YSE with Mr. Hubbard. “Courage violas!” …. “Mo-ther” I think we’re all going to miss Mr. Hubbard.

Brian Ki, Viola, Co-Principal

Back from Spring Break

admin — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 18:27:09 +0000

Last night’s rehearsal was a bit rocky to start, as we just returned from spring break, but it was still rewarding and productive. I feel as though playing the Bruckner will never grow old, even in the wake of Mahler 5. And it couldn’t have ended better than with the exciting news that David Hattner will be conducting PYP next year.

Tom Salata, Clarinet, Principal

What to think about Britten?

admin — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 18:56:34 +0000

Every time we play the Benjamin Britten, I imagine all these terrified and traumatized children that’ll be forced to sit through it’s cannons and artillery instead of the Magic School Bus reruns they watch when teachers run out of things to teach. Those poor little elementary schoolers won’t know what to think! My dad was a perfect example tonight; he came into the balcony after his trip to Subway, but during the frantic trumpet shouts and percussive whiplashes he made his way to the front row and leaned over till he looked about ready to fall out. He was surprised to discover that written (and published) music could sound so spontaneous and ‘messed up’.

Come next Wednesday, I figure we’ll either ignite musical fires in the minds of these kids, or bomb the piece so bad they won’t know where to rebuild.

Hannah Dexter, Bass, Asst. Principal

A Rewarding Rehearsal

admin — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 17:46:24 +0000

After not getting enough sleep, having to worry about big projects and tests coming up, and exhausting myself at track practice trying to get ready for an upcoming meet, I honestly wasn’t quite looking forward to Monday night’s rehearsal. However, just half an hour into the rehearsal, I was already quite enjoying the rehearsal even though playing the 2nd movement of Britten takes an incredible amount of counting and concentration. Mr. Edward’s continuous energy and funny remarks kept rehearsal very interesting and lively as well!

Natalie Yu, violin, Asst. Concertmaster

Transition

admin — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 17:30:21 +0000

As we begin work on Bruckner 4, our greatest challenge has been the transition from the emotional and fiery Mahler to the broad and poised attitude of Bruckner. We were reminded recently of Ms. Chen’s chicken/eagle vision concept and are now faced with a gigantic example of it. In the next few weeks we need to adjust and learn to step back and let the music breathe. After putting forth such effort to illustrate sudden mood swings and sparks of anger in Mahler 5, we will have to exercise discipline in “getting out of the way”. I find these drastic programming adjustments to be very valuable, and this year has been full of such changes. i look forward the the challenge ahead of us with Bruckner 4.

Boris Popadiuk, Cello, Principal

Grateful

admin — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 21:46:13 +0000

Today’s rehearsal seemed to go very well. The trombonists worked with Aaron LaVere of the Oregon Symphony beforehand and I feel that what he had to say and demonstrate really made a difference on the trombone section’s contribution to the orchestra. I feel very grateful that we are able to work with such talented musicians before our rehearsals. Every time we get the opportunity to work with Mr. LaVere, I learn a lot and gain new perspective on the art of trombone playing and musicality.

Jonathan Spooner, Trombone, Co-Principal

The Ultimate Test of Endurance

admin — Wed, 13 Feb 2008 18:24:30 +0000

After each movement, we sort of sat there in relief and apprehension. It was silent for a while. Then, Alastair Willis reminded us how that was only half of Mahler 5. Yes, much progress has been made, but there is still room for lots of improvement. With less than two weeks till our first performance, Mr. Willis strongly encouraged us to take this piece seriously. For the strings, we just had 3 nights in a row filled with sectionals, conductor auditions and combined rehearsals. Many of us are physically and emotionally exhausted from the rehearsals and it will require even more concentration and focus individually for the last two weeks. This is the ultimate test of endurance!

On Saturday, Jun Iwasaki helped the strings with some technical aspects helped us understand the stylistic elements that make Mahler so unique. Oh and how can you forget the “shire melody” in the 3rd movement?

Brian Ki, Viola, Co-principal

Intense

admin — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 20:53:14 +0000

Rehearsal today, with Alastair Willlis, was intense - as it has been for the past few weeks that he has been with us. Playing Mahler’s 5th Symphony has been an immense stretch for the basses, as it is ten times as physically and intellectually demanding then any other piece we have played in the past. I know that the bass section, along with all of the others, have been practicing diligently so as to play the best we can for our concert on March 1st, which I know we are all eager to play.

Chris Granat, Bass, Principal

One of our best

admin — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 20:43:49 +0000

This morning a great deal of the musicians breathed a sigh of relief waking up to snow and ice which meant one more day of the weekend. As the west side of Portland Public Schools closed its doors for the day, musicians alike wondered whether we were going to have rehearsal still that night.

It turns out this rehearsal was one of our best. We accomplished so much and we were really sounding good by the end of the night as we finished the final movement of the Mahler. With parents gathering in the wings and a group of very tired young musicians the music was sounding more and more like that of recordings of the incredible work. Though individual parts still need attention to finally iron out all the details, Alastair seemed genuinely pleased with the work that had been accomplished this evening. Exasperated at one point he exclaimed that “We better not lose any of this progress made today, in the weeks to come”. His intensity never fading or even withdrawing he kept the orchestra focused up until the final chord and with a final stare almost dared the orchestra to come unprepared for next week.

We are making exceptional progress and this concert is going to turn out a fantastic recording that is bound to go down as one of PYP’s best.

Josh John, Bassoon, Co-Principal

Mahler

admin — Thu, 17 Jan 2008 22:10:01 +0000

With 30 minutes left until 8:30, we were nearing the end of the 5th movement and rehersal. The triumphant cries of the trumpets could be heard over the strings endless eight notes, and at the moment I was cast under the spell of Mahler. Many people have told us that Mahler has been so powerful to them that they will remember playing it for the rest of their lives, or they were inspired to make a career out of music because of the piece. I was so naive to the world of Mahler that I thought it was impossible to be moved so much by one piece of music- man was I wrong! If playing the 3rd and 5th movements today for the first time made that much of an impact on me, I can’t wait for what happens when we all know Mahler like the back of our hands!

Emma Davis, Flute, Co-Principal