#3 (Week of 2/14/11)

This week I practiced a lot from our Festival pieces. I specifically focused on the March we recently got, throughout the March I practice sections B, D, and F. I picked these parts because I wanted to get the articulation and rhythm right. I practiced with a metronome to keep pace of my notes. During class we had some parts where we as the Clarinets sped up as a whole. I tried to practice this to the best of my ability. I also played through some parts slower than needed to get all the right notes and to have a clear tone. In the beginning on the March we are one of the main harmonies, it is important for my fellow players and I to get the harmony perfect. This would set a good pace and rhythm for the band. Another thing I practiced this week was Chant Rituals. I played my parts fairly well and I counted for each rest so I can be right on time when I play in the big band. Also on the end of the 1st page I made sure i got the counter melody perfect. It is crucial for me to get the timings right, because if i didn't it would defeat the entire flow of the song. Another aspect i focused on was my ability to look ahead in the music while I am playing. I did this with the choral packet you gave us. I feel that it really helped because it bettered the control I had and it contain melodies I was familiar with. Overall this weeks practice went fairly smooth!

#2 (Week of 2/7/11)

This week we got a lot of new music in both Symphonic Band, and Jazz Band. Festival is coming up, and getting the music down is crucial to getting 1 rating. As a band we need help in certain areas, but I primarily struggle with pace we go in class. I have worked on keeping my tempo steady, while following the music very closly. I tapped my foot to keep track of the beats. This helped a lot! Another I focused on is getting to the higher register quicker. Going from high F to a B taking fast reflexes. To improve this I played certain sections of Prarie Songs and the new march we got. I saw some decrease in pitch as reached higher in the key, but to control this I played it slower and gradually increased my speed. Lastly, I worked on my many slurred parts in our songs. Being 2nd Clarinet means that I cannot depend on someone else to cover me up. I feel that my practice was productive this week, I hope to continue it in the coming days.

#1 (Week of 1/31/11)

This week was great in terms of practice. In class we worked a lot on our tone and articulation. I noticed that at some of the measures I went to slow and my articulation was not up to par. As the week progressed I practiced playing some of the scales Mr. Shankles gave us. I had limited time this week, but I found time to play my instrument. I tried to perfect some of the scales you gave us by playing them over and over. Also I used my tuner to have the best possible sound! After playing scales I played some of the important measures I had in Prairie Songs. At first I played it really slow, then gradually increased speed. The eights notes get confusing at times, but I tried my best to follow everything. I looked up the recording of some pieces, and I found them do be very entertaining and uplifting. Lastly, I wrote down some notes to better my performance in the band room. All in all, I feel that my goal to practice certain parts this week were met!