#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!