LEARNING OUTCOME
Identify my own strengths and develop areas for growth
December
- Strengths: More relaxed on stage
- Areas should be improved: Loud dynamics
3rd: As the concert ‘wavelength’ is soon, Mr.TM and us really worked hard on the tempo and dynamics. However, some musicians are still playing at the same, loud dynamics. I understand the fact that control your bow to be heavy or light can be hard because my strength can’t achieve that much of a dynamic change. Trying too hard to put pressure on bow made my shoulder ache, which is wrong, but still helps the dynamics. However, I do need to find a way to increase my strength.
10th: This week we really worked hard on skills. I’m really happy to see myself knowing every notes so I can look at the tempo Mr.TM gives. Some musicians in cello and bass sections are really not following the tempo, I hope me walking out of the comfort zone of relying too much on my score can help them too. By exaggerating my moves, it’s easier for them to know when to come in and when we have a cue if they don’t want to look up.
17th: We didn’t have the last block because we rehearsed for the show tomorrow. It feels differently when you actually sit on stage and suddenly you need to treat every move seriously. For example, my cello’s end pin(a thing cello has) was slippery when I was on stage, but I don’t have my stopper with me. The only thing I could do is to hold it with my foot. However, it’s actually because the rosin powder was on it, and I wiped it off. The ability to adjust to changing circumstances is still a problem for me. I could’ve prepare more before the show so nothing serious that I can control happens accidentally.
18th: I really like the fact that when drum and guitars are in, the music was more lively and enjoyable. The show was great as there was only a few mistakes from other sections of the orchestra. I tried to exaggerate my body movements so everyone is breathing and playing at the same time especially at where we are off beat, and that helped a lot. Because the double bass is always somehow not on the beat, I’m forced to watch Mr.TM’s conducting speed so at least cellos can be together, which is a good thing in general.
January
- Strengths: Sight reading
- Areas should be improved: The exaggeration on vibrato, Crescendo and diminuendo
14th: We started a new piece after the show Wavelength: The Greatest Showman. This is slow piece, which means its much harder to put vibrato, Crescendo and diminuendo in. I always like to play something fast as it is in my comfort zone. I can rush through notes that I’m not sure and no need to worry about dynamics. I hope playing “The Greatest Showman” can force my out of my comfort zone and improve my skills.
21st: Absence – Family event
February
- Strengths:
- Areas should be improved:
4th: I really enjoyed playing the piece The Greatest Showman. The notes are quite simple and straight forward, but I still need to work on the details.
11th: After I’m confident about the notes, I worked on bowing this time during rehearsal. The music has already started to sound good.
18th: The orchestra practiced The Greatest Showman as usual. This time I worked on body movements that bring your emotion into the piece. This is quite essential in a slow piece like The Greatest Showman.
25th: Absence – Dance showcase rehearsal
