Who plays in Resonance?
One of the special things about Resonance is that our musicians come from a variety of backgrounds. We have adults, adolescents and children, from different schools and workplaces. With Three tiers to our orchestral program, we have something for everyone.
In the words of our members: “Great arrangements, good communication, bringing different generations together, so good to have an orchestra in our community, bringing in experts to work with orchestra, exposing orchestra to such a variety of musical styles. We are so lucky to have such great musicians to lead us all!”
The Details:
Woodend:
All Woodend Resonance ensembles are run on Monday afternoon and evenings, from the Woodend Neighbourhood Centre.
Rehearsal time ranges for 45 minutes for Apprenti Strings to 2 Hours for Senior Strings.
Resonance String Orchestra and Senior Strings students also commit approximately four Saturday workshops a year, private practice of their parts and performances.
Castlemaine:
Castlemaine Resonance rehearses at Castlemaine Secondary College 4 or 5 Friday evenings a term (5.30-7pm) + 2 Saturday 9-1pm workshops a term.
Entry requirements:
To qualify for Resonance String Orchestra, you must:
Play the violin, viola, cello, or double bass;
Currently take lessons with an instrumental teacher and
Sit an audition with the Resonance Directors of Music.
To qualify for Resonance Senior Strings, you must:
Sit an audition with the Resonance Directors of Music and play violin, viola, cello or double bass.
The standard of our musicians ranges from beginner to Second Grade AMEB for Apprenti Strings, Second Grade in the Third Violin/Second Cello section of the main orchestra, to 8th grade/A.Mus standard and beyond in the Senior Strings. There's something for everyone!
What happens in rehearsal?
In rehearsals, we either work as a whole orchestra, or run sectional tutorials. With four professional tutors on board, we have scope to give detailed help to all sections on their parts. Both formats have an emphasis on developing:
ensemble skills: playing conducted and un-conducted
aural skills, including rhythm and singing
string-playing techniques
sight reading
skills and experience in performing, including a broad range of styles
leadership
Whole orchestra rehearsals give musicians the chance to hear pieces in their entirety and to learn how all of the sections relate to each other. The sectional tutorials provide the opportunity to work with a string specialist tutor in small groups, focusing on specific details and difficulties of the part.
