The First Rehearsal

The first rehearsal is exciting, this one even more so because the orchestra welcomed their new conductor, Andrew Altenbach, to the podium.

What is a rehearsal like? It really depends on the conductor. Andrew is very animated. He encourages, suggests, cajoles and corrects while at the same time he is conducting the orchestra. He moves around on the podium, he is on his toes and waves his arms and talking the whole time. And sometimes, when the music calls for it, he makes very small movements and stands perfectly still. There is lots of stopping and starting in rehearsal. Sometimes the same measures get played a few times to be sure the musicians understand what the conductor wants. The musicians ask questions, make notes to themselves on their music and check in with each other from time to time. Hillary Vermillion is there taking attendance and making sure everyone has music. Tyler Hogan, stage manager, is the first one in and the last one out. He sets the stage and makes sure everyone has a chair and a stand. I try really hard to pay attention to all that is going on so I can learn about the music as well. It helps when people ask me about concert programs. But my job at rehearsal is really easy compared to everyone else.

How do the musicians respond to the conductor? Andrew has a great blend of humor and seriousness that keeps the orchestra on their toes. There is very little talking in rehearsal. It is three very intense hours of work. It is interesting to watch the dynamic between the musicians and the conductor. There are equal amounts of respect of both sides of the podium. Andrew is very respectful of the musicians and the work they are doing. The musicians are respectful of Andrew and his leadership.

What does the music sound like on the first night? It has been a long time since the orchestra has played together, yes, parts were rough. Other parts were really, truly beautiful. I did get goose bumps during the 4th Movement of the New World Symphony. Goose bumps usually don’t appear on me until the fourth or fifth rehearsal, so this is really good news! But overall, I had the sense that the orchestra was just really happy to be playing great music together again.

What am I doing this time of year? This is a very busy time for me. I am working to gather all the information for the season program book. I need to get biographies of performers, programs, program notes from Charles Echols, and pictures. I also need to get background materials on all the educational programs, acknowledge the patrons and the grant-makers and sell the ads to pay for it! Then I work with Kristin Rothstein, Continental Printing, and her wonderful staff to put all the pieces together to make a program that serves the audience and promotes the orchestra for an entire season.

What is next? Next week the orchestra will have sectional rehearsals. The strings in one room, the woodwinds in one room, the brass in one room and the percussion will rehearsal pretty much wherever they want to rehearse. When you break the parts down it is easier to hear the small details of the music that need to be worked. And it teaches the musicians to listen to each other. Listening is just as important as playing. Small group work has always been a great way to learn to listen. When the parts have been worked, they will be put back together again for a full sound.

I hope you will join us this season! I would love to see you in the audience.

Sandy