Day Three

07/16/10

     Last night we went to go see a performance by some of the theater faculty.  The performed a sort of mash-up of certain Shakespeare pieces for half an hour in order to honor the new theater that was built, which was made specifically for Shakespeare.  It was a nice experience, but I would have preferred to have read the texts before acting them out.  I like that they are placing an importance on Shakespeare, considering that part of the international program travels to Europe in the summer in order to learn about Shakespeare.

     Today's morning rehearsal was interesting because we played with the winds and percussion.  These sections are made up of the kids who sight-read the best on opening day.  Two girls from my cabin are in the winds section, so I finally have someone to talk to when rehearsal is over.  The pieces we are playing with the winds and percussion aren't hard, even when just sight reading.

     This afternoon we went over the pieces just for strings.   Some of them are fast and very fun to play, but I prefer slower pieces.  They are very beautiful and it surprised me that most people in my section couldn't get rhythm right even when playing slowly.  Even worse, alot of people in general didn't count and couldn't get the rhythm.  I am not the best solo performer, but I feel that my ability to play in an ensemble is beyond some of the musicians in this particular orchestra.