Photo: jgroup/istockphoto
Yesterday the musician packet for the Oregon Symphony‘s 2009-2010 season arrived. What’s inside such a package? Well, first of all, the schedule for the entire season, both rehearsals and concerts. There are parking assignments for the entire orchestra, as well as parking passes unique to each season. Also included are rosters and rehearsal orders (the description of which pieces will be rehearsed at each rehearsal) for the first several concerts, as well as information about payroll, insurance, and leave policies. Oh, and there are also detailed dress codes for each type of concert. I generally feel that first twinge of excitement about the upcoming season when this packet comes – it means that life in the orchestra is about to begin anew for another season, and that summer is coming to a close. Not that I don’t enjoy summer, but I also enjoy working and learning new music, too.
On tap for the rest of the summer is my push to re-learn the Bartók Viola Concerto so that I can really have it under my fingers. In the past my go-to concerto has been Hindemith’s Der Schwanendreher, but I think that the Bartók makes a stronger impression, and I’ve never had to play it on a recital before (unlike the Hindemith) so I’d like to nail it down early in the Fall. Before I do that, however, I’ve got to get back to the instrument, start with some slow warm-ups and etudes, and build up some strength and endurance. Being a musician really is like being an athlete, just using smaller muscle groups. One has to warm up, stretch, and cool down. One can also get injured, and must undergo physical therapy and work hardening in order to get back up to top playing shape. It’s a fact often overlooked by the average concert goer.