Performance Practicum

I. Introduzione. Allegro ma non troppo

Violin: Leonard Woo

Violin II: Otto Saiki

Viola: Bryan Ramillano

In Medieval music, the gittern and vielle (medieval fiddle) fulfilled roles that are often taken today by modern acoustic guitar and violin.

The gittern, a small plucked string instrument, provided rhythmic and harmonic support, much like a modern acoustic guitar. It was used for accompaniment, simple chords, and dance music.

The vielle, a bowed string instrument and ancestor of the violin, carried melodic lines and drones. It had a softer, more nasal tone and fewer strings than the modern violin.

In modern adaptations, the acoustic guitar replaces the gittern’s accompanying role, while the violin takes over the vielle’s melodic function, preserving medieval modes and phrasing while using modern instruments and technique.

In this rehearsal clip, the focus is on establishing the overall musical character and ensemble feel rather than detailed intonation work. Because the musicians are sight-reading (also missing some instruments) and working within a limited rehearsal timeframe, priority is given to tempo, style, phrasing, and group awareness. Detailed intonation refinement is intentionally deferred to later rehearsals, allowing the ensemble to first develop a shared musical direction and structural understanding of the piece.

This clip shows a several different orchestras' a run-through rehearsal, where the focus is on general polishing and reinforcing what the ensemble has already learned. It’s not for intensive detail work, but rather a chance to review phrasing, dynamics, and overall flow, reminding the musicians of what has been practiced while maintaining ensemble cohesion.

One of clip shows a run-through rehearsal with the Rowland Orchestra reading Firebird by Stravinsky. The focus is on meter changes, timing, phrasing, and overall flow, while also having fun with their instruments and exploring the energy of the music. It’s a chance to remind everyone of the musical ideas we’ve been working on, keeping the performance lively and engaging.

The Diamond Bar Youth Symphony Orchestra is having a sight-reading rehearsal of a new piece, focusing on learning the style and developing ensemble cohesion. The rehearsal emphasizes matching tone, articulation, and phrasing between the woodwinds and strings, helping the musicians understand how their parts fit together while exploring the character of the music.

Middle school string players are practicing to develop accurate rhythm and timing. To help them internalize the beat and respond together as an ensemble, it is sometimes useful to add a loud percussion instrument, giving them a clear pulse to listen to and match. This approach helps students stay in sync, feel the music more naturally, and strengthen their ensemble awareness.