I have the privilege of playing violin with the Temple Hill Symphony Orchestra at the Oakland California LDS Temple. It's tons of fun - it's a volunteer orchestra that pulls people from all over the bay area. We do several regular concerts a year, and at Christmas we do a special performance of the full Nutcracker Ballet with a ballet school from Fremont. Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker ballet is pretty difficult music, and it really takes a lot to be able to commit to the time and energy it takes to learn 70+ pages of music. This is the second year in a row that I've done it, and I loved it even more this time. It really helps to already be familiar with the music. :) Still, it was a long haul to make it all the way through rehearsals, dress rehearsals, and finally the performances. We finished our performances last Saturday night, and I have to say that this weekend's performances were the best that we've ever played the music. I LOVED being part of this concert, but I'm also glad it's over - now I can actually think about Christmas, instead of stressing about the music. :) Here are my favorite songs from the ballet... listen to them - they can't but help get you into a great Christmas mood!
The Waltz of the Flowers
The Waltz of the Snowflakes (this is probably the most difficult piece in the whole ballet, due to timing issues, but after working SO hard on it and playing it nearly perfectly in the performances, I love it!)
Grand Finale
In April, we get to perform The Lamb of God by Rob Gardner for the second year in a row. I can't wait!
1 comment:
That is so cool that you are doing that! I am in a community band but it is solely so I can keep playing. The band is not great. :p Merry Christmas!
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