Congratulations on being a part of the 2015 South Jersey Senior High Orchestra!

Making the regional-level orchestra is a fine indicator that you are on the right path as a student.  Whether you’re planning to pursue music as a college degree, or making music is just a hobby/passion, you’ve proven that you know how to apply yourself and meet high standards that others have set in front of you.  That’s what being a professional is all about, rising to meet standards and expectations.

From this point forward I want to encourage you to exceed expectations.  Go the extra distance to make this experience exceptional.  Take ownership of your part, lead within your section and make this the orchestral experience you’ve always wanted.

Principal players, you play a vital role as you occupy a position of leadership within your section.  People look up to you, and will remember how you play and how you led.  Be respectful, but be in charge of your section.  You can help by setting the example for preparation, assisting those in your section who are struggling and by communicating with the me and other section leaders about areas that need further attention.

In order to be as informed and prepared as possible, you should listen to some recordings of the works we’ll be performing.  I’ve included a YouTube playlist of professional ensembles playing our program.  Study these and other recordings you find, and use them as inspiration for your own musical ideas. (In the Wagner example, please skip to 1:58:59 to hear the portion we’ll be playing)

*We are playing an arrangement of “An American in Paris” but you should know how the original score sounds.  Here is a link to the arrangement we’re playing: http://www.jwpepper.com/sheet-music/media-player.jsp?&type=audio&productID=2440956

Finally, please take a look at the page “Notes on the Music.”

I’m looking forward to meeting and working with all of you!

Thanks in advance for all of your hard work.

Sincerely,

Pete