The Blog on Wednesday
I am finally able to sit down to do this next blog.  What did you think of the last rehearsal?  I know there was a lot of sight-reading going on with the music that arrived for our solo accopaniment.  Now that we have worked through it once, please take time right away to go through the spots that you remember were difficult from rehearsal.   

Blog Readership Steady (really?)
It seems we have had the same number read last week's blog.  I was remiss in announcing Adam Nichols had won the prize for being the first to read the blog.  I owe him some chocolate!  Who will be the next one?  And, please, let me know you've read the blog.  Add your comments here, send an e-mail to jose@orkestraprojekt.com, or find me on Facebook at Jose Valencia.  While you're at it, all you Facebook users should join the MAYO Facebook group, MAYO members from 2007.

A Real Practice Strategy
Please take time to listen to the Zigeunerweisen and the Elgar Cello Concerto in e minor, 4th movement with you rmusic in front of you.   Follow the music as you listen so you can get a feeling for how your part fits with the music you will hear the soloist play.

There is a T-Shirt Poll
Please go to the Polls menu (on the left) and vote for your preference regarding a potential trip in the Spring 2010 to the West Coast, a potential tour in lieu of iMAYO 2011, a summer session working with a musical theater group, and your favorite T-sirt design!

Rehearsal Order:
Sectionals, Sectionals, Sectionals....more info later.

And, after listening during our last rehearsal, and upon the recommendations of several of the coaches, we will reduce the number of wind instruments performing during the solo.  We will share the spots, though so, check back for more info this week.

I will share with you that our highest priorities are going to be Mozart (measures 158 through the end), Elgar (tutti passages where you all play), and Sarasate.  Make them your highest priorities, too.

Keep it up.  We're going to do a great job together.  After all, that's what playing in an orchestra is all about.