Southeast Kansas Symphony Orchestra

Stella receives a new podium

2009-10-19T10:53:00.005-05:00

Mme. Hastings and the Symphony has had a quick boost. There is a feature story on our director, and a great photo montage of Stella and our last concert linked on the University home page. Do a few refreshes if necessary to get to the rotating feature story. Or go directly to http://www.pittstate.edu/stories/detail.dot?id=137156

Rehearsal Schedule for Nov. 22nd Concert

2009-09-29T11:24:00.004-05:00

The Symphony will perform a concert of Antonin Dvorak including his Violin Concerto, featuring
Dr. Selim Giray, and Symphony No. 8, Opus 88.

Regular Rehearsal (T/Th 5:00-6:15 Kelce)

Th - Oct 01
T - Oct 06
Th - Oct 08 (NO Rehearsal)
T - Oct 13
Th - Oct 15 (NO Rehearsal)
T - Oct 20
Th - Oct 22
T - Oct 27 (Winds only)
Th - Oct 29 (Winds only)

T - Nov 03
Th - Nov 05
T - Nov 10
Th - Nov 12

Nov 17-22 Concert Week (Tutti)

T - Nov 17 – Kelce
7:00-9:30

WED - Nov 18 - Kelce
7:00-9:30

Dress Rehearsal
Fri - Nov 20 – Memorial
7:00-9:30 (if needed)

Our Secret is Out!

2009-08-06T09:52:00.006-05:00

Wouldn't you know it...

For years we've succeeded in keeping "the secret". But a spy has infiltrated our midst. This grainy photo (obviously taken by a concealed spy camera) has shown up on the web site of a radical gorilla organization, showing Mme. Hastings concealing the little kid that actually directs us. We've all sworn an oath not to reveal her secret of standing behind "mini-maestro", hiding him from the audience while he conducts, and our congratulations to everyone for their valiant efforts over the years.

But no more... and after all of those secret hand shakes, hand signs, and code phrases (remember "Klezmer"? "Intrilligator"? "Kajootie"? ) ... The jinx is up.

Sigh...... we're gonna miss Mini....

KC Symphony lists their 2009-10 season schedule

2009-07-07T12:33:00.004-05:00

The Kansas City Symphony has listed their 2009-10 Classical, Pops, and Family program. Many SEK Symphony members have carpooled to these concerts in the past and it's a fantastic way to make new friends, split travel expenses, and hear a fine concert.

Take a look at the pieces, dates, and locations of this full concert season. And for the fun of it, check out the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts web site.

First Annual Double Bass Symposium

2009-04-28T09:48:00.003-05:00

Here are a few photos from the First Annual PSU Double Bass Symposium on April 19th, 2009. Sallie Lupis, Sue Stubbs of the Missouri State University Music department, and master bass restorer Aidan Mullarney of Kansas City Strings were on hand to work with local area bassists.

We hope this becomes a continuing event to help grow double bass instruction in the four state area!

Oratorio Rehearsals - Final Four!

2009-04-20T11:11:00.002-05:00

Final two weeks of Oratorio orchestra rehearsals (Tuesday/Thursday outline. This does NOT include the FRIDAY & SATURDAY dress rehearsal outline which will be forthcoming).

Kelce Auditorium for all of these:

Tuesday, 4/21
5:00 Tutti, except for euphonium
5:25 Horn 3-4 done
Movements w/Soloists, remainder of rehearsal

Thursday, 4/23
5:00 Tutti movements (Carly, please note: we need to have the piano included in the set-up)
5:25 Euphonium done
Movements w/Soloists, remainder of rehearsal

Tuesday, 4/28
5:00 Strings only
Review of a few tricky movements for strings
All the rest of the time: recits and arias w/soloists

Thursday, 4/30
5:00 Truly Tutti!! (necessary to have piano included in the set-up)
May or may not be a few soloists in the mix...primarily an instrumental focus

Double Bass Symposium at PSU!

2009-04-09T09:50:00.005-05:00

Double bass students of all levels, double bass enthusiasts, and music teachers are all invited to the first ever Double Bass Day at Pittsburg State University on Sunday, April 19, from 1-5pm. in PSU's Kelce Auditorium.

Join us for an afternoon of masterclasses by Sue Stubbs and a seminar by master bass restorer Aidan Mullarney. Ms. Stubbs will join us from Missouri State University to conduct masterclasses for students of any level. Mr. Mullarney of Kansas City Strings will be teaching us about the mechanics and maintenance of the bass.

This is a wonderful opportunity for students to prepare a piece, perform it, and have immediate feedback from an excellent bassist. Students of all levels are encouraged to play.

In addition to the masterclass, this is a great chance to learn about how to take care of your bass, as well as to gain insights into how the instrument is constructed. Also not to be missed is the experience of seeing and trying out fine basses that Mr. Mullarney will bring.

Please contact Sallie Lupis, adjunct bass teacher at Pittsburg State University, at her hotmail account "sallieeliza" with any questions, and to sign up to play for Ms. Stubbs.

We are looking forward to hearing from you!

Kansas City Symphony is performing in Ft. Scott

2009-04-09T09:26:00.001-05:00

FORT SCOTT Fine Arts Center Grand Opening - Almost Sold Out!

Saturday, April 18, 2009 at 7:30 pm

Steven Jarvi, conductor

The Kansas City Symphony will perform during the grand opening of the Danny and Willa Ellis Family Fine Arts Center on the campus of Fort Scott Community College, Ft. Scott, Kan. The concert is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. with tours and a dedication ceremony prior to the event. The center will house the Gordon Parks Museum/Center for Culture and Diversity, the 600-seat Kathy Ellis Academic Hall and classrooms and office space for the FSCC art, music, theatre and speech programs.

Tickets are available at the FSCC Gordon Parks Center, 2108 S. Horton St., and at the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce, 231 E. Wall St. Tickets can also be purchased by calling the college at (620) 223-2700.

Rehearsal schedule - April 7 & 9, 2009

2009-04-06T16:17:00.001-05:00

Tuesday – enrolled string students please meet in McCray 211 for course evaluations (begin at 5, end within 20 minutes)

April 7

TUESDAY: WW/Brass/Timp only

14
21 (m. 93 on)
22 (D to end)
Ov (opening, C, G to end)
Euphonium done

13
Horns 3-4 done

32
1 (opening, to A, C to end)

20 (m. 12 on)
35 (at F)
Trps/Timp done

25
Trbs done

37 (mm 7-24)
Trombones done

28 (Adagio)
Flute 1 done

If/as time remains:

42
6
24

April 9 –

Enrolled Wind & Percussion students - please meet in McCray 211 for course evaluations (begin at 5, end within 20 minutes)

THURSDAY: Strings only

We will begin with some aria/recit contexts (with singers).

Later part of rehearsal, I’d like to touch the following passages:

30 (tuning issues)
14 (Letter E through m.161, tuning issues)
1 (at A)
11 (at Allegro)
20 (at Allegro)

1st chair players: if you have other passages that you would prefer to see on the Agenda, please let me know by Wednesday. Thanks! SH

4-2-09 Oratorio Rehearsal

2009-04-01T14:50:00.001-05:00

5:00-6:15pm

Larger Movements

14 (Euphonium optional, can catch this on the next round)

Horn 3-4 done; Trombones done

Smaller Movements

Trumpet & Timpani done

Flute 2 done

Flute 1 done

Horn 1 done

Clarinets done

Bassoon, if there, done

11 strings only

Overture strings only

If time remains: begin Recits

Tuesday Rehearsal (3-31-09)

2009-03-30T11:10:00.001-05:00

Kelce Auditorium ~ 5:00-6:15pm

Tutti movements

Overture
21
22
43/44
Euphonium done
Hn 3-4 done

Smaller movements

35
37/8
Trps done
Timp done

39
Horn 1 done

41
Flute 2 done

24
Flute 1 done

If time remains:

19
30
Clarinets done

26
27
string passages in 11 and/or 1 (Letter A)

March 26 Oratorio Rehearsal

2009-03-25T16:54:00.000-05:00

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY: (there are two separate listings for this sectional rehearsal)

5:00-6:15
McCray 105 (With Mrs. Hastings)

Personnel:
Hn 3 & 4
Trumpets
Trombones

Material to be worked:
#13
#14, from H on
#15
#21, from C on
#22, from D on
#17 (no horns in this)

---------------

5:00-6:15
Kelce Auditorium (with Dr. Marchant)

Personnel:
Strings
Flutes
Clarinets
Bassoon (optional, per Rusty’s availability)
Horn 1

Material to be worked (in order):
#18
#28
#37/8
#32
#34
#41
#25
#2
Flute 2 done
#6
#42
#24
Flute 1 done
#19
#39
Horn done
#30
Clarinets & Bassoon done
#11 Strings alone
#1 Strings alone, at A

SEKSO Rehearsal for 3-30-09

2009-03-10T12:00:00.001-05:00

Tuesday, March 10, 2009

Kelce Auditorium

5:00 Everyone (distribute Part II parts, read with all members present*)

6:15 END

* Dr. Marchant will release players as she moves on to movements that utilize fewer & fewer instruments. Strings, plan on staying. Everyone else will be excused as the rehearsal continues.

Questions? Let me know!

Thanks,

Rehearsal schedule (2-24-09)

2009-02-24T14:16:00.001-06:00

Quick reminder: No rehearsals this week (24th, and 26th). We begin on the Oratorio rehearsals on March 3rd.

Premier concert w/Beethoven on keyboard...

2009-02-24T12:40:00.005-06:00

I wasn't going to post this until after the concert, since you never know what's going to happen. This is a snip from the N ew Mexico Symphony program notes page for the Beethoven Piano Concerto, which they are doing in March. Now that our performance has past, I thought you might get a kick out of reading their write-up on the premier concert:

"What a shambles it must have been that December night in Vienna. 1808, if memory served. Bloody hopeless patrons, under-rehearsed players, a dim and shivering audience. And which bright spark imagined it a good idea to premiere the Fifth and the mighty Pastoral on the same night? Plus the Fourth Concerto? Plus the Choral Fantasia. Four hours in an unheated hall. No wonder it was a disaster. Nowadays, with a decent agent, a diligent manager--or better still, with an enlightened patron who might dispel the need for these grubbing ten-per-centers... Sir Jack felt for the mighty Ludwig, he truly did."

- from England, England by Julian Barnes

Such were the conditions at the first performance of the Fourth Piano Concerto, during a massive concert devoted to Beethoven's music at Vienna's Theater an der Wein. The concert was marred by a tragi-comic series of accidents. Beethoven was performing the piano solo part but as Louis Spohr recalled: "at the first tutti, forgetting that he was the soloist, he jumped up and began to conduct in his own peculiar fashion. At the first sforzando he threw out his arms so wide that he knocked over both the lamps from the music stand of the piano. The audience laughed, and Beethoven was so beside himself over this that he stopped the orchestra and made them start over again. Ignaz von Seyfried, worried for fear this would happen again in the same place, took the precaution of ordering two boys from the chorus to stand next to Beethoven and hold the lamps in their hands. One of them innocently stepped closer to follow the music from the piano part, but when the fatal sforzando burst forth, the poor boy received such a sharp slap in the face from Beethoven's right hand that he dropped the lamp on the floor. The other boy, more wary, succeeded in avoiding the blow by ducking in time. If the audience had laughed the first time, they now indulged in a bacchanalian riot. Beethoven was in such a fury that when he struck the first chord of the solo entrance he broke six strings. After this incident, Beethoven wanted to give no more concerts."

Sometimes our perceptions of an 'icon' keeps us from remembering that they are simply... human... Here's the full program notes page.

Good job, everyone! R

Musipedia added to Orchestra Toolbar

2009-02-19T10:10:00.004-06:00

We've added a new resource to the SEK Symphony Toolbar. Click on the toolbar "links", then "Practice Helps" to find the Musipedia melody search page. Along with the online tuner and metronome sites, the Musipedia will help you with your studies by allowing you to pin down those melodies you can't identify.

You may use your mouse with a piano keyboard interface, or using the "Parsons code", you may locate a melody using the melodic contour.

Other features? Search by rhythmic contour by tapping them out at the computer keyboard, play into your computer's microphone, or use the mouse to draw notes on a staff.

There is also a link on their page to a site called "Melodyhound" which you should also try. Experiment and let us know which ones you like the best!

Dress Week Rehearsal schedule (2-16 / 2-22)

2009-02-17T08:34:00.002-06:00

Here's the rehearsal schedule for the upcoming week:

All rehearsals and the concert is in McCray

No rehearsal Tuesday ~

Wednesday: 7:00 - 9:30

Thursday:

Master classes - 1pm Recital hall – Orchestral Seminar

Viola master class - 2pm ( McCray 211 – )

STRINGS Rehearsal -7-9:30pm McCray

Friday - 7:00 - 9:30

Saturday - 1:00 - 3:30

Concert Sunday - 3:00 (Call @ 2:30)

New features on the SEKSO Toolbar

2009-02-06T09:54:00.006-06:00

A couple of new features have been added to the SEK Symphony Browser Toolbar (follow the heading link if you'd like to install). We've added links to two sites, the first an online metronome and A440 tuner, the other a tuning web site utilizing a five-octave keyboard. There are also settings for the string pickers. Selecting "viola/tenor banjo" gives you C G D A buttons, etc., and you can loop through the open strings while tuning. You may also select the timbre of pitches, vary pitch by cents, or transpose by semitones.

The web sites open in a new tab/window, so you don't leave a page you may be on at the time.

So, if you have a laptop, and have it handy while you practice or study, consider the toolbar. It's similar to a Google or Yahoo toolbar, but specific to music study and the web site. It even has a great online radio player, but we've padded it with Classical radio stations.

And where on earth is the tenor banjo section, anyway?

Today's Rehearsal is POSTPONED

2009-01-27T10:47:00.002-06:00

Weather... what do you do? Today's sectional rehearsals have been pushed back to Thursday, everything else is the same... bass and cello players start your happy dance now...

Rehearsal schedule for 1-22 and 1-27

2009-01-21T15:14:00.001-06:00

The rehearsal schedule for the next two rehearsals is as follows:

Thursday: 1-22-09
5:00 p.m. Overture
5:25 - Symphony mvmts IV, II

Tuesday: 1-27-09
5:00 to 6:15 p.m.
Strings - Kelce - Ms. Giray directing
Winds - 211 McCray
Symphony movements

Wind/String auditions for Spring 09

2009-01-14T15:52:00.002-06:00

Wind auditions for Beethoven and
String seating auditions for new incoming students

Thursday 1/15 at Kelce auditorium
5:00-5:10 Flutes
5:10-5:20 Clarinets
5:20-5:30 Trumpets
5:30 Incoming string players (new students only)

Beethoven Rehearsals begin:
Tuesday, 1/20 5:00-6:15pm Kelce

The Berlin Philharmonic "Digital Concert Hall"

2009-01-09T10:10:00.004-06:00

The Berlin Philharmonic has opened their "Digital Concert Hall" to the public, and Bravo! to them. I mean, who would want to miss a concert in their physical hall (scroll through the photos on their home page, it will cycle past), it nice on the outside, much less the inside.

But it today's high-tech world, the BP has caught on to this world-wide audience thing. Using Hi-Def video and state of the art audio, they are able to extend their hall to us online. You can take the tour of the digital hall (here's a PDF brochure as well), and get a glimpse of what's available. Even their Flash demo is nice and slick...

There's a cost of course, you are buying a ticket to a concert. The average is 9.90 EUR, which is about $14.

Even if you wouldn't purchase a ticket online, this site is well worth a little of your time to see!

Rehearsals this week

2008-12-09T15:37:00.001-06:00

For those wondering, there are NO rehearsals this week.

Updated schedule for School Outreach Matinee

2008-11-18T15:46:00.003-06:00

Mme. Hastings has released a new schedule for the School Outreach Matinee. There are several major changes, so please download the pdf for a look.

The Basics:

The Nutcracker Ballet – Special Performance
School Outreach Matinee - over 1,500 school-aged children have reserved seats
Wed. November 19 at 1pm
Call = 12:30pm, done by 1:45pm
Dress = Theater black

Quick Rehearsal Reminder

2008-11-11T15:00:00.001-06:00

A quick reminder on rehearsals for this week. Still 5:00 - 6:30, but at MEMORIAL Auditorium. Group A on Tuesday, and Group B on Thursday.