Scherzo

You may have noticed I’ve been a bit absent from my blog. This is primarily due to the fact that I joined the local philharmonic orchestra and have spent all my spare evening hours practicing.. It sounds great, but I’m not yet convinced. I joined thinking how nice it would be to get away to rehearsal once a week, to awaken a part of my brain and soul that has been dormant (or focused solely on “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star”) for some time. Last week was the first of four rehearsals for the upcoming concert. I’ve come to realize that rather than awakening the musician in my soul, I think I’m doing penance.

You see, as a twelve-year-old girl, I auditioned for the Utah Youth Symphony. I actually made it into the concert orchestra—last chair third violin. I went to one three-hour rehearsal, went home in tears and promptly quit. I have now regretted that decision for twenty-two years. Twenty-two years ago I not only had more free time, but I was a much better violinist. As the last chair second violin in the Brevard Philharmonic, I am struggling. I am playing three pieces in a concert two short weeks and three even shorter rehearsals from now and I am terrified and feeling very incompetent. In honor of the impending concert, I’d like to introduce a few musical terms.

Scherzo (Joke). Considering my presence at the concert, this term is self-explanatory.

Con Grazia (With Grace). By the Grace of God I don’t have a stand partner to wince while I play.

Concerto Grosso (Fat Concert). Is that a fat joke? I did notice my Oprah Arms flapping with my bow.

Pizzicato or Pizz. (Plucked, as opposed to bowed). Plucking for three pages is the pizz.

Ritard (Slow). Last chair, second violin. Need I say more?