NOVAE SINFONIA FALL 2025
announcements:
Tickets for Dec 6th Concert now available for purchase! Let’s sell out the venue!
https://www.scvyo.org/purchase-concert-tickets/
PRACTICE ASSIGNMENT FOR 11/9/25
Hello Novae Musicians,
I hope you’re all having a wonderful start to your fall break!
A quick reminder that our final rehearsal is this Sunday, 11/30. Because we’ll be rehearsing part of our combined piece and welcoming a few of our guest artists, we’re shifting our schedule slightly:
NOVAE will meet from 2:30–4:30 PM on 11/30/25.
Please plan to arrive at least 10 minutes early so we can begin right at 2:30.
Practice Assignment
This is a perfect week to revisit any tricky sections that may have been… lovingly avoided .
I’ve included recordings of all our concert pieces—try doing a few full play-along runs to get everything under your fingers.
Wishing you all a relaxing Thanksgiving, and I’m excited to see you on Sunday!
PLAY THROUGH PRACTICE RECORDINGS:
Beginning-Rehearsal 10: 130BPM
Rehearsal 10 (Piu Mosso): 150BPM
Rehearsal 12: 100BPM (in 2)
Rehearsal 14: 150BPM (in 3)
4 measure before Rehearsal 17: Accelerando really picks up!
Rehearsal 17: 180BPM
“Berceuse” from the Firebird Suite (beginning-Rehearsal 11)│1910
igor stravinsky (1882-1971)
Berceuse - steady 60bpm
Finale (2:48 in video) - starts around 60bpm, but each iteration gets a little faster. We will take roughly the same tempi as the recording.
Goal tempo = 60-70 bpm to the bar. Work up to this with a metronome!
*note that this recording is different from our arrangement
“In the Hall of the Mountain King” from Peer Gynt Suite │1867
edvard grieg (1843-1907)
Strings – practice the first section (up to the trio) at 90bpm to the dotted quarter (2 clicks per bar).
ATTENDANCE POLICY
As an orchestra, our collective sound is determined by the effort of every individual in the ensemble, and our ability to prepare a wonderful concert relies on the presence in rehearsal of every musician.
We have a lot of music to learn in a short amount of time, which means each week we are making changes to timing, bowings, articulation and more. When we are missing section members or individual parts, it’s difficult to progress as a group, because we end up spending a large portion of rehearsal time re-learning things we covered in previous rehearsals.
For this reason, we are clarifying our policies around tardiness and attendance.
TARDINESS:
Rehearsals will always begin on time - this means you should plan to arrive with ample time to unpack, warm up, and be in your seats ready to play at least 5 minutes BEFORE the start of rehearsal. (We recommend arriving at COC at least 15 minutes before the start of rehearsal).
In order to avoid unnecessary disruptions to rehearsal, moving forward we will close the door at the start of rehearsal. Late arrivals will be asked to wait outside for the first 10 minutes of rehearsal, during which time they can unpack their instruments, and get their music, stand and pencil ready to go. 10 minutes after the start of rehearsal, all latecomers will be admitted at once and ask to quickly and quietly take their seats.
ABSENCES:
Students are allowed a maximum of 3 excused absences per semester. After this point, ensemble directors will initiate a conversation with the student and parents to determine if the student will realistically be prepared to perform in the final concert.
If you plan to be absent, or have to miss a portion of rehearsal, please submit the ONLINE ABSENCE NOTIFICATION FORM at least 24 hours in advance, whenever possible.
IMPORTANT DATES
First Day of Rehearsal:
September 7th, 2025 3:00-5:00PM, Rancho Pico Junior High
December Concert:
December 6th, 2025, Canyon High School Performing Arts Center