Hey Juniors... Jana here.

Heard you all today and well.. Bach sounded okay. But okay isn't enough. Okay is not an SNSO standard. It is something that many other orchestras can reach as well. So, I would like to address some things (this is in the best interests of the entire orchestra k! :) so listennnn)

1. POSTURE.

Yes. It was only the BEGINNING of the practice and I could see MANY people slouching off. Sectional leaders and front desk-ers (I don't want to name who), you have a responsibility to show your juniors and section what GOOD POSTURE IS. And that means, NOT SLOUCHING and HUNCHING, no flopping into your seat like its a squishy, comfortable pillow and I KNOW IT GETS VERY TIRING. But AT LEAST, keep your back STRAIGHT (lean it AGAINST the chair if you need to). If your seniors can do it, SO CAN YOU! -make it work!- :)

2. INTONATION

Sectional Leaders: PLEASE GET YOUR SECTIONS TOGETHER TO CLEAR UP INTONATION. Bach is ALL about intonation and clarity. Having such a small orchestra play Bach, literally every single player can be heard. Some were sharper than the rest, others were flat, and some were okay. So it ends up being this cacophony of sounds - it has to sound like a LOVELY MELODIC TUNEEEE.

3. TOGETHERNESS.

Basically, it sounds pretty OKAY as a section (yes, OKAY again) but it does not sound TOGETHER! Yes, reverberating about the 'Intonation' part, once your section is done with the intonation, it is time to GET the section together. Remember how we practiced so much as a section for SYF? Assimilating, blending in and bonding with your section is very important for you all to play as ONE sound, ONE section, ONE orchestra.

4. SOFT TONES

I have said this many times before (hope I don't sound to bossy! :S but I reeeaally gotta say this), when the dynamic says 'p' or 'pp', it does NOT give you the excuse to play in wispy, airy fairy, light tones (unless stated otherwise - like a HARMONIC or something). There still can be character and punch in a 'p' or 'pp' phrase. DIG IN! But still stay soft at the same time (remember SHOSTA?? Our SUPER SOFT phrase??).

5. SECTION LEADERS

SNSO needs to see more passion, more hunger for good quality, good playing and producing a good section. Be overly concerned, approach your section members and ask if they need help. Be patient. It is only with competent section leaders that an orchestra and truly progress and improve. I have faith in you SLs!

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I'm only commenting about Bach because I only heard that piece. I have faith in you guys. I have absolute faith and I KNOW you all will be able to pull it off and play EXCELLENTLY in Jubilate. Though I can't be there in person to watch you all play 3 wonderful pieces (you all better do!), I will be cheering you all on from Australia ok!

I KNOW ALL OF YOU CAN DO IT. DON'T GIVE UP COS I'VE NEVER GIVEN UP ON YOU ALL :)

<3