Strings records CD at Disneyland
On Dec. 11, the strings program took an all-day trip to Disneyland to attend a seminar about performance techniques.
“It helps because we get a new perspective from someone who is in the music business,” Evelyn Zhai, sophomore and violin player said about the seminar teacher Joe Alfonso, a former conductor of the London Symphony Orchestra and a current music arranger for Disneyland.
The strings students also recorded a CD of songs including various Disney movie soundtracks. In order to qualify for the trip, the orchestra had to submit a recording of one of their performances.Beforehand, the orchestra had to submit a recording of one of their performances in order to qualify for the trip.
“They get a rich, intense musical experience – new and experienced students alike,” said Tina Huang, orchestra director.
After the informational part of the clinic, the musicians received a list of songs to practice with Alfonso’s critiques in a sight reading session, and then recorded a demo of it. It was then played to compare the actual music from the movie to the demo to see if it was played correctly.
Anna Cismaru, junior and violin player explained that the experience was the first time for being in a professional recording studio for many of the students.
“They put it in a CD, so we can listen to it later … (it was) very informative and helpful,” Cismaru said.
The recording was then produced into a CD by the end of the day. It was later referenced in class to review the performance and learn how to improve from the event by the pointers given by Alfonso.
“It was very exciting to see all the students with different ability levels engaged and eager to try the music along with the clinician,” Huang said.
