This is the final time that I recorded myself playing the two excerpts for this concert cycle:
First Excerpt: Appalachian Mountain, Measures 11-26
Second Excerpt: Chorale and Shaker Dance II, Measures 163-177
Final Reflection
I have gotten a lot better since the first practice journal when I played the same two excerpts. My practice methods worked up to a point, till around practice journal 3. Between the first and third journals, I improved a lot with accuracy, articulation, rhythm and especially tempo because I basically played the same parts over and over. Whenever I got stuck or had difficulty with one section, I would just play that part over and over, faster and faster, until it sounded better. This method honestly only worked for improving my accuracy, articulation, rhythm and tempo. When I tried to improve my tone, intonation, dynamics and style, I would have had to use a different method. For the third and fourth practice journals, I played many different scales and warm-ups to try to improve my tone. This worked well, and I now just have to make sure to watch carefully for dynamic changes and remember the style. The only way to improve my dynamics and style is to just pay attention. The number one aspect that I need to work on is intonation and that will take more than just the practice methods that I am using. I am finding it easier to adjust my embouchure to fix my intonation, though it is still difficult with my braces. I also need to practice more often and have a daily routine for it. I really only practiced a few days before a practice journal was due, the day I recorded myself, and for a few more days after that. On the in-between days, I did not practice as much as I should have.
My critical listening has improved a lot by doing these practice journals. I have been listening to my first journal excerpts and realize how much my playing has improved. I can really tell the difference between good articulation and bad articulation or good tone vs. bad tone. Before we did these journals, I only could tell that a piece sounded good or bad but now, I see all of the little details within the song which make it good or bad or in-between.
I am excited that I have learned so much and grown so much since the first excerpt. I love listening to the difference between my first one and the last one. The tempo that I play at is much faster and I can play it with accurate notes. The rhythm and articulation is mostly correct and my tone and style has greatly improved. When playing with the whole band, I am doing a good job at keeping up with the dynamic changes. I am close to completely ready for the concert and I will practice more over the next few days before the concert.
