Blog
The latest from New West Symphony
As hard as can be: Bartók’s viola concerto
All too often, the viola gets a bad rap, and for no good reason. In the right hands, it can sing just as beautifully as the other members of the string family. Philipp Triggs reminds us that it can have a powerful role in the orchestra that makes it indispensable. ...
Subtle genius: Steve Reich’s Mallet Quartet
Some would say the musicians launch their shrewdest musical attacks after the work week. Team Percussion comes out swinging this morning. So maybe you grew up rattling pots and pans in the kitchen. You have a thing for rhythm, the hypnotic thrill of a constant beat....
Double bass: foundation AND solo instrument!
New West Symphony double bass player and Team Strings member Mark Wallace presents his instrument, which tends not to get much attention. While you may not always think about it in the concert hall, you definitely feel it. And more recently, the double bass has become...
“Bone”-afide contender: the trombone
There's so much amazing variety in the orchestra, we could spend years learning the ins and outs of each instrument. Today, it's a fun instrument that so many of us love: the trombone. You know it, probably because of it exciting...
The oboe, oh boy!
The oboe is another strong member of the Woodwinds section. Some people might confuse it with the clarinet, but it's a very unique instrument. New West Symphony principal oboist Lara Wickes helps us get more familiar with the instrument. ...
Sean Chen, pianist, roots for Team Percussion
Sean Chen, pianist and frequent performer with New West Symphony, grew up in the community and cheered onTeam Percussion in the Battle of the Sections: Orchestra Edition on June 25th, 2020. Watch Sean's piano rendition of the...
The harp: how many strings?
It's not just the national symbol of Ireland. The harp has existed in some form for over 5,000 years, and it's still seen today in the concert hall. It's easy to see why it's on Team Strings - they can have up to 47 strings! Harp technique is unlike any other...
See you bassoon!
Maybe you don't think about the bassoon all that often, but it has stand-out moments in much of your favorite music, from the opening of Stravinsky's Rite of Spring to the music for Harry Potter: The Sorcerer's Apprentice. New West Symphony bassoonist Duncan Massey...
Sneak peek: Team Strings’ Battle of the Sections performance
Here’s a taste of Team Strings' performance from the Battle of the Sections: Orchestra Edition on June 25th, 2020. The event may be over, but you can still support New West Symphony’s education programs and help us prepare to return to the concert hall! Donate now. ...
Sneak peek: Team Woodwinds’ Battle of the Sections performance
Here’s a taste of Team Woodwinds' performance from the Battle of the Sections: Orchestra Edition on June 25th, 2020. The event may be over, but you can still support New West Symphony’s education programs and help us prepare to return to the concert hall! Donate now....