Blog
The latest from the New West Symphony
Jukebox 20 “Battle of the Sections”
In this installment: This playlist features the (mostly) original settings of music used during the New West Symphony's Battle of the Sections: Orchestra Edition. Thank you all for your involvement in this great live event, and for your support! ...
Jukebox 20 “Battle of the Sections”
In this installment: This playlist features the (mostly) original settings of music used during the New West Symphony's Battle of the Sections: Orchestra Edition. Thank you all for your involvement in this great live event, and for your support! ...
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...
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....
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. ...
Clarinet antics: a fun and versatile instrument
The clarinet can be an easy instrument to get along with. Okay, maybe more for the listener than the performer. They have such a bright, friendly, and open tone that charms our socks off. And that makes for amazingly clear melodies and tight harmonies. ...
The trumpet belongs (almost) anywhere
The trumpet has made its way into almost every musical role, genre, and time period. New West Symphony principal trumpet Jim Grinta celebrates that his instrument can shine in the brass section or out on its own. It has a comfortable place in all kinds of music, from...
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. ...
“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 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...
