Questions and Answers to the course for CELLO-ORCHESTra 2024
How many participants will we accept this year?
We are back to normal operations this year and allocate up to 120 places in the cello orchestra.
Who can take part?
The course is available to cellists of all ages and abilities. The arrangements are made exclusively for the Cello Academy and allow every player of any ability to connect easily.
What can I expect from the course?
You can expect to participate in a course for cello-orchestra in which up to 120 cellists will make music together.
As in the case of previous years, different pieces for cello orchestra will be studied during the course. At the end of the course there will be two final concerts in the Halle Bühl II in Rutesheim. Video clips from previous concerts can be viewed here (playlist on YouTube).
This year the rehearsal-times are knowingly chosen in order to guarantee every participant to both listen to the master classes and the concerts in the evening. The fee for visiting the master classes is included into your course fee.
IS THERE A PROVISION FOR PASTORAL CARE?
No. We undertake no responsibility for time spent outside of rehearsals or concert performances. Each individual is responsible for his arrival and departure days as well as any free time in between rehearsals.
How will the parts be allocated?
In the application form you will be asked, which pieces you are currently playing, how long you have been playing the cello for, and whether or not you have been the recipient of any prizes or awards. We will then allocate the parts based upon this information. This year you can also state any preferences that you may have. On the third page of the application form you will be asked, which voice(s) you want to play. Please take a look at the excerpts, before you apply.
This serves the purpose of ensuring that all voices are well balanced and that a beautiful cello orchestral sound is produced.
When and how will I receive the parts for the cello-orchestra?
Approximately six weeks before the start of the course you will recieve your music sheets via e-mail (PDF). This should provide you with ample time to prepare in advance.
Additionally, we provide playalongs in different tempos (tutti and single parts). With these playalongs, practicing is especially effective and also a lot of fun!
Should I prepare my part in advance?
Yes! The object of the rehearsal period is to bring the pieces up to a musically mature standard. Each individual should prepare their part as well as possible so that technical difficulties are overcome before the start of the course.
The ideal case is that everyone can play all the pieces at home with the playalongs in the original tempo!
My part is too difficult/ too easy! What can I do?
As the tutor of the cello-orchestra has no first hand experience of your playing, it is of course difficult for him to estimate the extent of your abilities. Should you feel uncomfortable with the part allocated to you please email our office: celloorchester@cello-akademie-rutesheim.de.
In consultation with our office, it is possible to swap parts after they have been sent out.
Can I receive copies of the other parts so that I can play them with my cello teacher?
The first voice is welcome to be requested by the cello teachers to accompany the lower voices during lesson. In addition we will provide mp3s that you can use as playalongs.
Requests: celloorchester@cello-akademie-rutesheim.de
How can I maximize my time at the Academy?
Rehearsals for the Cello-Orchestra take place during the day. The breaks in between rehearsals present the opportunity to listen to the various masterclasses taking place. Alternatively you can use the time getting to know other cellists from around the world over a snack from the Kiosk or a game of table football or table tennis. In the evening you can visit our concerts. There are exclusive orchestra-tickets, which you can easily book on our online-form.
What provisions are made for meals/snacks/drinks?
The participants are responsible for their own meals. In the school mensa there is a kiosk offering snacks and drinks all day long as well as (probably) a dinner.
Lunch: It is expected that Ms. Mueller will once again set up her food trailer in front of the hall, offering a mouth-watering and reasonably priced lunch to all participants of the Cello Orchestra.
Breakfast/Dinner: There is a kiosk in the school cafeteria, offering evening meals, snacks and drinks throughout the day.
I do not live near Rutesheim, Where can I stay?
You can book accommodation in the “Jugendgästehaus Leonberg” (about 5 km from rehearsal and concert venue). All rooms have a private bathroom and there is a good bus service to Rutesheim.
There are ample rooms available.