
Do you encounter passages in orchestra that you feel certain are impossible to play?
Do you diligently practice them slowly, but it doesn't seem to help one bit?
When you rehearse with the group at tempo, you can't seem to even move your bow as fast as it needs to go--and forget about the left hand!
It is almost as if your brain melts and you are paralyzed by the sheer rapidity of the notes flying by...
Sound familiar? It does to me!
Do you diligently practice them slowly, but it doesn't seem to help one bit?
When you rehearse with the group at tempo, you can't seem to even move your bow as fast as it needs to go--and forget about the left hand!
It is almost as if your brain melts and you are paralyzed by the sheer rapidity of the notes flying by...
Sound familiar? It does to me!
Well, before you throw your cello in the corner and set it on fire, you should try faking!
Here's a video all about what it means to "fake" in orchestra:
Here's a video all about what it means to "fake" in orchestra:
I hope you see now that faking can be an effective technique for keeping up with your ensemble. It's not something to be ashamed of! You are simply putting your group first by refusing to cling to every single note--in this way, you won't be getting in the way. And you'll probably play more notes than you ever thought possible--maybe even all of them!
Happy (fast) practicing!
Happy (fast) practicing!