That looks better, @AndrewH I am one of the beginners and have not dealt with other keys. The keys I have mostly done are the common C, G and D. We have touched on B flat and E flat major. The E flat major was just the scale. I don’t recall any pieces we did. I am currently working on a piece in B flat major. But if there are a lot of flats and sharps, I am completely lost. I would pass on that because working on that and my hugely difficult lesson pieces would not work. I never ever get the lesson pieces down to where I am comfortable before we move on (I will be talking to my instructor about that, so please do not comment about that here. This is about the next group project).

I hope this helps with the range of levels we are all at. I do not have a problem with a cello piece that is added with just whole, half or quarter notes in those keys that are not in rapid succession and then there could be cello pieces that actually have what should be played. Does that make sense? It does not bore me or make me less interested in participating. It would actually be a learning experience in that key.

It would be nice to be able to have a shot at getting it right, like the two group projects I did participate in. I don’t have a shot at getting my lesson pieces correct and I am so afraid this will be the same. Listening and watching it sounds and looks easy, but if there are a ton of flats or sharps, or eighth or faster, odd time signatures, etc., I am thinking I will watch the final project. That is fine, I enjoy watching them, so please do not base it on my comments. I am just explaining my level and issues.

I do have a thought, though. If the timing is right, I could ask my instructor to use it as my lesson work! Then it could be worked on all the time and be done in time to be recorded to send in. That is actually not a bad idea.  But the key it is in key is key, and it can’t be too difficult. Does this help, @Fiddlerman?

BillyG said
Must admit, I'm kind of struck by Pierre's idea of a final video exhibiting a conductor-led virtual strings ensemble...  different.

I like that idea, too. I really like it.

Remember, a lot of us do not play in an orchestra and have no clue how to follow a conductor and would benefit from a click track.

I have to look at my music, look down and check my fingering periodically, etc. I would like to do it with Pierre conducting, but would still need to listen to a click track because I cannot be looking at the conductor as a total guide. It depends on how difficult the parts are, so not going to worry about it right now, but, I think that it has to be taken into consideration that many of us play at home, not in an orchestra. 

I have no idea what doing rubato is, or how to do it, or how you would know when to do it. I think if it gets too advanced, we lose a lot of participants. Just my thoughts about what to consider. I hope it can be worked out with the conductor, a click track and a piece that has simple parts.

@Fiddlerman 

When you start posting the project, will it be done as a new thread in the Group project section so it is easy to find and is with the other Group Projects?

@violingal You are welcome.