Thanks to my network of CYS contacts, I’ve been a part of the internal Google Orchestra pretty much from the time I joined YouTube in 2019. Unfortunately, numerous issues (no transportation, weakened arms, cello in need of repairs) prevented me from attending any rehearsals or concerts.
That is, until last Saturday. Somehow, all the stars aligned. The day prior, I was able to score a ride to their rehearsal at the Sports Basement in Sunnyvale (thanks a lot, Edwin!). My arms were still weak, but I did not want to miss the opportunity. (Lately, my cello practice sessions last no more than twenty minutes.) Besides, playing orchestral music requires much less effort than solo works.
With the help of my dad, I fished out a portable music stand from my bedroom closet. My carpool driver Edwin, who was also a CYS cello alumni, came to pick me up at 11:40am. Fitting both cellos inside his Prius was daunting, but we managed.
This rehearsal (held inside the Summit Room of the Sports Basement) was a strings-only event. Fourteen string players showed up: 7 violins, 2 violas, 4 cellos, 1 bass. We played through Grieg’s Holberg Suite, Adoration by Florence Price, and Bach’s Concerto for Two Violins BWV 1043. By the time we finished, we had thirty minutes leftover, so we played through the first movement of Tchaikovsky’s Serenade for Strings as well.
None of the people that I know from Google Orchestra showed up this time around. Nevertheless, I had a fun time meeting new folks and socializing. Most importantly, this 3-hour rehearsal proved that I was indeed correct about orchestral pieces being a lighter load. Near the end, my left hand fingertip scabs felt sore, but I was able to get through just fine.
