Myself and fellow teacher Daniel Christian have decided to collaborate and arrange a recital in order for our braver students to enjoy the opportunity to perform. Details are given on the calendar/events page. Daniel and I will also be playing after the interval, ably accompanied by Jane Andrassy on Piano.
By 'the juggling game' I am referring to the trials we face when we are multi-instrumentalists. Like most people I have limited time to practice, although I always make as much time as possible and it is one of my favourite pastimes. With 4 main instruments, and 2 more in development I find that when I do practice, it has to be really thought out, I choose my practice material carefully in order to achieve the best results in the limited time scale.
I usually only practice one instrument per practice session, but if I have to combine 2 or more, I always begin with flute, as I find my embouchure sufferes greatly particularly if I have played saxophone beforehand!
We have all heard ' practice your long notes and scales' and yes, there are so important as these are the building blocks. I often like to disguise these, and particularly enjoy pieces such as 'Spiegel im Spiegel' (Arvo Part) for long tone exercise, and usually have the tuner on my stand!
For scale practice I enjoy Kohler which seems to be effective on the woodwinds and often takes you through a few key signatures. I enjoy the challenge of seeing how quickly I can play through all the major and minor scales, so that is quite good fun. Bach is always good for getting your fingers and tongue working well too, and I always leave time for improvisation, which I frequently do at church, or more expressive pieces. Playing many instruments is a pleasure but quite a commitment.
On a different note (excuse the pun!) today the recording of my Alto saxophone version of Songs for Claire was completed, so will be winging its way to Spartan Press Music Publishers who said they would also like to produce an Alto version. It's been enlightening seeing the whole recording process, and really rather interesting, though i'll be pleased to get back to previous projects that have had to be put on hold.
I look forward to seeing many of you at the concert, either as performers, or as part of the audience.
