The clouds looked grey and heavy this morning as I fussed around in final preparation for the first of 3 ensemble workshops (nicknamed 'ensemble playing for the terrified!') arranged to take place in August/September. I had cleaned and scrubbed the various rooms concerned much to the surprise and delight of my husband, and the welcoming aroma of creme caramel candles (thanks IKEA!) filled the air, hopefully to relax the potentially panicking participants (coo, impressive alliteration for a Thursday evening!). I wondered if anyone would run from the house screaming, or burst into tears, or be a victim of human combustion etc, but I am glad to report that all was well!
The first player arrived a little ahead of schedule as planned due to the saxophone having launched itself off its stand the day before. A quick tweak and the sax was again working perfectly and ready for action!
The remaining players soon arrived and after introductions all round, the moment had arrived....
Because the main aim of this initial workshop was to make first ensemble playing a positive experience, music had been given out in advance so that participants could prepare a little. As most had always played standing, a short lesson on playing sitting commenced.
After tuning up we began with a gentle Siberian trio, quite haunting in mood, and we doubled up parts where needed. After playing through the harmony parts we added the melody line to good effect. From the off it was wonderful to see this group of previously rather nervous adults making a wonderful sound. Once we had added a few dynamics, a rallentando at the end, and begun to listen to our dynamics compared to the other players I think all were amazed how this little piece had now been transformed into a bonafide piece of real music!
Three other pieces follwed, equally as successful as the first despite a little mix up at one point where I had given a B flat sax part to an alto player, we were attempting Holsts 'Jupiter' and yes, we know he was a 'modern' composer, but surely it wasn't supposed to sound quite so modern, almost abstract?! Ken Handley who had offered to join the group as a player/support member commented that not only were we not on Jupiter, but were in an entirely different galaxy altogether!
I couldn't believe that just a short time before, the players were nervous but were now playing well as a group, and certainly didn't sound as if this was the first time they had ensembled together! I even felt confident enough to give out parts for 2 more pieces which some of the players hadn't seen before.
A well earned tea (and cake) break followed in order for mouths to recover slightly and after 15 minutes or so, we embarked on the last 40 minute session. We tackled 2 more pieces with equal success of the previous pieces, and various members had the main melody so everyone was able to feel how it felt to be 'leading' slightly. We touched on areas of trying not to gain speed, to be aware of where the tune is and to pull back if we didn't have it. We worked on finishing neatly together, and even neat little bell like chime articulation". We then played through a couple of the favourites of the day in a sort of enclosed concert and the workshop came to a close.
A jazzy little duet was performed by myself and Ken (Handley) as participants packed away.
Everyone left with a smile, saying they'd really enjoyed it and would definately do it again!!....Success!!!
I was left with a lovely warm glow, no, it wasn't the creme caramel candles! and once again was left pondering on the joys and priviledge it is to be a teacher.
Well done guys, you don't realise how proud I am of you, and thank you Ken for helping to make a lovely relaxed atmosphere, you're little jokes and anecdotes are hilarious, don't ever change!
Keri
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