After the success of last weeks saxophone workshop, I was a little aprehensive as to whether this one could match it. Although this was a Clarinet workshop, I had suggested that one player (a young saxophonist) join it too.

 

Players soon arrived at 10am and proceeded to assemble instruments and music stands. Sheet music had been given out a couple of weeks prior to the workshop in order for participants to prepare.

 

After a tune up we were off! Our first piece was 'Flying the flag' (an ABRSM music medals trio, doubled up on parts where needed). A nice easy ice breaker, this little piece began to build confidence in the players from the start.

 

We moved on to 'Spicy Noodles' (another music medals piece, this time a quartet) which went down very well indeed, and became the favourite of the day. A little work on dynamics totally transformed the piece, and I found much to my surprise and delight that I was able to read the score well and cue in players. I was leaping around like a demented chicken at times, I never knew directing would be so exciting!

 

We moved on to 'Copper's song' from Pirates of Penzance, at a steady tempo to begin, then as confidence increased so did the tempo so that by the end we were capturing the mood well. We found that an accellerando on the last few bars worked was fun to do, and was led very ably by Kimberley on 1st Clarinet.

 

After a break, (adults sitting in the garden with tea and cake, younger participants going wild on the trampoline, then tea and cake!) we got stuck back in. We tried 'Organ grinder' and also Jupiter (Holst) before rounding up the morning with a replay of our favoutites of the day. Everyone left with a smile, and seemed keen to do another if offered in the future (definately will be!).

 

A special thank you to everyone who came, Ken for helping out on parts to aid confidence in players, Pauline's husband Darryl for a GORGEOUS home made lemon drizzle cake, Kimberley for stepping out and leading where needed, fab!. Anthony and Jonathan for keeping going, you did GREAT! Pauline, who maybe surprised even herself, excellent playing, being brave with the tune (and speed!) in places.

 

Watch out for workshop events in the future. they will definately feature as a summer holiday event, and may be extended to a longer session next year. Workshops may be offered in other school holidays too, keep a watch on the 'news' and 'events' pages.

 

Happy Tootling!

Keri.