Tuesday was one of the most musical days of the course so far, with some brilliant visiting staff and exceptional music making from everyone.

 

During the morning the orchestra welcomed visiting tutors Miranda Allen (BBC Symphony Orchestra) and Mark Vines (London Philharmonic Orchestra) who separated them into wind and brass sectional rehearsals.

 

 

The afternoon's musicianship session was composition-focussed, and we were delighted to welcome back Matt Sharp for another improvisation class. Other groups worked on vocal and instrumental writing, and tried setting Lewis Carroll's poem 'Jabberwocky' to music, with brilliant results.

 

 

Our piano students spent the afternoon in a valuable masterclass given by international soloist Andrew Zolinsky, who has performed with the BBC Symphony Orchestra, the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, the BBC National Orchestra of Wales and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, and has given concerts across the world.

 

 

Dom Childs was leading rehearsals with the saxophones on some ensemble repertoire during the afternoon, making a truly beautiful sound and featuring students on the soprano and baritone saxophones. We can't wait to hear it in concert later this week!

 

 

During the afternoon many of our students were also practicing furiously for the evening activity, which was a Cabaret night. The orchestral rehearsal hall was transformed into an underground jazz club, and we were treated to an amazing variety show of everything from Debussy to musical theatre, 70's disco and even a stunning original song. It was a thrilling demonstration of the level and variety of talent at this year's course.

 

 

 

Musicians of the Day

 

Piano

Cecilia, for playing the pipe organ for the first time fantastically well, and being really engaged and responsive during Andrew Zolinsky's masterclass.

 

Saxophone

Selina, for her sensational appetite to learn, making daily progress and being generous and focussed when workshopping a fellow student's composition.

 

Orchestra

Marco, for his professionalism in rehearsal and some really stylish playing.

 

Choir

Martina, for being focussed and energetic in rehearsal, and for a fantastic lesson on Monday.