We are full steam ahead at Week 2 of Ingenium 2018. Rehearsals and sessions are under way and we are enjoying getting to know and make music with all of the talented students that have joined us this week.

 

 

In session 1, the Orchestra was split into groups for the sectionals. The strings worked with Tom Hammond followed by Adam Saunders ( National Youth Jazz Orchestra,) on the tricky bits of the orchestral parts and the string only pieces that they will perform on Saturday. Meanwhile the winds were rehearsing their notes with Finan and Justin, one of our conducting students who is working closely with Tom this week as his assistant conductor.

 

 

In the morning session, the saxophones played a musical “round the world” game. They went around picking eight countries and writing down a word that they each associate with that country. Following that they came up with a musical cell that they attributed to each word creating a collective composition.

 

 

We were delighted to welcome Clare Wheeler (The Swingle Singers)

to Winchester today. She worked with our singers during the musicianship session teaching a class on songwriting.

The pianists enjoyed a very fun and varied musicianship session in which they learnt about Jazz piano chords, harmony and improvising with Adam Saunders and then worked with Dawn Hardwick (Piano Circus) on multi (up to 6!) piano 21st century compositions and minimalistic pieces.

 

 

In the afternoon, the orchestral players had the opportunity to step onto the conductor’s podium and experience what it would be like to conduct an orchestra. We had lots of smiley faces at the end of that session from all our young musicians, for many of whom conducting an orchestra was a first!

 

 

During the afternoon many of our students were also practicing intensely for the evening’s activity, Cabaret Night. The hall was transformed into an underground jazz club, and we were delighted to hear some amazing performances from  Soul Train to Etta James. It was a thrilling demonstration of the level and variety of talent at this year's course.

 

 

Musician of the Day

 

Saxophone

Henry: for managing to learn difficult extended technique of slap-tongue in only two days, for always working really hard and for his valuable contribution in the composition session.

 

Orchestral

Jeanette: for her fabulous concentration and always playing with an rich, strong sound and helping other sections. And for a very successful conducting attempt.

 

Pianist

Luca: for playing his Brahms with a completely different approach, with maturity, communication and a sense of line. Our piano team said it was one of the biggest changes and developments they had seen in a student. And on top of that, for always being so dedicated and an absolute pleasure to be around.

 

Singer

Gemauria: for always singing confidently, with an excellent groove and vibe and always remembering details of phrasing that Adam mentions.

 

Well done everyone!

 

 

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