Quality music and sunny beach times were at the centre of today.
Rapturous applause from our students at Talent Show
Bizet’s Carmen Suite had our orchestra using their imaginations today. The group learned about what happened in this huge opera and how best to approach the magnificent piece of music. It was apparent that the orchestra enjoyed playing this suite of energetic music, very much shown in the enthusiasm of the brass and percussion sections in particular! Our double reed players were also lucky enough to have individual lessons with visiting tutor Mark Pollard, and experiment on the cor anglais and contrabassoon. They brought new layers and colours to the orchestral sound!
Our orchestra hard at work with Lee Reynolds
Our choir has been working hard to achieve the best from their sessions, refining their material for this week’s concert and taking their music out of the rehearsal space into the open to run through. The uplifting sound brought joy to everyone listening throughout the building.
Vocal students working on this week's repertoire
Space was once again at the forefront of the saxophones’ work today. In the first session they tightened up their ensemble skills with Holst’s ‘Jupiter’ from The Planets Suite, before working on their new group composition. The piece is based on the fiftieth anniversary of the first moon landings and provides the students with an opportunity to explore extended saxophone techniques.
Pianists continued their individual and group lessons, as well as sight reading classes with Richard Sisson. His methods of practice include rhythmic excercises without even opening the piano, perhaps coming as a surprise and a challenge to most - but with fantastic effects on their playing. The group were eager to implement these over their lunch!
New methods of piano practice with Richard Sisson
The conductors were enthusiastic to strive for success once more, with hand movements a key area of focus. Methods were arguably not conventional: rubber ducks were employed to practise! Regardless, the attention to detail proved beneficial when conducting a piano reduction of Ravel’s Piano Concerto, riddled with tricky time signature changes. They sure rose to the challenge and took the most from this challenging session.
As it grew closer to lunchtime, it became more difficult to keep still in our classes, until with packed lunches in hand and the perfect weather of warm sun swept by a cool breeze, we set off for the beach in Bournemouth! There, we spent time on the fine sand, swam in the sea, and treated ourselves to ice cream and some very English fish and chips. The trip was an excellent breather in our busy week, and by evening we were ready to return to Winchester, with new memories and re-energised for the second half of our week.
Our students in sunny Bournemouth
Another firm Ingenium tradition every year is the talent show. In this year’s spectacular bonanza, full of house spirit, creative costumes and intriguing choreography, the three houses presented items themed around a Disney song of their choice. The talent show was also an opportunity for the musicians to display their other creative talents, such as juggling, dance and comedy. An alumni video entry was also presented, bringing many smiles to old friends. The night closed with an entertaining entry by the staff, topped with amusing costumes and face paint, capturing The Lion King in 90 seconds.
Talent show house entry
We feel so privileged to be enjoying so many great experiences here at Ingenium – long may it continue!
See more photos from this summer on our Facebook page.
Musicians of the day:
- Orchestra – Bertie, for having her first contrabassoon lesson and immediately walking into orchestra and nailing one of the hardest solos
- Vocal – Anastasia, for always being committed and throwing herself into learning every new song
- Saxophone – Clayton, for his baritone playing this morning which has improved loads, excelling in his ability to hold his own part and keep a track of where he is in the music
- Piano – Georg, for having a great lesson this morning, really listening to everything said, transforming the sound of his Rachmaninoff prelude on the spot. He was really imaginative and thought about his playing at a very high level, listening all the time and playing with a great tonal palette
- Conductor – Sydney, for leading a group in meditation for the conductors, being open to having her experience on the podium deconstructed for the benefit of everyone else and for nailing the Stravinsky
Our Programmes
More information on our seven programmes: Chamber Music, Composition, Conducting, Orchestral, Piano, Saxophone and Vocal.
Programmes range from 1 week to 4 weeks long. Students can attend one immersive programme, or broaden their experience by combining programmes to suit their interests.
Any Questions?
We love speaking to young musicians, teachers and families from around the world - so don't hesitate to get in touch, we'd love to hear from you!
Email: info@ingeniumacademy.com
Phone: +44 (0)20 7060 4076
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