In this unit, I am going to show you the work I have been doing with the newly formed Stratford Festival Orchestra and with my work in a local choir. In the end this became my Arts Challenge as new and exciting opportunities evolved.
I tried a number of new things. On the following pages you can see my journey and my reflections.
My exploration
Driving my arts work forwards. First of all I sat down and thought about what I would like to achieve but for the purpose of my arts award I have had to focus in so what you see here is not what I am submitting
I am doing that on paper as it is so hard to get all the bits I need on the site but you can find parts of it on here on other pages
I would like to:
Explore more music genres
Develop my creative writing side
Gain confidence to become a solo singer
Develop my piano skills
I then am going to try and find a way to develop each area
In this unit, I am going to show you the work I have been doing with the newly formed Stratford Festival Orchestra and with my work in a local choir.
In the end this became my Arts Challenge.
I am researching opportunities that are within an achievable distance for me in order to develop myself
1
STRATFORD FESTIVAL ORCHESTRA
This is my first step - new genre here I come
This is a new venture led by Simon Kemp.
The basic idea has been to write pop and rock pieces in a way that is suitable for an amateur orchestra to play.
This is a huge change of style and repertoire for me as much of what I have played before on the flute is classically based.
My journey started with a letter: in October 2015
Dear Eleana,
The Stratford Festival Orchestra needs you!
The newly formed Stratford Festival orchestra is looking for musicians to join and take part in its first concert. If you are interested in making music and developing your musical abilities in a friendly and encouraging environment this orchestra is for you.
Rehearsals are 7-9pm every Tuesday starting the 5th January in Stratford.
The programme is called Baroque & Roll, you guessed it, a programme of classical and rock and roll pieces with a healthy mix of cross over between the styles. Expect works by Bach / Radiohead / Queen / Beethoven and Nirvana!
If you would like further information or an informal chat please email Orchestra manager [email protected].
By mid October I had been accepted and was on my journey to explore orchestral playing of non classical music
Ladies and Gentlemen of the Stratford Festival Orchestra!
We are now registered officially as a UK Amateur Orchestra and on their website.
5th January 2016 Rehearsals begin on a weekly basis with additional Sunday morning slots and sectionals
The concert venue, when we had a practice.
We are working on:
OPENING HALF
Smells like Teen Spirit
Creep (Instrumental)
Run
Bohemian Rhapsody
Sweet Child of Mine
Perfect Day
INTERVAL
Please enjoy some refreshments on sale and support us further by entering our raffle!
(approximately 20-25 minutes)
CLOSING HALF
Thunderstruck
Hallelujah
God Only Knows
Because (in three parts)
Starman
Stairway to Heaven
“Creep is about a man whose love for a ‘perfect’ girl is infinite, but a man who isn’t loved back. The song is a mixture of happiness at the sight of the girl, and heartbreak at the sight of her with someone else! However, even though she does not love
him and never will, he loves her now and forever. The contradiction that is expressed throughout the piece.
“In addition, I love the way the song starts off with a single melody line and
gradually instruments are added, creating a thick polyphonic texture.
“Overall, I really like the way Simon’s arrangement has made it so enjoyable to play.”
Eleana Turner Hurd - Woodwind
In terms of talent and skill we have a mixture of senior professional musicians and some who after a break of a few decades decided to pick up their instrument only recently. Some have come from a classical background but many have not. In fact Siân Phillips one of our principle violinists is pivotal in the UK folk scene Indeed she even refuses to call her instrument a Violin - to her the proper name is “Fiddle”!
Some of us come from a rock and roll bands, some from the folk scene, some from playing rhythm and blues, and some from playing jazz. You could not pick a wider spread of musicians if you tried.
Our youngest member is a very talented 10 year old and we have just about every age catered for including one amongst us who is retired. We think it is brilliant that folk from all ages and all walks of life can come together to play.
With this backdrop therefore, it will be no surprise to you to know that Simon Kemp our inspirational Musical Director has put together a broad sweep of pieces for the audience to enjoy. At one stage we were going to include some Beethoven and Pachelbel in the repertoire but during rehearsals folks were enjoying playing some Bowie and Snow Patrol so much that the more serious pieces got left behind!
Simon has been passionate about the new Orchestra from the beginning. He has developed and supported the players that needed help - he gently steers, pushes and encourages us every step of the way. Every rehearsal has been fun filled with laughter and we have all enjoyed the journey.
We love these pieces because they are great tunes . We have had so much fun, has been a wonderful experience ..