I’ve had the most fabulous time in Switzerland. I was invited by Rosie Sprackling who is a flute teacher out there, to go and do some workshops at the school she teaches at, the International School of Zug. It is a wonderful school, with great pupils and staff. I was really, really impressed with their standard of playing and attitude. The head of music is David Smith and it really helps that he also plays the flute.
Rosie and David told me there are about 750 young people attend the school and they ALL play a musical instrument and they ALL have their instrumental lesson on a Friday afternoon. That is quite an achievement but seems an excellent idea as it must save timetabling problems.
On Friday I had a mini masterclass session with 4 of Rosie’s pupils who are doing grade exams soon. They were excellent. Guess what I challenged them to do? Perform their pieces from memory. All four of them had a go and I think they really surprised themselves. I hope I have encouraged them for their exam.
This session was followed by 2 sessions, one for the beginners and the second for those playing a little bit longer. We played a couple of musical games, looked at March of the Scarecrows and South Africa by Mike Mower and then they all met Phillip (my breathing friend) and, of course, blew bubbles!
On Saturday I had the flute choir which Rosie and David have set up. They are a lovely group of keen young flute players plus a Dad. They had already worked on the Sailor’s Hornpipe and Walk Like This by Ian Clarke. It was great to hear how much this new group had already achieved and also lovely to give them some tips about how I know Ian intended his piece to be interpreted.
One thing we explored was the PURPLE COW. I think the idea of coming up with a performance based on a short poem, a tune and their own ideas was quite a new concept for most people there. I was pleased with the results.
I think the favourite bit of the whole 2 days might have been Erich’s game, everyone seemed to really enjoy it. The bubbles were probably next in line or equal to the incredible lunch we had prepared by two of the mums.
We had a short concert at the end for the parents and at the end of it I was presented with a gift (photo above). They are a butter plate and a cake plate made out of the most beautiful glass – and with cows on them. How appropriate! I’m really extremely grateful. I was also given two CDs. I’m listening to one as I write this, it is of the school choir conducted by David when they performed last Christmas with the Zurich Symphony Orchestra. It is beautiful.
I feel so very privileged to have the opportunity to work with such fantastic people – Rosie and David and all of the flute players. I was thrilled that Thomas and his Mum came all the way from Paris for the workshop on Saturday. It was also very special to meet Rosie’s lovely family – her husband Geof and their children Isobel, Emily and Thomas. Thomas is only two, Emily is 6 and plays the cello and likes ballet, Isobel is 8, she loves ballet, plays the recorder really well and is a huge fan of Ian Clarke’s. I think I heard his CD played 4 times at the house while I was there.
Zug is very near where Sir James and Lady Galway live – but no, I didn’t see them as they were in Istanbul.
It was a great experience, but I am very tired!
Can you remember a little while ago I told you how Alison was in great need of sponsors for her ride with her horse Bonnie to raise money for Riding for the Disabled? Well, she still needs help!! Can you help her? Visit http://www.justgiving.com/alisonandbonnie. If you don’t, she might never make us a cake again!
Once you’ve done that you might then like to attend a special flute concert or two – the first is in memory of the flute player, Sebastian Bell – Sebastian Bell Celebration Concert on Monday 12th May 2008, 7.30 pm at Dukes Hall, Royal Academy of Music, Marylebone Road, London, NW1. Entry is free.
The second is to celebrate the life of Gareth Morris, also a flute player, and is on Friday 25th April 2008, 7.30 pm at Dukes Hall, Royal Academy of Music, Marylebone Road, London, NW1. Entry is free.
Let me know if you go to them.
I’ve had a nice, busy, very social week, catching up with lots of friends. In between that I’ve been working on music for the website, Slovenia and my visit to Switzerland next week. I’m really excited about that. Any ideas why I might be off to Switzerland?
Yesterday, after I came back from shopping, I made myself a hot drink and flicked through the TV channels for a few minutes. I came across a progamme on Sky One called Are You Smarter than a 10 Year Old? Have you seen it? The part of the programme I came in at was when a very grown-up looking man was answering a question about music for a child aged 7. The question was – in which section of the orchestra would you find a piccolo? He didn’t know! He did say he might have heard of a piccolo, but that was it. I find it quite staggering that a person who has been through our education system to a higher level doesn’t have this level of general knowledge.
Is it me, do I expect too much?
Have we heard what happened to Rachel’s flute yet?
I had a really lovely day yesterday.
In the afternoon I spent time on the phone with Paul from Grand Designs, sorting out my Fife Book. This was made extra special because of a report on the BBC website – 79% of girls want to play the fife! Isn’t that wonderful? I feel really proud to have encouraged so many young people to start the flute via the fife. I’m really excited about relaunching the book.
In the evening Mark, Samantha and I went to the Dome in Brighton for a Jethro Tull concert. As I’ve not been 100% this week I hadn’t booked tickets and really didn’t expect to get any. We had a ‘restricted view’, but it was superb, on level with the stage and as close as you would want to be. It was an awesome show, their 40th anniversary tour. Samantha had never heard them before and she was completely bowled over. We went backstage afterwards for a very quick chat – any idea what about?
Thank goodness. Robin phoned me early this morning (well early for me because I’m really feeling under the weather with a flu-type bug) and he told me he’ll be collecting it from the finishers today and it will be packed tomorrow and posted by Friday, hopefully.
The photo above is a bit random – the snow we had earlier this week.
Our plans for Slovenia are all starting to come together, with the hotel being confirmed, all flights booked, coach booked and now I’ve got to order the T shirts. It’s really exciting.
I’ve got quite a bit to get on with before then. I need to explore funding and sponsorship to see if there is any way I can find some financial support to make this Barbican event happen. On first looking at the figures I really don’t think I can risk doing it without some input. Anyone got any brilliant ideas?
