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!
2 Comments
Wow!!! What a trip!! Sounds like you were very busy but it must have been great fun too!! Its amazing that Flutewise is such an international organization!!
Is anyone here on the blog not from the UK???
Love,
Stephen.
Sounds good liz!
I did my concert yesterday and it was pretty good, bearing in mind that i had just come back from D of E……I was almost falling asleep before hand but someonehow I managed to wake myself up for my part. It went well, a few mistakes, but only the sort that you would recognise if you knew the piece really well, but other than that I really enjoyed it!
I’m glad you had a good time in Switzerland; it’s amazing what you have done for the fluting world!!!
Hoping you are well,
Love Lucy x x x