Musings, gigs, support and news!
Wednesday, June 8, 2022 by Ben Jackson | Uncategorized
Good day!
After a week of gigs and festivities a cup of tea and Schumann (its his birthday today!) are seeing me nicely through the morning. It has been a great week with lots of musical links and fond memories shared.
Ready to get back in gear for the new term where we will officially welcome in the summer on the 21st of June! I have some morsels that I would like to share that may be of interest to you or those you know.
BAPAM
Robert Schumann was a pianist and composer form the 19th Century who was not considered a “child prodigy” but whom left the study of law to be a pianist and later composed and became one of the most defining and important composers of the 19th Century.
Schumann died at the age of 46 of pleurisy and in later life struggled with mental health condition which would have likely be diagnosed as bi-polar disorder.
If you know of anyone who may need some guidance and support on personal health I would like to recommend the British association for Performing Arts (BAPAM) for musicians and performing artists who require support or guidance particularly in these challenging times.
ORCHESTRA ONE
Kent music are soon to be recruiting for their Orchestra one project. This long standing (30th Project!) has been an incredible activity for young people in Kent. I have included the link below and would recommend keeping an eye out for when this comes live! Open to all abilities aged 11-18. I have only heard good things and fantastic feedback from this event.
Members of Orchestra ONE come from a wide range of musical backgrounds and create their own original music during each four day project. Every project offers a new experience influenced by changing themes, collaborations and specialist tutor teams but most importantly by the young musicians’ own interests, styles and instrumentation.
ARTS CUTS IN HIGHER MUSIC EDUCATION
Not for the faint hearted! it’s tragic to what government has so far cut in the arts for young people and unsettling to read the musings moving forward. I couldn’t believe that the arts and music funding has been cut by %50 in 2021!
The points below have been put together by the Musicians Union.
Government plans for England:
- Put music and arts subjects at risk by cutting their funding in favour of their preferred subjects
- Reduce access to higher education by excluding pupils who do not achieve a particular grade in GCSE Maths and English
- Make systemic inequalities worse by disproportionately excluding disabled, Black, Asian and minority ethnic students, and students from low income backgrounds.
- Hit low paid workers the hardest by reducing the student loan repayment threshold to £25,000 during the biggest cost of living crisis in 30 years
- Put teaching jobs on music and arts courses at risk affecting MU members who teach.
Whew after that I’m going to need another tea and maybe cake!
SINGING WITH NIGHTGALES
I wanted to share with you a very special experience that was guided by the fantastic Sam Lee. The event is Singing with Nightingales and it is held near Lewes in East Sussex.
After arriving in the early evening there was enough time to set up camp, sit by the water with a beer, and enjoy the space accompanied with the dusk chorus.
We were greeted by lovely Sam and a friendly team to ensure we had a lovely time and in tune with the wildlife around us ensure the habitats of the wildlife were not disrupted.
After fireside songs and words and bounty of delicious food prepared by the fire we went in search for the mysterious nightingales. I had never heard a nightingale before and to hear one so close was such an experience. They are so animated with their phrases and sounds they use to construct the virtuosic melodies to attract a mate. We sat for a little over an hour and enjoyed the musicians improvising along with the birdsong. A truly memorable and special experience.
The nightingales are awe inspiring nocturnal birds that are woven deeply in a rich tapestry spanning from Greek mythology to the current day. Their symbolism spans across the continents and after hearing the nightingale there is no mistaking their song. Back in May I heard one from the studio over the way towards Tilsden which was very humbling.
On a final note!
Online booking for lessons - As a reminder if you are unable to attend a lesson I have made a selection open times available on Wednesday to make up any missed lessons.
All the best and may the good weather come!
Links
BAPAM event for maintaining best health and a sustainable career in music
https://www.crowdcast.io/e/isozp799/register?utm_source=Musicians%20Union&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=13150141_Introducing%20BAPAM,%208%20June&dm_i=2QJ,7TUPP,3WRYJQ,VY8EZ,1
Kent Music Orchestra one
https://www.kent-music.com/groups/orchestra-one/
Arts cuts
Please take a look at the link below and act appropriately!
https://musiciansunion.org.uk/campaigns/protect-higher-education-music-in-england
Sam Lee
Nightingale song
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NK2_bcQcoD4
