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Summer Concert 02/07/09
Croydon Music and Arts held their 2009 Summer Concert on July 2nd this year - rather earlier than usual. Yet despite this, and despite the usual obstacles of exams, proms, and all the other commitments that CMA’s many students take on, there was no compromise in quality.
A wide-ranging and engaging programme saw eight different ensembles show off their term’s work. Opened by a rousing ‘Fanfare for Heroes,’ by the Croydon Youth Brass Ensemble, there followed a trio of woodwind groups: the Woodwind Ensemble (including works by Haydn and Adam Gorb), Clarinet Ensemble (Polka from ‘The Bartered Bride’), and Clarinet Quartet (‘Overture to the Marriage of Figaro’). The players from these groups then came together with others to form the Croydon Youth Winds. They finished the first half with the flourish of Frank Ticheli’s ‘Sundance,’ the rustic tones of Jan Van der Roost’s ‘Puszta,’ and showcasing the clear talent of one of Croydon’s brightest young musicians, Charlie Osborn, in Rimsky-Korsakov’s ‘Concerto for Trombone and Military Band.’
The second half was entirely different, but no less stunning in quality. Starting us off was a rhythmic performance of ‘Scherzo for Percussion,’ by the Percussion Ensemble. This was followed by the Guitar Ensemble, which showcased not only the guitar players’ talent, but also Cornelius Bruinsma’s ever-eclectic and original choice of programme, covering Schubert, Rodrigo y Gabriela and the Red Hot Chili Peppers. The evening was finished by the Croydon Youth Jazz Band. CYJB played five pieces including ‘Soul Bossa Nova,’ and ‘Play That Funky Music,’ with verve and enjoyment. These featured solos from many of the players, including some as young as twelve years old.
Despite the heat and the hectic schedules, the young musicians in this concert played some extremely demanding music with maturity, professionalism and confidence. Many of these young players had a further engagement to attend – a concert tour to Prague – which by all accounts went very well. Many of the students will now be moving on to university or the outside world, and in this we wish them luck. Yet despite their departure, on the evidence of the summer concert the future remains bright.
Youth Music Showcase Concert, Fairfield Halls, 31 March 2009
Pictured are the strings and band rehearsing at Ashburton for Showcase 2009 and the full orchestra rehearsing at Fairfield. Coming soon; more pictures on our Flickr site and you will be able to see excerpts from the concert on our You Tube site. If you would like a CD recording of the whole concert, please send a cheque or postal order for £5.00 payable to London Borough of Croydon, with your name and address to:
Croydon Music and Arts (Showcase 2009 CD)
Ashburton Learning Village
Shirley Road, Croydon CR9 7AL
Around the World in Eight Pieces
Our Showcase 2009 performance project included more than 230 of Croydon’s young musicians performing a medley of songs from around the world in their separate instrumental groups before joining together to perform as a large orchestra.
Flutes, directed by Carolyn Kelly
La Cucaracha (Mexico), arr. Matthew Kelly
The song "La Cucaracha" is of Spanish origin. It gained its greatest popularity during the Mexican Revolution of the early 20th century, though the song dates back to the 1800s. The words consist of independent verses and are often improvised and humorous.
The cockroach, the cockroach,
Can't walk anymore
Because it doesn't have, because it's lacking
Its two back feet
Keyboards and Guitars, directed by Cornelius Bruinsma
South American Medley, arr. Cornelius Bruinsma
The Medley of South American folk music reflects three different dance styles from the region. The Guitars and Keyboards imitate the familiar sound of pan-pipes, Paraguayan harp, guitars and charango.
‘Bailecito’ (Argentina) – This dance has influences from the time of the Inca’s and is a courtship dance.
‘Carnavalito’ (Peru) – Like the Bailecito this dance has been performed since before the discovery of South America. It is a partner or group dance where performers move around the musicians.
‘Cueca’ (Bolivia) is the national dance of Chile. It is considered to have originally developed in Peru as a Zamacueca, being a mix of Spanish and African influences.
Drums, directed by Dave Barry
Zaitochi (Japan), arr. Dave Barry
This piece is based on the music of the Kodo group of drummers, dancers and musicians based on Sado Island in Japan. They are all marathon runners and run every morning in all weathers, before meditating and spending the rest of the day working on their music and theatre, which uses traditional Japanese folk music as well as more modern influences. They use various sizes of drums, the biggest of which has a diameter of 114 centimetres! Zaitochi is the legendary blind samurai, or ronin, who wandered medieval Japan, righting wrongs and saving maidens – a sort of Robin Hood.
Brass, directed by Martin Grainger
Russian Sailor’s Dance, Gliere arr. Mike Brown
The ‘Russian Sailor’s Dance’ is taken from Gliere’s ballet, ‘The Red Poppy.’ It is set in 1930s China, where a ship carrying sailors from many lands, including Russia is docked in a Chinese seaport. The beautiful Tao-Hoa falls in love with the Russian captain when he tries to rescue workers from the cruel harbormaster. She gives him a red poppy as a symbol of her love. When Tao's employer learns of this he is jealous and orders her to kill the captain. She refuses and sacrifices her life for the captain's. As she dies, she gives another red poppy flower to a young Chinese girl as a sign of love and freedom.
Clarinets, directed by Genessa West
Dance of Joy (Eastern Europe), arr. Genessa West
Klezmer is traditional music which was originally played by Eastern European Jews, particularly at weddings. It is therefore music to celebrate and should be played with lots of energy and sparkle. It has a rather exotic feel and sound as it is based on scales which are different from those used in the West of Europe. Improvisation plays an important part in Klezmer, so the pieces are versions which have been written down and could also be played with many additional ornaments and variations. The unusual off beat or syncopated accompaniment is typical of Klezmer music.
Violins and Violas, directed by Anne Winter
Karpathian Song (Greece), arr. Dee Elliott and Anne Winter
This lively melody comes from the Greek Island of Karpathos which is the second largest island of the Dodecanese between Rhodes and Crete. Greek folk music is rich in culture and has many centuries of tradition in singing and dancing which are still performed today. The violin is one of the most popular and long established instruments used in Greek folk music and is found in many traditional ensembles over the islands. Karpathian Song is a high spirited and vibrant piece.
Double Reeds and Saxophones, directed by Rhuti Carr
Scottish Reeds, arr. David Rompani
Scottish Reeds consists of 3 pieces popular at a Ceilidh (a traditional social gathering with music, dance and story telling), arranged for oboes, bassoons and saxophones.
‘The Flower of the Quern’ is a Slow Air.
‘Timor the Tartar’ is a Reel, a quick energetic dance.
‘Athol Highlanders’ is a Jig, a lively dance.
Cellos and Basses, directed by Dee Elliott
Two Welsh Folk Tunes, arr. Dee Elliott
These two pieces reflect the Celtic roots of Welsh music. ‘Glwysen’ (The Fairest One) was composed by Edward Jones in the eighteenth century and is a beautiful air. In contrast ‘Nyth y Cwcw’ (The Cuckoo’s Nest) has a strong dance feeling. Both pieces are modal and have haunting harmonies.