Performance Opportunities

For those who wish to take part, I currently offer three opportunities for performance.

Student Concerts

I currently aim to run either one or two student concerts per year. The first of these took place in 2006, and there have been a further five since. They offer an opportunity for students to perform in front of an audience (usually between 70 and 100) at a local venue. After the 2007 concert, a 16 year old pupil wrote:

‘This year’s concert was called Myriad of Colours, and in my opinion was a great success (although I am a highly biased judge as it was my first!). Everyone had great fun, and the audience seemed to enjoy it just as much as those who were performing! At the first rehearsal, the programme sounded good enough, but by the time the performance arrived, the already brilliant set of songs had been perfected. It was easy to see which songs everyone liked best, as the volume rose to an even greater height (not that that means much from where I’m sat, as I’m not the most confident person, and as such, the volume of my singing is sorely lacking!). Overall, everyone managed to successfully make their way through the programme. The audience were great, and the general atmosphere was energizing (I don’t think I’ve ever been that ‘hyper’ before!). I would just like to say thank you for persuading me to take part.’

There is, of course, no pressure to take part in our concerts or other activities. Currently, between 40 and 60% of students take part. They give an opportunity to meet other students, and as one adult pupil said:

‘It has been so enjoyable meeting the other students, all of which are much younger than me; but when we come together to perform, before you can say ‘glissando’ the generation gap falls away…’

Platform for Performance

I currently run a termly ‘Platform Performance;’ an informal Sunday afternoon opportunity for 6-8 students to get together and play or sing a selection of pieces to each other. Again, all ages and abilities take part, and there is always opportunity to share ideas talk about issues relating to learning. In the past, students have shared experiences of exams and assessments, and there has also been a discussion on effective practice. One adult student said recently of these sessions:

‘To do or not to do…that was the question when I had an invitation to participate in a Platform Performance – an opportunity to perform some pieces in a safe environment in front of my fellow peers… I felt decidedly nervous and have to admit I found the singing much easier than playing the piano. What we all had, however, was a marvellous opportunity to hear some wonderful music and give and receive constructive feedback. The programme was very interesting and varied. We each had the opportunity to sing or play three pieces – with time for a few more at the end if time allowed… A great afternoon was had by all. It was a great opportunity to meet with others…’

Summer Lunchtime Recitals Series

A new venture in 2008 was to give students the opportunity to give their own lunchtime recital in the centre of Gloucester. The series of concerts on Saturday lunchtimes has been successful, and we hope for a similar series in 2009.