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| moonlighting again! conductor Marion Wood and the Exeter Music Group Symphony Orchestra keep the energy going late into the evening |
If the picture above looks familiar, it's because it's that time again!
Marion Wood is seen here preparing the Exeter Music Group Symphony Orchestra for another evening of classical delights, by holding an 'open rehearsal' at St Peter's School in Exeter. Anyone can come along and see what goes on behind the scenes. Anyone with Grade VI or above in their instrument can join in! Children are welcome, and can meet the musicians and find out more about anything from woodwind to percussion.
Marion explains everything she is doing, and explains the music the orchestra is playing. This is music made accessible - and fun! (Still intrigued by the photo above? Look back to 1st March this year to see Marion in action at another 'open rehearsal' of Holst's 'Planets' and Elgar's 'Enigma Variations')
Last Thursday, the orchestra were preparing for their Christmas Concert, which will be on Saturday 24th November. They were preparing a feast of classical gems, some familiar - Tchaikovsky's 'Nutcracker Suite', Prokofiev's 'Troika', some not so familiar - Peter Warlock's 'Capriol Suite' and Leroy Anderson's 'Christmas Festival' and 'Sleigh Ride'.
Everything was explained with great enthusiasm by Marion, to a captivated audience. Every instrument's rôle was demonstrated by the willing members of the orchestra. No solo went unremarked, no effect was allowed to slip past without comment.
The explanations were fascinating and hugely entertaining for everyone - Ernest La Prade's 'Alice in Orchestralia' meets Benjamin Britten's 'Young Person's Guide to the Orchestra' and 'The Hoffnung Symphony Orchestra' - guaranteed to enthrall, and enlist, another generation of keen orchestral players.
Take a look for yourself!
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| Leader Clare Smith calls the orchestra to order |
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| and introduces the conductor - Marion Wood |
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| Before joining Jackie Baldwin at the 'first desk' |
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| Marion explains everything to an enthusiastic audience of children |
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| in fascinating detail |
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| Marion summons up each section of the orchestra |
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| percussion! tambourine: John McAvoy tympani: Sarah Hodson Sergei Prokofiev's 'Troika' |
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| now that is a tambourine! |
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| student Jerome Blackburn observes the precise technique |
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| and Sarah Hodson's impressive drum roll |
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| children can observe the players close-up bassoon: Prue Tasman |
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| and ask questions tuba: Robert O'Byrne |
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| students at Grade VI or above are welcome . . . Leonie Jones (Grade VIII) with mum Ann (Leonie recently completed a placement with the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra!) |
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| . . . to join in! Leonie Jones in the flute section for 'The Dance of the Reed Pipes' |
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| The smallest - and loudest - instrument piccolo: Robert Stevenson |
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| something different tenor saxophone: Richard de la Rue |
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| principal French horn Sally Maya |
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| oboes! (cor anglais: Kate Osbourne!) |
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| big bass sound - double basses front row: Melanie Lester |
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| more bass sound - brass! tuba: Robert O'Byrne bass trombone: Charles Dowell |
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| Melanie Lester shares a joke with violist Rebecca Willson |
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| and shares her experience with a young student |
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| bass clarinettist John Welton demonstrates the all important 'embouchure' |
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| in a highly entertaining solo performance |
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| 'cellos! led once again by Yvonne Ashby |
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| for Leroy Anderson's 'Christmas Festival' more tenor saxophones. in the centre, Exeter University Symphony Orchestra & Chamber Orchestra leader: Jenny Rogers |
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| warming up on glockenspiel: Jerome Blackburn |
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| for Leroy Anderson's 'Sleigh Ride' with 'slapsticks' (the whip): John McAvoy and sleigh-bells: Sarah Hodson |
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| the bassoons and double basses fall silent as the trumpet has the last word - the horse's whinny: Tony Hindley! |
Finally, proper photos! - by EMG website designer Nigel Cheffers-Heard:
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| first violins: Ellen Stratton, Anna Davis far right: Ray Fane (photo: Nigel Cheffers-Heard) |
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| first desk: Clare Smith, Jackie Baldwin (photo: Nigel Cheffers-Heard) |
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| memories of Gerard Hoffnung, local artist Michael Buckland records the orchestra at work (photo: Nigel Cheffers-Heard) |
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| "Russian Percussion" for Leroy Anderson's 'Sleigh Ride' - just add musicians! (photo: Nigel Cheffers-Heard) |
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| tympanist: Sarah Hodson (photo: Nigel Cheffers-Heard) |
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| Marion Wood conducts Leonie Jones joins the flute section (photo: Nigel Cheffers-Heard) |
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| another young student joins the violins ('your name here') (photo: Nigel Cheffers-Heard) |
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| Conductor Marion Wood |
St Peter's School Exeter
Saturday 24 November 7.30pm
EMG CHRISTMAS CONCERT
Pyotr Tchaikovsky: 'Valse des Fleurs'
Peter Warlock: 'Capriol Suite'
Edvard Grieg: 'Holberg Suite'
Dmitri Shostakovich: 'Tahiti Trot'
Leroy Anderson: Christmas FEstival
Sergei Prokofiev: Troika
Leroy Anderson: Sleigh Ride
conductor: Marion Wood
leader: Clare Smith
Tickets: £7 (student/U16 £5)
one U16 flies free with each paying adult!
Box Office: Exeter Tourist Information, Dix's Field
(open 9.30am-4.30pm Mon-Sat 01392 665885)
tickets also on sale at Exeter Strings Workshop
(Bartholomew Street West, Fore Street end)
open 10am-6pm Wed-Sat. cash/cheques only
Full details: EMG website
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