Summer Music Jamboree 2010

DOWNLOAD THE CREATIVE ORCHESTRA PERFORMANCE HERE

On 26th & 27th July 2010 approximately 30 children took part in Slough Music Service’s first holiday course Summer Music Jamboree.  The course consisted of different creative musical activities for both children wishing to experience playing with others for the first time and for those wanting to develop their musicianship further.

Those participants that did not necessarily have any previous musical experience joined the drum circle led by Inspire Works facilitators. The morning sessions taught the drummers how to play African rhythms on the djembe drum and the second session introduced the instruments of the Brazilian Samba band.   This was followed by a session using Boom-Whackers.    The afternoon accumulated in a lively (and noisy!) performance to parents and friends.

Those participants who had already been learning to play their own instrument were invited to join the Creative Orchestra led by Neil Valentine.  Over the course of the two days the orchestra developed their composition for performance on the final day.  The musicians developed their own melodies, harmonies, accompaniments, bass lines and rhythms of their own.  They incorporated song and developed rhythm exercises into important elements of their compositions and worked on developing their improvisation skills.  Neil worked to push their technical abilities, musicianship, and performance skills to produce a highly polished, rehearsed and exciting performance where all participants have ownership of their playing.  We also took part in a workshops session led by the young leaders group Seeds and Songs before concluding the course with a final performance to parents.

“I just thought I would write to you to let you know that Joshua and Molly had such a wonderful time on the music course this summer, they have talked about it so much over the last couple of weeks. It was a wonderful couple of days so well organised and thought out.  Thank you for organising and arranging such a lovely event... and hopefully further ones too”.  LK, parent