Day 1 - Other Sessions

Everyone gathered in the hall at lunchtime to hear a few speeches from Dame Evelyn Glennie, Guy and Elizabeth from SIA who is on the fundraising team. Evelyn Glennie spoke about the musical benefits of an event like this and recalled her own participation last time on the double bass. It was refreshing to hear that even with her own performing career having appeared in many of the world’s finest concert halls she still felt nervous as she approached the shed where she was to go take her grade 1 double bass exam. Despite describing the experience as a ‘trauma’ Evelyn said she was disappointed when she had to give the double bass back. Guy was introduced and began by giving us a tip: never attempt any DIY and to leave it to the experts! Much of his speech was light-hearted and he spoke about his own experience and the way the staff and teams at Stoke Mandeville helped him during his 3 or 4 months there, from his first encounter with a peer advisor to details of the technique needed just to get from the wheelchair to the bed for example. I was surprised to learn this can take several weeks and requires considerable upper body strength, not easy when you’ve been in a hospital bed for some time. Guy explained why he had chosen SIA above many other potentially worthy charities. He could see exactly where the money was being spent and notice the immediate benefits but could also see areas for development and where help would be needed in the future. Guy thanked Thanea, Maurice and the committee who have been organising the whole event and handed over to Elizabeth, from SIA, who gave us a few details about her side, explaining the projects that our particular funds would be going to and wished us luck on our exciting journey. After the applause died down the hall filled with lively chatter from those excited at having had their lesson and those who were slightly apprehensive yet to try their new instrument.

After lunch I went along to see the clarinets to see if any help was needed. It was interesting going from being a learner to watching others learning something I can already do. The group of about 10 were being taught by Joy Farrell, a well known performer and professor at Guildhall, and while Joy is more used to the higher level players she gave good clear instructions on producing a sound and how to place the fingers. The group worked well and there were some good strong tones within the first few minutes. A little bit of squeaking, especially as some players tried too hard but as they learned to relax the squeaking disappeared. Joy’s suggestion “think bugs bunny, then suck a lemon” for correct embouchure was surprisingly effective and her advice of “just keep blowing no matter what's going on” is sound (excuse the pun!) advice for any wind player! It is always useful to hear how others approach certain techniques and when Joy tackled the thorny issue of tonguing she was able to demonstrate and explain it in a simple way. Her starter exercise was different to my usual one so it was great to get another way to introduce tonguing to pupils. The hour went by very quickly and we all left with high hopes.