As Young Regional School of Music (YRSM) gears up for its 30th anniversary celebrations on Saturday, September 6 the many ensembles are practising hard.
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“Many students learn individually to sing or play their instruments, but playing in an ensemble as a team member is just like being on the soccer field,” YRSM director Stewart Bruce said.
“The ensemble team has to have a plan, strategies, train and work together to produce a great musical result.
“At our open day on September 6, many of our ensembles and school ensembles that we coordinate will be playing for members of the public.”
Students of all ages play in YRSM-based ensembles along with some of the tutors. Most ensemble players also have individual lessons, but this is not always so.
The largest ensemble with around 40 adult members is the Choir of the Southern Cross while the smallest group is the junior brass ensemble with just four members.
And in between is everything else!
The jazz band, aka Red Cherry Jazz, has 16 members and recently played to acclaim at the Centenary Airmail event at the Harden Racecourse.
Younger musicians – mainly primary age – make up the Youth Band.
For the cellists, they have their very own celliquettes, while recorder enthusiasts in the local community enjoy playing very small to very large recorders in their own ensemble.
Other ensembles include the senior brass group, the high school age swiss drum corps, intermediate and senior flute ensembles, and the junior choir of infants/primary students.
All will be playing at the YRSM open day, together with choirs, bands, guitar and drum groups from the various schools where YRSM tutors coordinate music programs.
Our ensembles meet for weekly rehearsals during the school term and enjoy the opportunities to perform at concerts and community events. Each is under the musical direction of experienced and committed YRSM tutors.
Open day at YRSM will be held on Saturday, September 6 from 10am until 2pm. Come along and enjoy some great music!
Correction: Last Monday we inadvertently married YRSM adult student Steve Connelly to alto saxophone and tutor Leisa Kenny. We hasten to add he is still happily married to Kym, a teacher at St Mary’s Primary.