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Cambridgeshire Music and John Lewis strike together in world first
A world premiere of a new piece of classical music will be performed at the West Road concert hall in Cambridge later this month.
‘Striking Together’ has been written by Cambridge composer Mark Aldous from Cambridgeshire Music. The performance will include Maraca2, a visiting guest duo from Birmingham Conservatoire, the County Youth Percussion Ensemble (CYPE) and a combined percussion group consisting of young players from across the county.
Cambridgeshire Music (formerly CIMA – Cambridgeshire Instrumental Music Agency) announced last month it has joined forces with department store John Lewis and the concert is the first in a series of events this autumn to mark the opening of the new shop in November.
Robert Hallam, managing director of John Lewis Cambridge said: “We’re very much looking forward to the premiere of Striking Together in Cambridge. This concert really marks the beginning of our celebrations as we look forward to the new shop opening soon.”
Cambridgeshire Music - which is part of Cambridgeshire County Council - provides music services to over 13000 school children across the county including instrumental/vocal tuition, classroom teaching, music technology, as well as over 50 bands, orchestras and choirs.
Mark Aldous said: “This event will be a true celebration of Youth Percussion. The three groups will perform individually and the evening will culminate with all groups ‘striking together’ in a fantastic finale.”
The new John Lewis Cambridge department store in the Grand Arcade will offer five floors of fashion, furniture and homewares as well as a Brasserie and Espresso bar.
For more information and tickets contact 01223 357 851
Cambridgeshire Music hits high notes with John Lewis on board
John Lewis Cambridge has joined forces with one of Cambridgeshire's largest musical organistaions to stage a series of classical, folk and jazz events for music lovers in Cambridge, as well as setting up a longer term legacy programme to support young musicians in the area.
Cambridgeshire Music (formaly CIMA - Cambridgeshire Instrumental Music Agency) - provides music servies to more than 13000 school children and communities across Cambridgeshire by funding music teachers and instruments for over 200 schools.
Now the department store - set to open in the Grand Arcade in November of this year, has joined up with Cambridgeshire Music- which is part of Cambridgeshire County Council- to help it showcase the best young talent in the county.
Matthew Gunn, head of Cambridgeshire Music says: " There is so much young musical talent in Cambridgeshire schools and we're thrilled that John Lewis has come on board to support our work with young musicians.
"This means that not only will plenty more children have access to our music services but so many more people in Cambridge will also be able to enjoy watching and listening to that talent through the music concerts we will now be able to stage."
"We are also setting up a legacy programme for young musicians in Cambridgeshire. This will include expanding the county instrument bank which will provide a wider range of first instruments for students to learn on as well as establishing an investment trust that will remove some financial and other barriers from children accessing music lessons."
Robert Hallam, managing director for John Lewis Cambridge says: "Music has always been very popular with our Partners - the John Lewis Choir and Music Society first began back in 1925 so supporting the work of Cambridgeshire Music is very important and very natural thing for us to be doing.
"There are many school children in Cambridgeshire who are excellent musicians and so many more who just need the support to nuture their talent, so we're very pleased to be working with Cambridgeshire Music on helping to make this happen."
For further information on the programme of musical events and how you can be involved contact Matthew Gunn at Cambridgeshire Music on 01480 831 695 or visit www.soundsamazing.org
Stunning Success for String Weekend
(Press Release, February 2007)
What a challenge! With an age range of 6 to 14 and just as wide a range of experience (beginners to grade two), five CIMA String Teachers knew that their residential Elementary String Orchestra weekend (2 – 4 February) would be interesting.
The forty-nine students and teaching team worked very hard at Grafham Water Centre to prepare a short concert ranging from Mozart and Beethoven through Grand Opera to the theme from The Flintstones. The CIMA team (Rosemarie Adams, Juliet Brien, Josephine Honner, Rachel Rigby and Andy Shaw) brought such expertise that every student made extraordinarily rapid progress and the concert was excellent.
Nine of the children came knowing nobody else on the course, but friendships were soon established. The copious good food, wonderful weather and rehearsing in the new Sports Hall - with its cathedral-like acoustic - added to the fun of the weekend.
If Rosemarie Adams says that the students drove her up the wall, she means it literally: the climbing walls, parachute games and a fossil hunt were enjoyed under the supervision of Grafham Water Centre staff.
Next course: Intermediate Strings (grade 2+ to 5) at Grafham Water, 9 - 11 March. For more information on this or other music events please contact Denise Thompson at CIMA on 01480 832851 or email denise.thompson@cambridgeshire.gov.uk.
   
Celebrity Sax Player Invites Musicians for a Good Reed
(Press Release, January 2007)
This March the music service are inviting Clarinet and Saxophone players to a Single Reed Workshop with top performer, teacher and composer James Rae.
The course will take place on Sunday 4 March at Impington Village College for players of any age that are approximately grade one standard or above.
The day will include playing in both small groups and large ensembles as well as taking part in a masterclass. Players will then perform in a concert at the end of the day, giving them chance to demonstrate what they’ve learnt.
James Rae is one of Europe’s most published writers of educational wind music and has performed in West End musicals as well as some of the country’s leading orchestras. He is currently saxophone professor for the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain.
The event costs £15 per person and is a great opportunity for clarinet and saxophone players to improve their technique and play with others.
Repertoire for the day will include Mozart’s Magic Flute Overture as well as a James Rae Composition, entitled ‘Berkshire Suite for Clarinets and Saxophones’.
There are still a few places left so please contact Denise Thompson at the CIMA office on 01480 832851 or email denise.thompson@cambridgeshire.gov.uk.
Musical Fun & Games on the Southern Shore
(Press Release, January 2007)
60 young string players are eagerly awaiting two exciting weekends of music-making by the water’s edge.
The Elementary String Weekend is part of a series of courses run by the Cambridgeshire Instrumental Music Agency and takes place from the 2nd to the 4th of February at the Grafham Water Centre in Perry.
During the weekend youngsters will have the opportunity to learn new techniques and develop their performance skills under the direction of highly experienced musicians. The course is available to string players who have been learning for about a year up to approximately grade two or three standard.
A range of exciting recreational activities will also be on offer and in previous years this has included team-building games and cycling.
Participants will stay two nights in the well-equipped centre on the southern shore of the Grafham reservoir. The centre provides excellent food and refreshments and is manned by friendly staff.
The Intermediate String Weekend, to take place from 9th to 11th March also at Grafham Water is aimed at string players between approximately grade three and five standard. This weekend will also include recreational activities.
Places for both weekends are going fast so if you are interested then please contact Denise Thompson on 01480 832851 or email denise.thompson@cambridgeshire.gov.uk as soon as possible.
More information about CIMA and the events on offer can be found by visiting www.soundsamazing.org.
Youth Orchestra Christmas Course
(Evaluation - Richard Pepper, January 2007)
The CPYO had its first course late in December at Hinchingbrooke School in Huntingdon. This is a fine venue with all the full orchestral rehearsals in a well equipped hall. It was in this hall that parents and friends of the players were able to hear the first performance of the 2006-7 orchestra.
This season the conductor is Russell Keable. He is well known for his work in the area and many of the players will have worked with him before in the Holiday Orchestra. He also enjoys a strong national and international reputation as an outstanding conductor and orchestral trainer. His work with CPYO swiftly transformed the rather timid start to a strong force of very committed young musicians. Playing in an orchestra requires skills that cannot be taught in individual lessons and the real development in the three days was the orchestral technique that has started to blossom from all the players.
The course concentrated on two works from this year’s repertoire, Pohjola’s Daughter by Sibelius and Symphony No 2 by Malcolm Arnold. The dark colours of the Sibelius were particularly challenging but the orchestra gave an amazing performance of this in the concert at the end of the course.
Several CIMA teachers worked as instructors on the course and my thanks go out to them. Particular thanks to Pippa Jones and David Ashbridge who were able to give great support for the whole course.
The next stage is a residential course 2-5 April and a concert in St Ives on the 5 April. All the county ensembles will be performing at the Cambridge Corn Exchange on the 15 April.
There are a few vacancies in the string section and we need more trumpets. Please encourage advanced students to apply.
100 Violinists Play ‘La Bamba’ on their Backs!
(Press Release - 20 November 2006)
On 12 November over 100 young violinists met at Cottenham Village College for a series of Fiddle Workshops, run by the Cambridgeshire Instrumental Music Agency. The event was led by guest musician Edward Huws Jones, known throughout the country for his rich and varied experience in both education and performance.
The musicians and their violins travelled in from all over Cambridgeshire and Peterborough for a series of workshops that included the opportunity to have a go at a variety of styles ranging from traditional Irish, Welsh, Scottish, Spanish, Jewish and Latin-American in addition to contemporary compositions. This was all delivered through innovative, creative and fun techniques which even included playing the violin on their backs!
One participant who attended the afternoon workshop, said:
“My favourite part was playing ‘La Bamba’…. I want to come back next time!”
Other comments from the sessions included ‘fantastic’, ‘cool’ and ‘the music was fab.’
This event is part of a series of over 50 Workshops and Concerts provided by the Music Service each year. Activities are for all ages and abilities whether you are making your first steps in music or wish to develop your existing skills with one of our high level extension activities.
Players of all abilities are invited to join CIMA’s area music centres, containing bands, orchestras, choirs and in some areas even Tabla groups and Ceilidh Bands! Each centre is free to those receiving CIMA music tuition and for those that don’t it costs as little as four pounds per week for as many groups as you wish to join (plus the first term is free!).
For more information about CIMA events and activities please visit www.soundsamazing.org or contact Denise Thompson on denise.thompson@cambridgeshire.gov.uk or 01480 832851.
   
Zusammen We Strike!
(Press Release 13 November 2006)
Cambridgeshire Instrumental Music Agency’s top Percussion Ensemble visited Cambridge’s twin town of Kreis Vierson last week for a unique, multicultural, musical exchange.
Seven youngsters from the Cambridge Youth Percussion Ensemble played alongside their German counterparts in a series of intensive workshops and performances, demonstrating their friendship through music. Local dignitaries attended the final concert and were highly impressed by the team effort. Highlights included a performance of the piece ‘Streiken Zusammen’ (Striking Together) by local composer Mark Aldous as well as a dazzling piece for five Marimbas, performed by the Vierson Percussion Ensemble. The group are looking forward to hosting the return visit from Vierson early next year.
One talented youngster commented:
‘I had a great time in Germany, with the people there and also the music. I witnessed first hand how music can bring people together, even when there is a slight language barrier.’
Course leader Mark Aldous said the following:
‘… this exchange was nothing short of an inspirational experience for all involved. The chance for CYPE to witness exceptional playing from German students of their own age was such a valuable experience… the combined pieces worked very well as both the English and German students gained so much from “striking together”.'
The talented young musicians meet once a week in term time at the Cambridge Area Music Centre, where they are encouraged to develop their skills in the large range of bands, orchestras and choirs made available by the Cambridgeshire Instrumental Music Agency. Each group is completely free to join for those receiving CIMA tuition, or only £4 per week for as many groups as you can fit in (first term is free!) for those who don’t.
The Cambridge Youth Percussion Ensemble is set to release its first CD in March, to include an exhilarating fusion of 20th century percussion music written by leading international composers.
More information on the Percussion exchange, forthcoming CD release and the range of exciting musical activities on offer in your area can be found by contacting Denise Thompson on denise.thompson@cambridgeshire.gov.uk or by telephoning 01480 832851.
  
Musicians Hear Sounds in Space
(Press Release 10 November 2006)
The Cambridgeshire Instrumental Music Agency has launched two space-aged music projects as part of this year’s Cambridge Music Festival.
Lifting off on Saturday 18 November is a performance of a brand new movement to complete Holst’s Planet Suite, composed by some of the most talented young Composers in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough. The group, led by leading Contemporary Composer Duncan Chapman, will hear their version of Planet Earth performed by the Cambridge Philharmonic Orchestra at the Cambridge Corn Exchange at 7:30pm.
The Physicists Make Music project has already taken off at Michaelhouse Centre, Trinity Street, Cambridge and gives you the opportunity to listen in on Sounds of the Universe. This pioneering project, developed by the music service, features a ‘sound world’ made up of radio waves from far corners of the universe. Students from Hills Road and Long Road Sixth Form Colleges, with help from the Institute of Astronomy, have collected an array of electronic waves, which they were then able to manipulate into a vast sound scape with help from Duncan Chapman.
Tickets for The Planets, featuring works by Debussy, Bartok, Holst and Matthews, can be obtained from the Festival Box Office on 01223 357851.
The Listening in on the Sounds of the Universe exhibition is open from 09:30 to 17:00 from Wednesday 8 November to Sat 25 November (except Sundays) and is free.
For more information on these events (funded by Awards For All, The Foyle Foundation and Cambridge City Council) please contact the Cambridge Music Festival on 01223 350544 or visit www.cammusic.co.uk.
Twin Towns Strike Together
(Press Release - 25 October 2006)
Gifted young musicians from Cambridge will travel to meet their German counterparts in the city’s twin town of Kreis Viersen this weekend.
Seven members of the Cambridgeshire Instrumental Music Agency’s top percussion ensemble are taking part in a unique exchange, involving the performance of a specially written work that symbolises the two cities’ friendly partnership.
The piece, entitled ‘Streiken Zusammen’ (Striking Together), is written by energetic local composer Mark Aldous and allows the German and English performers to work alongside each other, playing an enormous range of instruments from bongos to vibraphones.
The talented young musicians meet once a week in term time at the Cambridge Area Music Centre, where they are encouraged to develop their skills in the large range of bands, orchestras and choirs made available by the Cambridgeshire Instrumental Music Agency.
Each group is completely free to join for those receiving CIMA tuition and costs £4 per week for as many groups as you can fit in (1st term is free!) for those who don’t.
The weekend will involve a number of intensive workshops at the Kreis Music Schule as well as an official reception with Mayor Ottoman, followed by a final performance for the residents of this prestigious North German town on Saturday evening.
The Cambridge Youth Percussion Ensemble is set to release its first CD in February, to include an exhilarating fusion of 20th century percussion music written by leading international composers.
More information on the Percussion exchange, forthcoming CD release and the range of exciting musical activities on offer in your area can be found by contacting Denise Thompson on denise.thompson@cambridgeshire.gov.uk or by telephoning 01480 832851.
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