I'm a flautist, in case you didn't know. As part of the woodwind family, we don't tend to mix too much with other instrument sections, let alone become friends with them. In fact, I actually lived with a cornet player at University; he played his instrument a lot, and on numerous occasions paraded around the first floor blasting out a rather average version of William Tell when we were all trying to sleep. As you can probably tell, they aren't my favourites, brass players...
It may seem unusual, then, that I am actually writing this blog about brass. Next Friday 21st, we have our final cafe concert of the Autumn series. Involving regular members of the brass section of the orchestra, the concert is a continuation of the popular 'Secrets of the Orchestra' series. 'Brass Unwrapped' will showcase the main four instruments of the orchestral brass section – trumpet, horn, trombone and tuba. In the chamber music repertoire that Southern Sinfonia regularly play, it is rare that we see the brass section in this sort of setting. Usually, they have been tucked away behind a pillar (ahem...because they play too loudly...ahem) due to space restrictions, or because they just aren't involved.
Despite my slightly less favourable feelings towards the brass instruments, this concert will be a fantastic experience. To see any sort of event in which a professional musician showcases their talents is a pleasure, and this will be no different. Whether you are young or old, it will no doubt be fascinating to learn new facts about the brass family. I am a firm believer that we should constantly continue to learn throughout our lives, and this is a perfect example of an event that is accessible for all.
We have 80 school children coming along next Friday. As an orchestra who prides itself on our work in education, it was music to our ears when the school expressed interest in coming along. What an experience it will be for them, too, given that the majority of them have been recently learning the trumpet! Hearing that year 3 pupils have been learning a new instrument, and are obviously keen to come and learn more about it, is very pleasing to hear on a personal level. I wish I had had the opportunity to be inspired at such a young age by an event such as this; I never really experienced music in this setting at all and only continued through a genuine passion.
In light of these school children who are obviously so eager to be involved in music, it was upsetting to see the Education Secretary's comments this past week about music and the arts. Nicky Morgan warned pupils that choosing to study arts subjects at school “could hold them back for the rest of their lives.” Nonsense. The recent success of the BBC Ten Pieces initiative has shown just how many children want to be involved with music; how far are they going to be able to continue this interest if our Education Secretary says things like this?
Southern Sinfonia will always to be committed to Education. No matter what anyone else says, the huge success of our Education projects have shown us that children want to learn. The concert next Friday is a chance for not only the young children, but for all of us to learn. Let's just hope the trumpet player doesn't send for the cavalry with William Tell, because a few of those angry thoughts may creep back in to my head...
Click here to book tickets for Friday's concert. You can also find out more about Southern Sinfonia by visiting our website, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
