May Ensemble Night a Terrific Success

TEMPO REVIEW – 27 MAY 2011

What a fabulous evening. “Tempo” just gets better and better. With a massive programme to get through on our “Ensemble Night” the organisation was excellent with many helpers moving chairs, instruments and sound gear, making for a very smooth transition between items.

The evening began with guests, the Marlborough Youth Orchestra, conducted by Barbara Song. They treated us to “Autumn” and “Danse Macabre” with precision and some very nice solo interludes on flute and clarinet. A quick change on stage and we were being entertained (in every sense of the word) by the Orphans Club “7 Up” band. This was lots of fun with Ken Ham ‘hamming it up’ for us, trying to make us believe he was nervous!

Our first students to perform were Hannah Zydenbos and Hannah Marshall playing a piano duet, “Glow Worm”. Their wacky costumes added to the fun but didn’t detract from the fact that both Hannah’s are very good pianists. Georgia Jones took the stage with her saxophone, playing “Romance” with a lovely tone, followed by Zoe Luffman playing “The Bagpipers” on the piano. Peata and Iona Panoho played a flute and recorder duet, the delightful “Rigadoon” by Purcell, then first-time performer Daisy van Wel sang an unaccompanied “Blue Moon” revealing a lovely voice and obvious musicianship.

Next to take the stage were a group of 14 singers from Spring Creek School, all in pink, called “The Pink Notes”. They were very impressive, with good control and obviously well rehearsed. Solomon Panaho played “Old MacDonald” on the piano and Jonty Zydenbos entertained us, first with his cheeky smile and fun introduction and then with great playing of “Sweet Caroline” on trumpet. Grace Williams played “Schindler’s List” on the piano. This was lovely, sensitive playing with nice contrast in mood.

Millie and Lexi sang “I Can See Clearly Now” with Millie on ukulele, then Angie Bashford and Kimberly Jones played a well-rehearsed piano duet. Alisha Heath and Matthew McEldowney sang “Latin Penguins” with well-held harmonies and Beth Williams Played “The Bells” on Piano. This was a pretty piece and nicely played.

We were then treated to Annabelle Lewis singing “Over the Rainbow” with “Strings Classical”. This was a lovely blend of voice and strings. This was followed by “Strings Classical” accompanied on piano by Kimberly Jones. These students have obviously spent hours practicing and it was a real treat with solo by Vicky Mack. Caitlin and Heeon played an exciting, fast-paced duet on ‘cello, followed by Tabitha Lim on piano, playing a very descriptive “River Flows In You.”

Georgia & Emily Jones and Brooke McLachlan sang “Greatest American Hero”, blending their voices very nicely, then Alisha Heath and Zara Wills sang a delightful “Inch Worm”.

The stage was then set up for Hannah Zydenbos (keys), Aroha Weaver (vocals) and Georgia Marshall (guitar) performing “Lifeline” followed by sisters, Jacqui and Judith Marfell singing and playing guitar with “Over the Rainbow”. Sylvia Duncan accompanied herself on guitar and gave us a very nice “Broken Strings” by James Morrison, her voice well suited to this piece.

A highlight of the evening was “The MetroNomes”, Charlotte, Samara, Mackenzie, Sylvia, Hannah and Annabelle. They performed “Laura” with excellent instrumental playing, and lovely sensitive singing. Mackenzie Crous then entertained us with her saxophone playing “Swinging’ Shepherd Blues” with ease, followed by Kimberley Jones and Angela Morgan played “Marcia and Menuetto” by Weber. These students were entirely together and well synchronised at the piano. Our student performers then rounded off with Hadley Anderson singing “Lost” and “Eternity”. Hadley has a lovely, commercial voice and he looked very comfortable at the piano, blending voice and accompaniment with ease.

Our evening was completed with another bracket from the Orphans Club Band with toe-tapping items making us wish the evening would never end.

All in all, it was a great night and the students are to be commended for the hours of practice they put in to give the community such a high quality concert.

More photos at http://tempoconcert.blogspot.com/2011/05/photos-from-may-concert.html

Tempo Ensemble Night

Friday 27th May, Wesley Centre, Blenheim 7pm

This is going to be a wonderful night full of all sorts of wonderful combinations of musicians and instruments.  Join us for an unforgettable evening. 

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See you there!!!

Back to reality

The season of My Fair Lady has come to an end.

After an extensive season of Musical Theatre for the community of Marlborough; the cast, crew and orchestra now have some evenings to spend at home - if they so choose.

For the first time ever I got sick before and during the show!  I blame the break we had at Easter. Usually one pushes through to the end of the show and then the week following the body has the opportunity to tell you that hibernation is the only option. 

It was not pleasant in the pit with coughing fits, trying to stifle them or at least keep them out of the path of the ever-senstive mics with feeble noise-gates.  However with the power of some rather foul-tasting cough drops, numerous bottles of powerade and supersoft tissues we managed to survive.

The head is not completely clear of dancing all night, but no longer getting married every morning (still more than I care to)

In the middle of it all the opportunity to transport my adorable feline Bowie arose.  It took 2 days, fogs, rain, and 4 airports for her to get here, and one would never guess she had been through it all.  She is currently sleeping in my bed nestled under the covers after spending all day in the sun.  It is wonderful to have her with me again.  There is nothing like an animal to bring a home to life :)  She still is not a fan of the violin, but is tolerant of students (until they start to play) and has even taken to following some of them up the drive when they leave.

Here is a picture of Bowie...

As you can see she is unique with her polydactyl paws (thumbs).  She also has one blue eye and one amber eye - hence the name.

Over the next few weeks there will be another Tempo concert (27th May is Ensemble night!!) and more teaching.  I have in mind a number of projects I would love to establish for the latter part of the year.

My other project is to write the Study Guide for Kiwi Kapers!  The year is Superheroes :)  It's going to great fun!

When it rains, it pours!

My apologies for the lack of posts in the past few weeks.  Life is rather busy...

My Fair Lady has started!  2 shows in and going well so far.  Only 8 more to go!
With a smaller theatre of around 320 capacity...it means we do more shows.  Not a problem with that at this stage. May be getting tired and grumpy nearer the end though.

I have also moved house!

Now living in a very cool 3 bedroom place.  Still to obtain a fridge, washing machine and relocate a bed...but in and toasty with a log fire.  My parents arrive tonight with some kitchen things from life in Timaru, so will be happy to have a few more plates and things, although getting really good at washing!

I taught my first lesson at the new house yesterday, and have to say it is great to have the opportunity to set up the environment how I like.

Thank you to all of you who viewed Haylee's video.  She is now through to the next round which is judged by those at Musicworks - so fingers crossed!!

Aside from that there is not much more to report.  Will do a show breakdown soon...