Monday, 24 October 2011

My First Entry

Hello and welcome to Jen's Musical Blog! Alas, the blog itself isn't musical (unless I add YouTube videos), but has been made with the sole purpose of allowing me to keep a note of what I am working on in my second year of the HND Classical Music course I am currently studying at Stevenson College Edinburgh!

Firstly, I think it is important that I mention what instrument I play. I am a first study Soprano voice and I also play the flute. I have always been interested in singing and was greatly encouraged in my high school, church and my Amateur Dramatics Society. As for the flute, I mostly play in the college's concert band, though I have been known to play in Flute Trios and Quartets (mostly in High School though...).

So, I think I should start with the pieces that I am performing this year. Last year, most of my repertoire in college was from the Grade 7 Syllabus as I was intending to sit my Grade 7 exam in June. I did sit the exam and I managed to pass at Merit Level! I was rather chuffed! This year, the plan is to sit my Grade 8 exam as not only do it give me something to aim for, but it will help me in the next few years of my degree! So far, I have only chosen one piece which is "So In Love", from the musical 'Kiss Me Kate'. I haven't had much time to work on it having been involved in a gig the college choir was performing in. This required an awful lot of singing and dancing. It was an amazing experience which I feel very privileged to be a part of and I hope that the choir are able to do more performances like this in the future. However, I now have more time to concentrate on my repertoire for college and have been given a few suggestions which means going in search of the sheet music!

As well as performing in college, I also have another performance coming up at the end of this week. I am performing in a Caberet Night, which is one of the many performances held by Biggar Little Festival. I honestly can't remember how long I have been involved in the festival (a good few years though...) but it is great to be a part of it. I am singing 'People', from Funny Girl for the show, so fingers crossed it goes ok!

Anyway, going back to College news, we are at the beginning of the second week of performance block, where all students are given the opportunity to go to classes/workshops best suited for their instrument. There is also an opportunity to perform in a different variety of bands such as the Concert band and the choir is also open to everyone. I have mostly been attending Concert band and choir however, I have been attending singing workshops as well. One of the lecturer's in college has been taking singing workshops for all who enjoy singing and so far these have been great fun! It helps to see others perform and then get an opportunity to gain helpful tips for your own performance.

As for the flute playing, I have mostly been playing band music. I am currently playing 1st flute which is challenging but the music that we are given to play is fantastic (not too keen on the sections containing six flats though...).

Anyway, must go. Until next time,

Jen