Musica Holme Valley trip to the RNCM Percussion Day

Musica Holme Valley trip to RNCM Day of Percussion, February 2017: A review by Ms Ginette Eady, Musica Area Manager - Holme Valley

 

Percussionists from Musica Holme Valley aged 8-18 years old, parents/carers and teachers had a inspiring day in Manchester with the Royal Northern College of Musica (RNCM) exploring percussion in all its various forms.

The day got off to a fantastic start with a hands-on workshop focusing on the untuned rhythmic piece "Summon the Spirits".  Everyone was invited to join in with students from the RNCM to form a massed ensemble of over 100 musicians.  It was a very exhilarating experience and just the start to the day we needed on a cold Sunday morning.

The RNCM put together an amazing programme of events, led by a brilliant line up of international artists, opening our eyes to the world of percussion with talks and clinics on topics such as orchestral percussion technique, contemporary percussion works, latin styles (including flamenco) and drum kit secrets.  There were some incredible demonstrations of skill in concerts from the O Duo, students from Chetham's School of Music and RNCM as well as the Band of the RAF where of course, the percussion section featured highly.

Pupils enjoyed checking out a array of instruments on the various trade stands and resisted the temptation to spend too much pocket money.  The day concluded for us with another hands-on workshop with the O Duo, where improvisation became the focus, and a mass Samba.

There was such a lot happening and we didn't want to miss a single bit of it.  If there is one thing we have learned from the day, it is that we should "make friends with the click" (quote from Ralph Salmins); basically this means we have to practice with the metronome to get to be really, really good.  Sound advice indeed!

Well done Musica Holme Valley. You did us proud once again !