We are particularly delighted to reveal that the Colyer-Fergusson music building is one of two buildings from the University which has been shortlisted for the 2013 Royal Institution of British Architects Southeast Regional Awards.
Both the music building and the new Crit Building (part of the School of Architecture) have been shortlisted for the presitigious award, of which the winner will be annouced in June.
Read the full press release online here. Fingers crossed…
Ahead of the Music Theatre Society’s production of Rent which starts this Wednesday, I talked with the show’s Musical Director, Jake Bhanji.
DH: What’s your involvement with the show this year? And what does that mean?
JB: I’m the Musical Director for Rent which means I work with the band, preparing and perfecting the vast accompanying music for the show and come performance time, conduct and play the keyboard. I rehearse the band twice a week, and also work closely with our brilliant vocal director, Steph, and awesome director, Alick, in ensuring amendments in the music and the cues are noted. Now at this later stage, we’re working on bringing the band and the cast together, so the cast can get used to the music, and the band used to the singing.
DH: And what are the challenges of working on this show?
Jonathan Larson certainly knows how to keep the musicians on our toes! The shear amount of music, filled with changes in time signatures, keys, tempo, and much more as been a challenge, but we’ve met them well, and I’m immensely proud of the band for coping with it all! Despite its complexity, the music is still great and both the band and the cast love it.
DH: So what have you most enjoyed working on?
To be honest, there is so much to choose from, so it is really difficult to choose just one I’ve enjoyed. Well, Out tonight is definitely a favourite! As well as the big opening number Rent’ it really brings the whole show to life, kicking it off with a bang, which just keeps getting better! Speaking with the band, I know unanimously La Vie Boheme is definitely one that we all leave rehearsals still singing!
DH And you’re in the Gulbenkian this year, rather than your usual haunt, the Whitstable Playhouse ?
Yes, it is great to use the fantastic facilities that we have here on campus. The Gulbenkian offers brilliant theatre space, and I’m really looking forward to getting in there, and putting it all together, it’s like the final part to the puzzle. Speaking of facilities, the music department here, has been brilliant putting up with our band rehearsals and loaning out equipment. It’s been so beneficial to make use of the new sound proof band room, pianos and drums, without which would really make our band redundant.
DH: Why, thank you: glad to help! Can you give us a hint as to what we’re in for on the night ?
JB: You’re in for a night full of rockin’ music; virtuosic singing, acting and dance, and a story that’ll make you want to get up and start singing and dancing with the cast! Not to mention a treat for both the guys and girls, trust me! And a show that you’ll never forget!
The production runs this week, from Wednesday to Friday. at the Gulbenkian Theatre: details and tickets online here.
Over on Storify, we’ve a look at the story behind yesterday’s lunchtime concert with the Cecilian Choir and guests, charting life with the Choir from its forming in October through to yesterday’s performance.
And we have lift-off for the department’s new ensemble, Prism, which met earlier today for the first time.
Focusing on contemporary and / or unusual music, the group has come together to realise Terry Riley’s seminal, challenging and provocative In C, arguably one of the most influential pieces of the twentieth century.
We are developing the piece for a performance at a lunchtime concert next term; several of the performers had lecture and deadline commitments and were unable to come, but those that did took to the piece with vibrant enthusiasm; the suggestion of putting it on in a concert in the summer was greeted with great excitement.
Watch This Space…
Congratulations to both the University Concert and Big Bands, who raised over £300 towards this year’s Comic Relief appeal at their concert last Friday.
A packed audience was treated to a vibrant concert taking them ‘From Bond to Basie’ under the suave leadership of conductor, Ian Swatman; the enthusiastic audience generously made a donation at the end of the gig, and obviously enjoyed themselves!
Thank you to everyone who took part, including the Music Department, Gulbenkian staff, and University students, staff, and members of the local community, together with everyone who donated: a great gig, in support of a very good cause.
When not involved in Chamber Choir, conducting Sing! or gigging with the University Big Bands and vocal trio ‘The Canterberries,’ third-year Drama student and Music Scholar Steph Richardson is also working on this year’s production of ‘Rent’ with the Music Theatre Society. In a break from her hectic schedule, I caught up with Steph and asked her what it’s all about…
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DH: What’s your involvement with the show this year ? And what does that mean ?
SR: I’m vocal director, which means I teach the music and harmonies to the cast and cover the musical side of the show until the band comes in a few weeks before the show goes on stage (at which point Jake, our musical director, comes into the mix).
DH: What are the challenges of working on this show ?
SR: As it’s sung-through, there is so much music to get into your head before blocking and staging can even happen. Although the score is brilliant, it is only brilliant because of Jonathan Larson’s ruthless changes of time signatures, rhythms and keys, which keep the cast on their toes. Saying that, a week before the tech run, these difficulties are being ironed out nicely and the cast are on top form!
DH: What have you most enjoyed working on ?
SR: Specifically, although Seasons of Love is the most well-known song, La Vie Boheme has been the most fun to work on. Everyone is so enthusiastic and they really bring the stage to life! I love working with the creative team too. Alick is a great director and works really well with the team. He knows exactly what he wants from the show, which is fantastic, and it looks like the cast, crew and band are going to do him justice.
DH: And you’re in the Gulbenkian Theatre this year, for the first time ?
SR: That’s right: and we’re very happy about it! It gives all Kent Uni students the chance to experience this lively musical as it’s right on their doorstep this year. The Whistable Playhouse is a great space, but it’s nice to bring it onto campus.
DH: Can you give us a hint as to what we’re in for on the night ?
SR: n the night, though you should be prepared for your heartstrings to be tugged a little, you’re alo in for an evening of rockin music, super acting, and a witty and very raunchy look at bohemian life in the 1990s.
The production runs next week, from Wednesday to Friday. at the Gulbenkian Theatre: details and tickets online here.
Continuing the series profiling this year’s Music Scholars. This week, trumpet-specialist Rebecca Fanning.
I first picked up the trumpet aged 7 when my Mum asked me if I wanted to play a musical instrument. None of the music teachers at school had any space except the brass teacher who decided to take me on. After asking me what particular brass instrument I wanted to play and me not knowing there were any other brass instruments, I chose the trumpet!
I steadily worked my way through the clubs and bands at Redbridge Music School, attending Wind bands, Jazz bands and Brass Bands until I arrived in the Symphony Orchestra there. While with the Symphony Orchestra I was privileged enough to play at the Royal Albert Hall in 2012 which has to be the highlight of my Musical Education! I have also spent nine happy summers at Beauchamp House Summer Music Camps in Gloucestershire which is where I developed my love for music and built up my confidence to experiment with improvisation.
When choosing my University it was important for me to find a place where I could continue my musical education and Kent did just that. I have started lessons with Alex Caldon and I look forward to starting on new repertoire for my Diploma this term with him. It was a real privilege to have been given the opportunity by the music department to see Alison Balsom play the Hummel Trumpet Concerto, the same piece that I played for my grade 8 and whom I admire greatly for breaking the stereotype that the trumpet is not, stereotypically a ‘girly’ instrument.
I had a very busy first term playing with the University Concert Band, Big Band and Orchestra preparing for the grand opening of the Coyler-Fergusson building which was a truly fabulous event. The new building has provided a wonderful space where music can be celebrated on Campus and I look forward to using the facilities and working with the Music Department further during my time at Kent University.
Rebecca Fanning
See all the other features in this series here.
