Congratulations to the Music Society, which has won the ‘Stand that Most Embraced the Spirit of Freshers 2013’ award! (That’ll be easy to engrave on the gem-encrusted goblet no doubt coming its way…)
It’s a tribute to the hard work of all the Society, and in particular its forward-looking executive trio of Emma, Matt and Rebecca, who have worked tirelessly to invigorate the musical life of the campus at the beginning of the academic year, and to the members of the committee who’ve established a vibrant presence since bursting into life in the marquee during Freshers Week.
Third-year student and sax-playing member of the University Big Band, Emily Cook, is featured in the Faversham Times with more of her fund-raising efforts for her charity, Khushi Feet. Well done, Emily!
Next week, the Music Society presents ‘The Stache Bash!’ Friday 1 November in Origins, with live jazz; free entry, raising funds for Movember. Intrigued ? Then watch the trailer…
Today marks the first anniversary of our moving in to the Colyer-Fergusson Building; this time twelve months ago, we were in a state of upheaval, our lives (and instruments and sheet music and offices and etc…) were in boxes, in vans, on lorries.We’ll be celebrating at lunchtime with the first in our ‘Watch This Space’ series of foyer events, which today sees live jazz-funk on the foyer-stage at 1.10pm. Admission is free: come and listen to live music, and celebrate our first birthday.
This year’s lunchtime concert series burst into ecstatic life with a visit from the ebullient Marici Saxes, launching the year-long monthly series at the Colyer-Fergusson Hall.
In rehearsal: Marici Saxes
The set opened with Michael Nymans’s Chasing Sheep Is Best Left To Shepherds, with the group in rhythmic, robust form. The tour of Britain continued with music by the late Richard Rodney Bennett, three sections from Travel Notes; the lyrical, arcing melody in ‘Helicopter’ effortlessly played by Sally McTaggart on soprano saxophone (a late stand-in for the indisposed Sarah Field, whom we wish well). There was a lively, jocular air to the final ‘Car Chase’ that showed to the full the wonderfully liquid grace of the group’s ensemble-playing, and demonstrated they have a real affinity for this repertoire.
Michael Torke’s July is a tour de force for a sax ensemble, and was here delivered with assurance and a firm grasp of its rhythmic drive, coupled with contrasting, elegaic melodies. There was a punchy, vibrant swagger to the piece which was bursting with vigour, as the group ducked and dived in terrific unison through Torke’s no-holds-barred minimalism.
A change of mood next in Piazzolla’s ‘Cafe 1930’ from his Histoire de Tango, originally written for flute and guitar but here rendered for ensemble that had gently weaving lines spiralling up through the group.
Baritone saxophonist Josie Simmons turned composer for First Moon which followed, and showed a keen ear for dissonance in the opening chords, turning into a rhapsodic melody before springing to life in some mischievious post-minimalist textural writing, including some fiercly-skirling arabesques for the soprano sax.
The group ended its recital with the show-stopping Hoe Down by Will Gregory, in a performance that was truly hair-raisingly exciting, with some blistering agility displayed by Josie on baritone, who demonstrated that the instrument can be just as mobile as its smaller counterparts.
The piece, and the concert itself, was greeted with a roof-raising ovation from an enthralled audience, including a group of schoolchildren who were clearly held spellbound throughout the gig. A top-notch performance, delivered by an ensemble in fighting form. Catch them when you can…
With Freshers’ Week in full spate, today and tomorrow sees the Freshers’ Fayre, when all manner of societies across the University will be endeavouring to convince and cajole new students into joining the vast swathe of societies that makes up University Life.
The Music Society is no exception, and is currently ensconced in the foyer of the Colyer-Fergusson Building, as various committee members meet-and-greet new members of the University, talk to them about the various musical ensembles and opportunities on offer, and even bribe them with sweets…
There’s even been live jazz from some of the University Music Scholars on the foyer-stage, the first live musical event of the year.
Live jazz on the foyer stage
l-r: Alex T, Tor L, Steph R, Chris M and Becca P: some of this year’s committee members!
l-r: Zoe B, Gabi G, Carina E and Livy P; more of this year’s committee!
Come and find them tomorrow, when they’ll be in the Freshers’ Fayre over in Eliot; see what’s on offer musically here at Kent, and maybe there’ll even be some sweets left…
As both readers of this blog may have seen, I’ve recently written several features for the University’s Employability blog on musicians, transferable skills and musical Life After Kent.
The latest post, Pinning your hopes, takes a look at the virtual pinboard I run on Pinterest, reasons for setting it up and what (and whom) it’s there for.
Read for yourself over on the Employability blog here.
Because it does. Doesn't it ? Blogging about extra-curricular musical life at the University of Kent.
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