{"id":10299,"date":"2020-10-15T10:38:30","date_gmt":"2020-10-15T09:38:30","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/blogs.kent.ac.uk\/music-matters\/?p=10299"},"modified":"2020-10-15T10:38:30","modified_gmt":"2020-10-15T09:38:30","slug":"small-steps-as-in-person-rehearsals-bring-music-to-the-concert-hall-once-more","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.kent.ac.uk\/music-matters\/2020\/10\/15\/small-steps-as-in-person-rehearsals-bring-music-to-the-concert-hall-once-more\/","title":{"rendered":"Small steps as in-person rehearsals bring music to the concert-hall once more"},"content":{"rendered":"

Small steps; slowly but surely, live music-making has been returning to the concert-hall this week, and various ensembles have begun small, socially-distanced rehearsals.<\/p>\n

\"\"
Concert Band sectional rehearsal<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

For the first time since March, harmonies have been blossoming in the hall; the Chamber Choir on Monday, the Cecilian Choir on Wednesday, four string-players from the String Sinfonia in the afternoon, and on Wednesday night, sectional rehearsals for the Concert Band and Big Band.<\/p>\n

\"\"
The Cecilian Choir in rehearsal<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

We find ourselves, of course, having to manage rehearsals differently in these strange times, with strict protocols, socially-distanced seating set out on a grid, and rehearsal time limited to one hour. It’s taking some getting used to, but there is a growing sense of joy at being able to make music with others, in person, in real time; from the Renaissance polyphony of Italy to the swirling desert of Arabia and the forests of Finland, and the highly-apposite Who’s That Masked Man\u00a0<\/em>concert band piece, music from around the world has filled the concert-hall for the first time after seven months of silence; and it’s been quite an experience to be part of the return of live music.<\/p>\n

\"\"
Players from the String Sinfonia<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

It’s been a very exciting week; thank you to all the staff and students who’ve been with us as we find our feet once more.<\/p>\n

Here in the Music department, of course, we do take our roles very seriou…<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Oh well…<\/p>\n