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"such an incredible atmosphere" "this has been a life-changing experience"
"You know, you really ought to try it" |
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Time to take chargeIt was with a combination of relish and trepidation that I agreed to organise and orchestrate a small ensemble at my first Mudlark appearance last year. I was badgered into it by a fellow technique-mate, who thought I had the necessary aptitude for bossing people around; the flattery got to me and, before I knew it I was responsible for the musical hopes of two stage three violins and an ex- ELLSO viola player. Two months later we sat poised before a hushed audience ready to launch into ‘Sweet Betsy from Pike’ and a random piece named ‘Autumn’, arranged for two violins and a viola. It may not sound very impressive but we’d worked hard on it. We’d discussed the orchestration, reached consensus on the mood of the pieces, playing up to the discordant off-rhythms in ‘Autumn’. One of the hardest aspects of working without a conductor was keeping everyone in time and in the same bar; but after much practice I felt we knew the pieces well enough that we’d know if anyone was way off. I only have a vague memory of actually playing. Despite our fears, the pieces came together as if we were a practised ensemble, and we all ended at the same time. I came away that evening vowing to find a cello player and start at once on pieces for next year’s Mudlark concert; we’d really have a good runup… Ahem, anyone know any free cello players? How to organise a successful ensemble
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