Southampton Music Hub ensembles, Airplay and Fusion Brass, came together for a weekend of music and team building at Braeside in Wiltshire in the middle of May.

Zoe Hunting, Ensembles Manager at Southampton Music Hub, says:

“It is really lovely to see our ensembles working together and giving Southampton's young musicians such amazing opportunities outside their normal weekly rehearsals.”

Anna Robinson, Director of Airplay, says:

“It was great for Airplay and Fusion to have the opportunity to play together as a band and get to know one another socially. It was enjoyable for all involved, so much so we are now rebranding the joint band with the name F.A.B band (Fusion Airplay Band). I am sure this is going to be the first of many concerts and events Airplay and Fusion unite for.”

Some of the young musicians also shared their experiences:

“The balance between music and socializing was great and the facilities were great too!”

“The food was absolutely glorious and I loved the jacket potatoes.”

‘“It was an unmissable, musical experience.”

“The climbing wall was very fun (and scary!) I also enjoyed Bushcraft.”

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On Saturday 21 May, young musicians from the FolkActive Youth Ensemble (FAYE) wowed audiences in St. Lawrence's Church with two gigs as part of the Winchester MayFest. They performed the entire set from memory, which included some smaller group performances and step dancing, led by the wonderful Jo Harmer.

In between gigs the ensemble got to enjoy the sights and sounds of MayFest, where the streets of Winchester are alive with different types of morris dance, sword dancing, clog dancing and Appalachian dancing.

Ensemble director Chris Nichols says:

“FAYE performed superbly on Saturday. Their joy and enthusiasm in both sets was infectious, and they left both audiences smiling and wanting more. I can't wait to get stuck into our final two sessions in preparation for the showcase gig in July.”

On Sunday 22 May the newly formed Music Hub Festival Choir performed at MAST Mayflower Studios’ big birthday bash. The choir performed  'It's Our Jubilee' , the hubs newly commissioned song to celebrate the queen's jubilee. 

The choir was formed of community members and representatives from 14 schools across the city. 

Composer Jo Downs, who also sang in the choir says:

“It was wonderful to see my song coming to life. I loved the inclusion of signing in the performance and I was blown away by the standard of singing after two rehearsals.”

Akindu, one of the singers, says:

“It was really good fun to sing at the concert. I really liked the jubilee song.”

Southampton Youth Brass Band (SYBB) and Southampton Youth Wind Band (SYWB) joined forces at Bitterne Park School for their first concert together in over three years. The programme started with a rendition of the Ukrainian national anthem and the audience were entertained with band repertoire from Glenn Miller to film music from Gladiator, and a poignant moment was Prayer for Ukraine performed by SYWB.

“It's my first term in the wind band and it's been a great experience. I love the music we are doing, and I'm very excited to perform in front of a live audience".” - Josh

John Hanchett, Director of SYWB says:

“It's great to bring two of our top tier ensembles together and see them enjoying live performances again. I'm very proud and excited to share the bands progress and what will they accomplish in the future.”

Fusion Brass and Brassroots performed at MAST Mayflower Studios on Wednesday 30 March 2022.

Kath Page, Hub Manager, says:

“It was wonderful to see the players so focused, engaged and enjoying their music making. The audience were thrilled to be a part of the performance and joined in enthusiastically when directed by Fusion Brass director Simon Farrendon. Brassroots performed fantastically - for some members this was their first concert!

James Gardener, director of Brass Roots says:

“I've ben proud of how hard Brassroots have worked this term, especially when they're such a young band. I think they really enjoyed the experience of playing live and I can't wait to see where we can take this band in the future.”

“I've really missed being able to perform. it makes me feel proud to perform to an audience - it was really weird being online because you couldn't hear anyone else. Making music with other people is really important and it sounds cool.” - Eleanor from Fusion Brass

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Thursday 31 March 2022 was a big evening for members of Boom and Airplay, performing at MAST Mayflower Studios. For many of these young performers it was their first concert in such a big venue.

“I was really excited to do my first concert with Airplay. I was a bit nervous but the nerves went away as soon as we performed our first piece.” - Poppy, a new member of Airplay

The ensembles joined forces for one number, the first time they had been able to play together and the concert finished with a rousing performance of Star Wars by Airplay.

Tom Gregory, director of Boom says:

“hey performed brilliantly, what a fantastic first performance. I'm really proud of them.”

On Monday 28 March, Studio Two in MAST Mayflower Studios was treated to a fabulous diverse concert, featuring performances from Bella and Soton Voce, Twango, Los Twangolitos, and Jazz Workshop. The performance included a special arrangement of a Ukrainian Folk Song as performers stood united with Ukraine.

For many of the performers, this was their first concert experience and they played to a sold out audience of supportive friends and family.

Nia Collins, Director for Soton Voce, says:

“What a delight the evening was with such a fantastically eclectic programme which both participants and audience enjoyed!

Alex, a young musician on the night, says:

“It made me really proud to perform on stage. It was really good fun performing in front of people and the crowd went wild. I really enjoy it and love playing with other people. I love having friends outside school.”

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On Tuesday 8 March 2022, Southampton Youth Concert Sinfonia had the pleasure of performing to children of primary school ages, from across the city. The theme being Heroes and Villains, the programme consisted of film music from many well-known films such as Star Wars, Ghost Busters and Pirates of The Caribbean.

The children in the audience were encouraged to participate in unlocking sections of the orchestra and their instruments, to gain as much understanding and knowledge of musical features as possible. They worked with Kath and Mia to identify the evil characters and the good in every piece. In addition, the actions and clapping that were introduced to the children, allowed them to engage with the orchestra on another level. 

“I had a wonderful day and it was such a lovely experience which I am so glad to have been a part of. I hope to be able to do it again, next year.” - Laila Tabayashi, viola

The children were ecstatic which just made the orchestra members play with more enthusiasm. It was written on their faces that they had just as much fun as we did and we hope to have inspired them to take on a new instrument. 

“Loved the energy of the performance. Members of the orchestra were enjoying it as much as the children were. It was so good that they can learn about music in such a fun way. The funniest moment for me was when Anna walked on to conduct, and lots of the children shouted ‘Stop! Thief!’ as they were instructed to for the game” - Annabel CD

Report from a Young SYCS Player:

On the day of the Children’s Concert, it was a blustery and cold morning when the orchestra met in front of the Rose Garden fountain at Southampton Art Gallery. Thus assembled, we set off for MAST Mayflower Studios, only a short walk away, and to our dressing rooms before our initial rehearsal and soundcheck. Despite the threat of someone falling off the stage, which was quickly resolved, the rehearsal went smoothly. We were shuffled back into our dressing rooms for a break before the show, and then our audience was arriving.

Led by Nia Collins and Kath Page, it was clear that the children had an awesome time from their enthusiasm to join in the musical activities in pursuit of finding the heroes of each piece and banishing the villains. Particularly delightful were the cries of “Thief!” throughout the show as new musical clues were discovered in the chest by musicians alongside conductor Kevin Withell, though conductor Anna Robinson was mistakenly accused of thievery when in fact she was preparing to conduct the next piece. By the end of the concert, the children had assembled a “hero team” from each of the pieces, and learnt about ostinatos, dynamics, and the different sections of the orchestra, to name but a few.

After the first concert, it was lunchtime, and soon enough we were back onstage for our second concert of the day. This time, various new schools had come to assemble their “hero team,” and their energy brought a bout of enthusiasm to the lag of another concert (the fifth concert of six that SYCS planned for the Spring Term!), starting off, as before, with Bach’s Toccata before the musical learning began! The children had arrived ready to learn, and were an eager and passionate audience that joined in with brio as the concert went on, culminating in an epic finale with ‘Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End.’ This piece features several solos from members of the orchestra, including the leader, and the children joined in through thrilling pirate-related actions. A swashbuckling time was had by all during the piece, and at the end the orchestra stood to rip-roaring applause.

Special thanks must be given to Nia Collins and Kath Page, for their leadership during the concert and masterful methods of musical learning, making it genuinely enjoyable and educational at the same time; Anna Robinson and Kevin Withell, for their conduction of the orchestra (despite Kevin’s assurance that conducting is “just standing here and waving my arms around”) and lively spirit which buoyed us through the day; the adult players who joined the orchestra; and Zoe Hunting, alongside other members of the Southampton Music Hub, for organising the event. They, alongside the orchestra, were the true heroes of the day.

On Saturday 12 February 2022, 37 young musicians from Southampton Youth Strings (SYS) and Southampton Youth Wind Band (SYWB) took part in a workshop day led by London Sinfonietta. Participants worked on a creative piece and another contemporary piece and it was a fantastic opportunity to work with some of the country's leading performers on a repertoire written by living composers.

John Hanchett, director of SYWB, says:

“its been a great day allowing the participants to explore a new style of music that gives them freedom away from the constraints of the written music.”

Patrick from London Sinfonietta says:

“All the performers made huge progress on two pieces, one about rhythm and one about sustaining a beautiful sound. They got used to extreme ideas quickly and embraced the challenge. They gave a musical performance to an enthusiastic audience.”

Sophie, a member of SYWB, says:

“Who knew you could play music without music!'

Ellen, a young musician from the day, added:

“It is different from anything I've ever done before. It was really nice to play something in a different genre, and it wasn't possible to get it wrong!”

On Saturday 12 February Southampton Music Hub will welcome composer, conductor and presenter Patrick Bailey and players from the London Sinfonietta to work with players from Southampton Youth Strings and Southampton Youth Wind Band.

During the day Southampton's young musicians will work on on two contemporary pieces: developing modern technical skills, being involved in the creative process of developing a new piece of music, as well as taking part in sectionals with players from London Sinfonietta.

The day will end with a free public performance, 3.30 - 4.00 at Woodlands Community College, Minstead Avenue, Southampton, SO18 5FW.

With the new Spring Term, Southampton Music Hub is offering all schools in the city the opportunity to be take part in a huge, diverse range of music workshops, performances and experiences.

Alongside exciting new offers from the Everybody Sing and Digital Native Artists (DNA) programmes, this term’s offer includes:

• Taking part in the hub’s MAST Theatre Residency

• A concert for Key Stage 1 with Southampton Youth Concert Sinfonia (SYCS)

• Proud to Be, History of Hip Hop

And loads more!

At the end of 2021, Southampton Music Hub’s Development Manager, Matt Brombley, looks back on the year past, to reflect on some of the most memorable moments and themes of the year.

“Back in July, we wrote about how, above all else, it was the resilience of the city’s young musicians, and the adults who support them, that shone through as the defining theme of the year so far. 

Now, in December, it is even more true than ever. 

Showing creativity and flexibility in the face of incredible challenges has had big rewards for us this year.  

Thanks to Paul Hamlyn Foundation, £65,000 is helping develop literacy in three city schools using rap and hip hop in an exciting new pilot project.

Thanks to funding from Youth Music, Southampton and IOW Music Hubs are working together with Dorset, Portsmouth as well as SoundStorm Music Hubs to help young people shape and lead new music-making opportunities.

The digital resources from Sign & Sing have continued to find new audiences, and support schools to keep singing in an inspiring and inclusive way, with over 4,000 views just in the last month!

Songwriting and music production continues to be a big hit with young people, and is helping them with their mental health, as well as helping to shape the future of music-making in the city.

Innovative programmes, working closely with schools and alternative provision settings, have seen more young musicians taking part in music, including a 28% increase in Looked After Children, a 44% increase in pupil premium children, and an 88% increase in young people with Special Educational Needs.

Finally, after a start to the year which once again saw live music shut down, we have seen live music bouncing back, and since September over 3000 children have taken part in live music-making in schools, and over 400 young people have taken part in 16 ensemble performances.”

Kath Page, Hub Manager, adds

“We’ve been through an incredibly challenging two years, but every part of our music hub has responded to these challenges with resilience, creativity and innovation, helping to make sure we make progress towards our goal: that every young person has access to the life-changing power of music, whatever their background or circumstances.”

Dave King and Elaine Bohun stepped down from running Southampton Wind Band (SWB) in the summer of 2020. With a performance at Thornden Hall on Sunday 13 December 2021, and after a staggering 37 years at the helm, the music hub said a final farewell to them.

Current SWB members were joined by alumni making a band of 60 strong. Together they performed pieces that were personal favourites of Dave and Elaine or had a special significance to the couple.

The performance ended with a well deserved standing ovation as a tribute and thank you to all the support and encouragement Dave and Elaine have given to the young players of Southampton over so many years.

On Saturday 4 December 2021 a group of young producers, songwriters and musicians came together at MAST Music Studio to talk about the DNA Programme: where we’ve come from, and where we’re going. They created a new song — Right Track — and an accompanying zine which includes illustrated lyrics and a manifesto for the future.

They day was kindly funded by Music Mark and Arts Council England with additional support from Youth Music.

Two weeks ahead of the University of Southampton Voices’ (USV) Christmas concert, a school children’s choir had to reluctantly pull out due to school Covid restrictions. Harvey Brough (Professor at Southampton) approached the Southampton Music Hub to find some children to sing some key elements of their programme.

Needless to say, 18 young singers from a range of schools across the city rose to the challenge and attended two rehearsals before having the amazing experience of performing at the Turner Simms.

They were rehearsed by Nia Collins and produced a wonderful addition to the programme. They performed alongside professional soloists, Clara Sanabras and Christina Gill singing wonderful jazz arrangements of Christmas music arranged by Harvey Brough. All accompanied by a talented brass quintet.

It was a special occasion for the young singers to perform for the first time for many of them for two years. Also, it was no ordinary concert as it was a professional setting with gifted professionals too.

Finn McGill’s solo in Away in a Manger was memorable as was the two choir voices in the Carol of the Bells. The children opened at least three of the songs with their singing – no mean feat after just three rehearsals. They particularly enjoyed telling the tale “Down in yon forest” (the Renaissance English version of Corpus Christi carol arranged by Harvey). The children came away saying “when can we do this again?” Their confidence and joy infected the whole audience and was an excellent start to the festivities of Advent.

Nia Collins, says:

"I couldn't be more proud of what these children achieved in their performance on Friday night in such a short period of time, what incredible musicians they already are! It was such an amazing opportunity for them to perform at such a high level in a top concert venue with professional musicians and they rose to the occasion admirably"

At the end of this school year, Southampton Music Hub is celebrating resilience. 

The past 16 months have been disruptive for everyone, and in the face of such challenging times, we have seen the city’s young musicians, and the adults who support them, show an incredible ability to adapt, to grow, to learn, and to reach out.

Music has motivated us to keep going, and it has also helped us to grow the personal qualities that are so valuable, not just because they make great musicians, but because they make us better people.

So at the end of this school year, we’re celebrating resilience.

Groove Foundation

Over the past year, Groove Foundation have been recording regular videos from their living rooms and bedrooms at home, to share on the music hub YouTube channel. 

Elliot, the lead singer, explains:

“It was a bit weird at first, because you don’t know what it will sound like until it all comes together. When I’m recording, it’s just me singing and I have no idea how it will sound. Knowing my performance was being recorded, I would work hard to get everything sounding just right. I would kick mum and dad out to the garden to make sure the sound recording was really clear, and keep retaking until I got it right.”

“Elliot really took the videos on as a personal mission” adds Groove Foundation band leader Aidan, who also edited together the band’s video performances.

The virtual performances had an unexpected benefit too, as Elliot explains:

“My friends often can’t come to our live performances, but they have been able to watch the videos all year. We get excited for the premier, and then it’s really fun to see it all sounding great together.”

Over the past year, Elliot has also been able to have music lessons to help develop her singing, thanks to funding from the Cultural Recovery Fund. Elliot tells us what a difference this has made:

“It’s been so cool to have singing lessons to help me improve. Being in Groove Foundation is what got me into singing properly, and now I’m getting better all the time.”

Last week, Groove Foundation returned to a real life stage, after over a year away, with an eight song set at The Point. Elliot tells us what it was like:

“It was really fun to be back. It’s the best feeling. The whole band is there, you can hear everyone again, and you turn around and can see everyone else enjoying themselves. I had to remember to look after my voice though. You can’t take a break like you can when you’re recording at home!”

And it’s not just on stage that being back with the band makes a huge difference. Elliot again:

“It’s so fun to see everyone, deciding the set list, making choices as a band, and helping each other out again. We’re there to support each other after the show too, to share the excitement, and chat about how things went.”

— Elliot, Singer

Matt Brombley, Development Manager for Southampton Music Hub adds:

“Elliot, and her bandmates in Groove Foundation are inspirational examples of the resilience so many young musicians have shown this year. We know how hard it has been, missing out on so many of the shared experiences that make music-making so enjoyable, but they have done an exceptional job keeping things going online, with their impressive video performances, and then returning to the stage this summer.”

It’s not just Groove Foundation that have been back on stage. This summer, music hub bands, orchestras and other groups have been rehearsing and performing together again. If you’d like to join a music group, then find out more on our ensembles page.

At the end of this school year, Southampton Music Hub is celebrating resilience. 

The past 16 months have been disruptive for everyone, and in the face of such challenging times, we have seen the city’s young musicians, and the adults who support them, show an incredible ability to adapt, to grow, to learn, and to reach out.

Music has motivated us to keep going, and it has also helped us to grow the personal qualities that are so valuable, not just because they make great musicians, but because they make us better people.

So at the end of this school year, we’re celebrating resilience.

John Hanchett conducting an inclusive orchestra at the Mayflower Theatre in 2019.

John Hanchett: one of many resilient music teachers

It has been a challenging year for everyone, but music teachers and leaders across the city have shown incredible resilience. 

Having moved music lessons online in the previous year, they moved them back into schools in September. They moved them back online in January, again, then back into school again in March. Every step along the way, teachers and music leaders have been determined to keep music-making going, wherever, and however they can.

One such teacher has been John HancHett. John teaches brass, cello, piano and leads some school orchestras, and has been at the heart of moving not just music lessons online, but virtual performances too.

In December, when we lived in tired restrictions, John arranged, virtually conducted, and edited together ‘A Million Dreams’ — bringing together over 50 young musicians of all ages and abilities, from across Southampton and the Isle of Wight.

John explains:

“It was important to me that everyone who wanted to take part was able to take part, so I created an arrangement with parts for all instruments and abilities. There was a lot to learn when bringing such a big virtual performance together for the first time, but I was delighted by how it came out. The joy came from featuring the vast array of instruments, played by young musicians who were carrying on playing through such a difficult time. I wanted them to have something to be really proud of at the end of a difficult year.”

In January, and throughout the Spring Lockdown, John, along with all Southampton Music Service Tutors, moved their music lessons online again, as they had done the previous year. 

“It was great to be able to get new learners face-to-face in September. And with so many new learners and those carrying on from last year, when lockdown two happened in January, we hit the ground running: teaching day one of lockdown. This was the pay off from all the groundwork laid last year: we never missed a week. This has been an awful year in so many ways, but it has also been a powerful year for teaching: it has been really motivating to learn new things and face new challenges in such difficult circumstances.”

And, when schools returned to full opening in Spring, lessons returned to face-to-face:

“Returning in the Spring was not always easy. There were restrictions around social distancing and school bubbles which have been huge logistical challenges. It was so wonderful to see those young musicians who could carry on online pick back up right away, and carry on making progress. But there were also challenges for those who hadn't been able to learn online, and had missed out on so much. I’m not alone here, I know many other teachers do this tooL we just give the extra time to make it work sometimes!”

And at the end of the year,  John brought together “Get Loud” a virtual performance which debuts on Friday night, with young musicians from Southampton Youth Brass Band and Kanes Hill School.

“Get Loud is only possible because of everything that we’ve learnt over the past year. It’s a performance that has the best of both worlds — online recordings, plus face-to-face music lessons, workshops and recordings, before coming back together in the virtual world. This is something far bigger and more ambitious than we’ve done before, and it brings together musicians in a way that would not have been possible just a year ago.”

With changes to guidance allowing, more young musicians across the city are returning to face-to-face rehearsals for their bands, orchestras and other musical groups this week.

As so many young musicians shared in out “In Conversation” series over the past few months, the opportunity to be amongst friends and fellow musicians, making music together, is something they love, and something they couldn’t wait to get back to.

Zoe Hunting, Ensembles Manager, says:
”We are delighted that the change in the Out of Schools Settings Guidance this week has enabled us to increase the size of our groups that can now rehearse together. It has simply been fantastic to hear our ensembles back in action again this term and even more so this week with the larger groups. This also means our younger ensembles can now start recruiting new players. If you know a young musician who would like to get involved please get in touch.”

This week’s conversation is with two rock bands, Groove Foundation and Groove Merchant who have been producing monthly virtual performances since last summer.  Here we talk to the director of both bands Aidan Hampson, one of the vocal coaches Hannah Castleman, and some of players from both bands. 

Please take time to listen to some of the bands virtual performances which can be found on the events page of the Southampton Music Hub website - https://www.southamptonmusichub.org/events/

Both Groove bands have been producing monthly virtual performances.  Why did you decide to work towards regular virtual performances?
AH - We decided to see the lockdown and online rehearsals as a new challenge. How can we still make music together without being in the same room? We’ve all been really pleased with how the videos have turned out, but we’ve also been rehearsing new repertoire for when we can all get back together.

What have you enjoyed about working towards virtual performances?

Player A - It's good to see an output from all the rehearsing.

Player B - I have enjoyed releasing the music online for people to be able to watch and still enjoy the music we produce. As well as that, it is nice to still be able to participate in Groove Merchant even if we are unable to practice in person. 

What has impressed you most about the bands whilst they have been working online?
AH - The resilience of the musicians has been inspiring. There’s nothing quite like making music in the same room as each other, and when this was no longer possible the bands seamlessly moved into online rehearsals - it became the new normal very quickly and demonstrated their tenacity towards producing music whatever the odds.

HC - I have been really impressed by the students' dedication to learning the songs and their ability to work together even though they are working remotely. They communicate well and come up with clear and exciting ideas for harmonies. They respond well to the challenge of working on singing together, even though they won't be singing together until the video is edited! 

What have the challenges been running online rehearsals?
AH - Not being able to play at the same time without muting the students has been frustrating. With such small groups, there is a different type of relationship between the players as opposed to the larger ensembles. It has been challenging to keep that going, but I’m sure that the videos show that the students managed it brilliantly.

HC - It's really tricky working on things like harmonies, articulation and dynamics when it's not always clear over camera/microphone, or when students can't actually perform together in these situations. However, the students are really happy to try things out and have adapted well to working differently. I'm really looking forward to them being able to perform again - I think they will be so surprised to hear what they have achieved and how it really will translate very well into a live performance! 

Player C - Obviously we can’t actually run through our songs because of the delay so I’ve missed being able to feel the sound from the drums and other guitars and have that live music atmosphere 

In the absence of being able to meet in person, what have you enjoyed about online rehearsals?

Player C - I have enjoyed that we have been able to get through a lot more songs in a shorter period of time as we are now going towards much more challenging and fun songs for the band 

Player D - Being able to stay home and rehearse without travelling to the rehearsal room.

What have the challenges been producing regular virtual performances for the bands.
AH - This has been the first time that the students have had to work with click tracks so closely. They have also had to consider video angles and microphone placement. It’s been a steep learning curve but to watch the videos become as good as they are has made it all worthwhile!

What skills do you feel you have developed through online rehearsals?

Player A – I’ve practised guitar even more while in lockdowns as there are limited opportunities for going outside and it gives a focus away from school work.

Player E - Recording abilities

Player D - Vocalising your problems and explaining clearly any difficulties.

This week we talk to staff and players from Pulse8, including director, Kevin Withell, and assistant, Amber Waterman.  

What is the role of Pulse8 in Southampton Music Hub's wind band pyramid?

KW: Pulse8 is the middle wind band, taking students from the beginner groups at about Grade 3 standard, giving them their first experience in a wind band. We play a range of music: all sorts of styles and level of difficulty, ultimately making sure that they're prepared, experienced and confident for the step up into Southampton Wind Band.

What do you enjoy most about the music in you play in Pulse8?

Player A: I enjoy that we play all sorts of different styles of music, including film music. Our conductor Kevin makes the rehearsals really fun and knows how to help us make the best sound we can together.

What has impressed you most about Pulse8 players whilst rehearsals have been online?

AW: We've been most impressed by the level of commitment and enthusiasm shown throughout our online sessions. We've also had the privilege of working with some young musicians from the Isle of Wight, who have been joining us online while their ensembles have been unable to operate. They've become part of the band, and our students have made them feel very welcome.

What have you missed most about not being able to meet in person for Pulse8 rehearsals?

Player B: Everything! My friends, the music, performing!

Have there been any particular challenges to running the group online?

KW: It was difficult to begin with, as none of us really knew what to expect or how to make it work. Over the course of these few months, thanks to a lot of patience and honest feedback from the students, we've settled on a system which allows the students to learn and understand the music, to practise their parts, to understand and follow a conductor, to understand other musical lines in the piece and, most importantly, to enjoy themselves and maintain the friendly social atmosphere of the band.

What has been challenging about taking part in online rehearsals?

Player A: It is challenging not being able to hear the other musicians playing their parts and I don't know other people yet because rehearsals have been online since I joined Pulse8.

Have you been able to include any activities that you wouldn't normally be able to do in a face to face rehearsal?

KW and AW: As the students haven't been able to have real social contact, we've been breaking up the rehearsals with short, fun quizzes. This has developed a friendly competition in the band, and has given the students the opportunity to work together and have interesting conversations that wouldn't normally come up in day-to-day rehearsal. We've also managed to make several of the quizzes music-related, so have been able to subtly and stealthily develop aural and theory skills.

What new skills have you learnt whilst Pulse8 rehearsals being online?

Player B: How to play along to a backing track, even when it’s lagging because of our bad wifi signal!

Player A: I have learnt how to record individual music parts for virtual concerts. We also have fun kahoot quizzes at the beginning and in the break of each rehearsal about composers, instruments and music theory. I won a Disney quiz but I find the musical ones hard!