June Highlights...
In2Music Extravaganzas
The 23 & 24 June saw over 250 children in
their first year of learning coming together for Southampton Music Services' In2Music Extraganzas. The event gave some of SMS's youngest musicians a chance to perform together in a large mixed ensemble, playing well known music like
the Doctor Who theme tune and James Brown's I Feel Good. The In2Music children also had the
opportunity to hear more advanced students from SMS ensembles Airplay and Southampton Youth Strings, as well as listen to and play
with the ever popular electric string trio (and Southampton Music Hub partners) Cordelectra.
Congratulations to all the children who took part on
their amazing performances and their professional conduct throughout the event.
The Sea Slugs Schools Tour
Southampton Music Hub was pleased to offer workshops to schools across Southampton from eclectic eight-piece Afrobeat group The Sea Slugs. Touring a variety of primary, junior and secondary schools throughout two weeks in June, the workshops featured an interactive performance, vocal routines, and an introduction to the political and cultural context that Afrobeat music reflects on.
The band received great feedback from students and teachers alike. See more photos from the workshop at Hightown School.
 BBC Ten Pieces Concert @ Turner Sims
Many primary/junior schools across Southampton have engaged with the
BBC Ten Pieces over the last academic year. The project is designed to engage Key Stage 2 children with classical
music through music, art and dance.
Hollybrook, Swaythling, Kanes Hill, Hightown and Shirley Warren Primary/Junior schools came together on 25 June at Turner Sims to showcase some of their work. The young musicians performed a range of pieces including exciting new compositions, alongside The
Mini BSO, a quintet which features an instrument from every instrumental family
in the orchestra.
SYO 50th Anniversary Concert Tour
 Helping to commemorate Southampton Youth Orchestra 50th Anniversary concert at the O2 Guildhall, past and present members of SYO paid a visit to schools across Southampton to engage the students through interactive performances, listening activities and creative games. The workshops, lead by Neil Valentine showed students how classical music is exciting, relevant, enjoyable and accessible.
The tour was funded by the Friends of Southampton Youth Orchestras and Southampton Music Hub. Oakwood School also blogged about the wonderful experience.
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Early Tweets Conference @ St Marys Stadium
Hosted by Southampton Music Hub at St Mary’s Stadium, the Early Tweets conference gave delegates an opportunity to gain CPD, obtain new ideas to take back to the classroom and a great opportunity to network.
The conference is part of the Early Tweets project, funded by Youth Music. Photos from the day are available to view here.
Former SMS Ensemble member honoured by the city
 Former Southampton Youth Orchestra and Wind Band member Alex Downer has has been given a prestigious award for his services to young people in the city. Alex was awarded a City of Southampton Award, having set up youth theatre group Rising Stars four years ago with a friend of his.
His mother Anne Downer said "He learnt so much from his Music teachers that helped him form Rising Stars."
Alex is now studying electrical engineering at Solent University, and has also set up a Rising Stars Juniors workshop during the summer, for children as young as four a chance to participate in youth theatre.
The next Rising Stars performance is Little Shop Of Horrors, which takes place on 6-8 August at Peartree United Reformed Church Hall.
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Former RTSFC Student
Wins Prestigious Tonmeister Award
Former
Richard Taunton's Sixth Form College student Will Anderson has been awarded the Dave Fisher prize for
Tonmeister students at Surrey University.
The
prestigious prize is given to the student who has produced the best classical
recording in their final year of the course. In
September, Will begins work as a Classical Recording Engineer for Blair Music
Productions in Lincoln.
Will
said: “I wouldn’t be where I am without the encouragement I was given
from Taunton's Music department. Winning this award has enabled me to
get the job I dreamed of as a 14 year old"
Will
has been invited back to RTSFC to advise current Music
Tech students on how to produce classical recordings. Learning Area Manager for Music Paul Swindale said:
“Will has worked incredibly hard to win this award
and it is even more impressive given that he has achieved recognition on
an internationally renowned course.”
SYJO and Jean Toussaint perform at Southampton Jazz Club
The 16 June saw a record audience at Southampton Jazz Club for a top performance from SYJO and saxophonist Jean Toussaint. The young musicians turned in spectacular performances on classic Blue Note tunes and a special arrangement of Coltrane’s A Love Supreme.
SYJO director Dan Mar Molinero said: "It was a privilege for the ensemble to perform with such a master musician alongside them. Toussaint’s CV reads like a who’s who of jazz."
SYJO was also celebrating meeting their crowd-funding goal which has contributed enormously to their trip to play at the world-famous Montreux Jazz Festival, Switzerland in late July. Find out more about SYJO and how to join.
The Urban Orchestra launches at The Courthouse
SoCo Music Project are excited to announce a fresh new music ensemble for Southampton: The Urban Orchestra. Bringing together musicians from a range of genres, SoCo will be assembling a dynamic and vibrant group to unleash their musical talent.
Matt Salvage, Director of SoCo said: “We’re thinking big with The Urban Orchestra. We see a lot of talent across Hampshire and we want musicians from all levels, backgrounds and genres to have the opportunity to work and play together; developing an exciting and fun repertoire and take the show on the road!”
The Urban Orchestra is an organic ensemble, growing and developing as its numbers build. The first session took place as part of Rob da Bank’s Music Club at The Courthouse in Eastleigh on 25 June. Musicians of all abilities are encouraged to come along with their instruments or just their voice and take part. Going forward the project will be delivered in partnership with Southampton Music Service as part of the Southampton Music Hub.
RTSFC Place 3rd in Rock Challenge
Southern Finals
RTSFC were thrilled to come in third place at the Southern
Finals of Rock Challenge, held at Portsmouth Guildhall in June.
Performing
Seven for a Secret, the piece was heavily inspired by Hitchcock’s The
Birds, telling the eerie tale of four young girls who are tormented by a swarm
of angry birds.
As
well as placing 3rd, RTSFC also won 7 awards of excellence for choreography, concept, soundtrack drama, entertainment and more.
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