Crash, bang, wallop!

This afternoon the percussionists swarmed the limelight. The percussion ensemble concert gives the chance for those guys with sticks up the BACK to become guys up the FRONT with sticks.

This year all 13 of the orchestral percussionists let rip on all things that could be beaten, brushed or banged. Instruments included: break drums, toy piano and steel rods fresh from Bunnings Warehouse. Highlights of the program included John Cage’s Dance Music for Elfrid Ide, featuring both a party and slide whistle.

The concert was a success showcasing the ability for percussion to be both lyrical and just plain LOUD.

Similar to the contrasts of the percussion concert, Adelaide seems to be oscillating between freezing and sweltering. For the large part I think it’s the air-conditioning but it seems that this festival state has given us the whole range of weather.

From rain and clouds to heat and sun and then back to blankets on beds, perhaps good music really does affect the elements?

However the overarching climate around the halls and colleges is one of finality as we enter the second half of the second week of National Music Camp. To all those loved ones across the country, prepare the beds, washing machines and the ovens (please) we'll all be coming home soon! As Emma the librarian painted the picture of NMC as a bubble, the camp is on the brink of popping or maybe that was just my ears at the percussion concert.

 

Lachlan Snow

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The odd couple: one of two percussion tutors, Tom O'Kelly with a smattering of percussionists.