All work and much play

As Day Four dawned, the heavy pall of mottled clouds mirrored from above the now keenly-felt weight of Saturday’s pending public performances. Campers quickly dispersed from their breakfast halls at the colleges to commence their pre-rehearsal practising before the oboes’ tuning call-to-arms at 9.30 sharp (although preferably neither sharp nor flat …).

Today was a day of important and very real considerations for both students and staff – ardent ensemble work was broken by not only the all-important mealtimes but also a much-anticipated professional development ‘first’ for NMC. Five brave tutors from across the orchestral spectrum stood before their two hundred-plus expectant charges (and a panel of their esteemed colleagues) and demonstrated their excerpt prowess in a session aimed at illuminating the shadowy and uncertain road of orchestral auditions.

Each presented at their sparkling best and received high commendation from their peers (and more than a few awed murmurings around Elder Hall). We’ll leave them to fight it out over the hypothetical (and perhaps unlikely) appointment …

Yesterday’s free afternoon felt a distant memory as the remainder of the day’s rehearsal time disappeared in a flurry of bows, fingers and pages across the Elder Con while chamber groups digested their parts.  

Playing together was not the privilege of the students alone, however; the staff had their chance to practise what they preach with their own chamber music soiree following dinner. Their performances very much lived up to the verve and spontaneity that these fine artists have spent the week challenging the eager ears of their young audience to expect.

 

Jennifer Mills

Words About Music participant