I'm planning to start putting together the Leeds concert during March, and would be grateful if those of you who have already got ensembles together could let me know what you're planning... Not what you're playing, just who you're playing with and what instruments so that I can get a feel for what else to arrange... as last year, I'd like to try and offer everybody who comes the opportunity to play in a few different ensembles if possible.

One of the ensembles that has come together this week is a "Birds" ensemble with Goldfinch, Babybird and myself, and if there are any other "birds" who would like to join us, please get in touch with me. Or if you'd like to play in an ensemble and would like me to put you in touch with others who are coming, again please contact me


Details about the concert are in the first post in the original Leeds concert thread and I'll post a new thread with an application form some time in March


If you have my email address, I'd be grateful if you'd email, otherwise PM. Thanks!

Sure we'll be able ot sort something out. Be in touch soon.

b-c will be providing a finale again this year, and will also do a little clarinet swing group. Sadly, time constraints on my part will mean no jazz band this year.

If you want to be involved in the finale, an idea of what instrument you want to play, and standard if I don't already know would be fab. If you want to play in the clari group, do also let me know, it'll tell me how many parts I need to write.

I'll play piano in the finale if required..

*I am going to have another attempt on Herman again too. Maybe I could try a very very very simple clarinet part*

That can be arranged DC...

Maybe we could double on a very very very simple part

Maybe it would be very very very much better if we didn't!

Safety in numbers you know, luvvy

Yes...as we found on our trek round Anglesey on Sunday!!!!!!!!

I can play flute

In that case you can borrow a Clari and join in on the very very simple part Definately one Clari, two if the revision goes well.

I know someone who might do a Flute duet with you if you like or maybe there might be a flute ensemble. we've a spare Flute Skylark if you want a simple part???

I'm up for anything (as long as it's not too hard!)

However I'm not sure if that includes clarinet playing

BB, there'll be a flute part : can make it whatever standard you require.

Will be happy to do duets/trios on clari, flute or alto sax - let me know in reasonable time and I'll ensure I bring the correct instruments.

Would be interested in very simple flute or clarinet ensemble things...

*makes note to include phantasmagoriana in clarinet ensemble*

Will you be stringing or woodwinding in the finale?

Don't forget the Sax quartet/quintet between you there should be all the sizes. Hoping Bari arrives by then

Fingers crossed!

I'll see if I've got something good for sax quartet. I'm sure I can find something

I take it you know who the suspects are likely to be

Yeah!

Lovely sense of humour that you two share

Back on topic Ladies!

I have a great piece that I am going to arrange for the kazoo orchestra and i am about to order parts for the Dvorak Bagatelles.

I'd better find a kazoo that works more of the time than that £1.50 thing I used at Anglesey then...

We had better find a Kazoo full stop!! I think it confiscated for being played too loudly whilst sorting the bedroom

Ha! Like it




Sense of humour was needed!!!

You should have heard me try to tootle on a flute in the shop where I bought my clarinet earlier this year - probably better all round if I give it a miss, thank you all the same



Am I right in saying that people can bring duck callers as an alternative to a kazoo Petrat? And can we use percussion instruments in this ensemble?

I'm banning duck callers unless I can bring the Budgie

I can't wait to see what petrat has planned...

I did think of a reply to that but it might get me banned......

Well made and tuned duck callers will be fine as long as the players are of a reasonable standard of competence. Percussion players will be needed too.

I think that for their own sakes we have to ban any budgies.

That means I'll never find out...............

Huh!! What you got against Budgies????

I'm sure he'd sit and chirp without any actions being needed Sbhoa...

I don't have anything against budgies but they can be difficult to direct in strange surroundings. They will not be used to large ensemble work and may find my conducting difficult to follow if they are not used to working with a conductor. If your Budgie is tuned to a true A 440 and has good eye sight so that it can sit at the back with the duck callers, he can sight sing fairly competently and has a good range of dynamics then he is most welcome to join us.

One of my favourite modern works is the "Trillings and Musings for Seven Budgies, Two Canaries and Theremin" by Getbakinya Cage.


Now we really must get back on topic before Skylark tells us off!

I have my sooper dooper comb and paper ready as we speak! I could see Andante wince smile when I played next to her in Anglesey

*Notice how smoothly I got this thread back on track, skyers? And not a satnav in sight!!! *

I see you've met hillyb's Satnav then

Sorry Skyers I promise no to hijack your thread again.

If anyone wants a duet partner or trio then give us a shout.

Would be interested in doing something 'stringy' if other people wanted to...

On another matter, any ideas about the proposed start/finish times of this as the cheap rail tickets are now available?

W

Watch it now!!

What are you all like Anyway, who needs a budgie when you've got a goldfinch, a skylark and a flutey babybird





I'll email you with some suggestions




Much the same as last year - doors open about 9.45-10am TBC for rehearsals, finish concert around 5.15pm TBC, then go for meal if anyone wants

Ooh, rail tickets! Thanks for the reminder - will do that next week.

I've dug out a couple of possibilities for the Leeds finale.

I do need to know asap if :

*you need a part that is easier than grade 2 standard

or

*you want to play an instrument pitched in a key other than C, Bb, Eb or F.

Many thanks!

Grade 2 is fine for me. Unless it's a lot harder (I'm grade 2-3 ish on flute)

There will be a part suitable for you Babybird2.

Great, thanks

Do you do alto clef?

W

Yeah!

Cool!

W

barry-clari has a fee for Leeds to send to you skylark

barry-clari has no form to send to you skylark

when is the website going live?

(not rushing you, honestly! )

Shouldn't this be in the funny 4 liners thread...?

Sorry... busy week.

Hmmm, working on it.... probably after Easter....

But there's still 2 and a half months to go

Cool - will get money/form sent to you soon after you put the form online skylark

Right, here's what we've got to offer:

One tenor sax
One alto sax
One soprano sax
One clarinet
Two piano players
One duck
One elephant
One pig
One frog
One owl

We also have a zither, but neither of us knows how to play it!