It's a long post so you might like to grab a cup of tea first


I've been pondering the next Players for Pleasure event to have in Leeds. As some of you know, the college where we've always had the Leeds concerts is moving premises, and by September, will be based opposite the university instead of in Headingley. I had a look round the premises the other day, and it's a nice building, with large rehearsal rooms, good parking facilities, easy to get to (on the main road) etc.

But... it hasn't a got a studio like the current one has It's got a large-ish room, but not as large as the studio, and no stage. I don't think we could have the sort of concert there that we've been used to having I'm going to look for an alternative venue for next year which can match the facilities at the current place, and we can't have a Christmas concert like we've done for the past couple of years because of the way the holiday period falls, so I'm thinking of organising two smaller, separate events there later this year.

One would be mainly for orchestral instrumentalists, and hopefully there would be some orchestral instrumentalists who would also be able and willing to accompany. The other would be mainly for singers and pianists (who could also perform on an orchestral instrument if they have one as a second instrument). There could be some flexibility (particularly to accommodate friends/family who normally come together or want to perform together), as long as we didn't end up with twice as many people wanting to come to one event and none to the other because there won't be room at a single sitting for the numbers of people who usually come.

NEWBIES AND BEGINNERS are particularly welcome I know it might look as if we all know each other at these events and you might think you'll feel out of place, but we only know each other because we've kept meeting up at events like this, and the sooner you start coming, the sooner you'll know everybody too! I know it also looks as if the people who usually come are the more advanced players, but I'd be very grateful if some beginner players would come and keep me company with my Grade 1 Piano Seriously though, it would be great to see some newbie and beginner players - when the more advanced players started coming a few years ago, they were beginners too, and the concerts are partly aimed at beginner and new performers in order to get performance experience/confidence, so do come and join in, they're good fun and very friendly

There's some information about last June's concert on the Players for Pleasure web site (which needs updating ) and although the next one won't be quite the same, for the reasons mentioned above, it will give new members a flavour of the event.

Could anybody who's interested in coming please post or email me with your thoughts on this proposition (or PM if you don't have my email address but please email if you do ), and whether you think September would be too soon, early December too close to Christmas, and January too ....

I'd most likely be up for another trip "oop north", lass

Letchworth is in September, so is Cardiff. Plus the proms are on so as long as there's no clash with my plans I'll do my best to make it

Depends when and how busy term is, but it would be nice. :-)

Sounds good to me. I'd be happy to be available for any beginner accompanists making their accompanying debut.
N

Meeee


Like Nova, I'd be more than happy to be a 'guinea pig' for budding accompanists - might even be tempted to have a go myself.

Yes I'm interested, though Autumn weekends are getting booked up already for me.

I'm happy to have a go at accompanying as well, not something that I've done before.

Interested, but Autumn is getting busy already.

I'm interested too maybe a violin debut more likely to be clari though

I am interested, depending on the actual date or dates chosen. I have quite got used to travelling to Leeds in January though!

I would confirm all that Skyers has said about getting perfomance experience as a beginner/newbie. My first visit to Leeds in Jan 2009 was the first time I had played my flute to anyone other than friends or family. Now I have lots of new friends through doing so

....and I am pleased to say, no more family .

Autumn busy here too. If I were to do this I think early into the new year would be better - Christmas out the way and no band concerts till the Summer.

Would there still be duets and ensembles etc under the new system or would it be mainly solos/accompanied performances

And if you wish to encourage/enable the less accomplished player would you rather not have the advanced ones, who perhaps get opportunities elsewhere, playing so much? (though even advanced players still have much to learn/improve upon )

If I was to come (though not making a commitment yet) I'd be happy to duet with/ play quietly alongside any less advanced players as required. (on clari)

I confess I've barely touched the piano lately

Thanks for all the replies, and welcome to the possible new attendees, louise1712, flobiano and returnee meerkat. A cello - whoo-hoo, we can have a string quartet! Look forward to seeing you again, meerkat

To answer the questions I've been asked on and off forum, I don't yet know what the format will be, this is just a tentative enquiry at the moment to see if there would be interest, and when would be best.

Older children of forum members will be welcome to participate - around 12 is generally the lowest suitable age. There's no upper age limit!

The new building is on the corner of St Mark's Avenue and Woodhouse Lane. It's about a mile from the station, walking uphill. Buses are very frequent. If necessary, lifts could possibly be arranged, although with traffic the way it is, it's probably quicker to walk

At the moment the building is undergoing refurbishment and it's difficult to judge the size of the "concert" room. I should be able to get a better idea later this month and will try and fix plans then

Is there a car park there??

I know Emsoboe gets lots of opportunities other than Forum concerts but that doesn't mean she isn't interested in coming to Leeds.

If The Saturday is not during term time than I'm sure we will be there. Skylark I can email you with our available dates.

To everyone else... No matter how many Orchestras and Ensembles a young person gets to play in they rarely get to play duets and solos. Well Emsoboe doesn't! I can only think of one of her teachers who actually plays duets with her on a regular basis.

The good thing about Leeds or other Forum events is the availability of adults to play along side the teenagers. If the teens are more experienced then the adult can hopefully gain confidence from this. The young person may also get to play alongside someone of equal or higher standard. Just seeing adults enjoying making music is vitally important as it helps them see that it's not a hobby to grow out of.

Working with different accompanist at Forum events has been a fantastic experience. This has been great when she has turned up to an audition and played with an accompanist she has never met before.

Emsoboe has always been happy to take any part and play with anyone who wants a partner on the instruments she plays.

Me too, on both counts... what about another recorder duet?
N

The "triple generation" flute trio with Emily and Bev was fun last time .

I'd be interested in more details, dates etc. with a view to attending.

I'm sure she will be happy to but it will depend on the date.




Trios don't come along very often This time hopefully we won't be late and I'll manage to get the dates right and no more instruments will be coming to live with us.

We might be able to manage another trio then, if Bev is willing.

Yes I like the fact that there are all ages there, from teenage to "elder statesmen", if I can put it that way


I've had another bright idea... As I said earlier, the room where we would have a concert isn't big enough to accommodate the numbers that normally come, either performers or audience, hence my thinking that it would have to be split into two separate events. An alternative might be for everybody to come on the same day, but the concert would be split into two rooms. This would mean that everybody could still meet up with everybody else as usual, but obviously the audience in each room would be smaller. Any preferences either way?

I think it will still mean that the numbers will have to be limited though. I'll look for a bigger place for next year

Depending on dates... any classical guitarists out there fancy doing a duet? I never play guitar in front of people, it would be good for me!

Or if not, any other singers fancy doing something?

I like the idea of everyone being at the same venue. Others may have a different idea.

Yes, there's a private car park and there will be room for all the cars

(there's also a pub within 2 minutes walk )

I'm not entirely sure I'll make it this time. So much is happening around then! But if I do, some small group choir thingies might be fun... Anyone..?

Sounds good. :-)

What do you fancy - classical or musical theater?

I'm a deeply low alto. Am I right in thinking you're a sop?

I'm up to try anything - musical theatre would probably be my preference.

Yep, I'm a sop. I'm not sure if she's coming, but I'm pretty certain Lucky045 (who is also an alto, or mezzosoprano...) would be up to do something.

Did you send me a PM the other day? If so, I'm sorry I haven't replied yet! Actually, now I think of it, I think I dreamt that you did. There's no record of it in my inbox!

I don't think I did the pm, no. Some mysterious other, perhaps.

We could do a trio? :-)

I would love to come again but don't think I will be able to make any of the dates you suggest. (Why does New Year have to fall at such a silly time ). I think I'll have to wait a year (or two) until New Year's Day has "moved."

What a shame Perhaps you'll be able to come over to a summer event - hope so anyway.

Have only just picked up this thread as have been away. Am interested dependent on dates.

Hello Flossie!

Hope you can come

Any specific dates on the horizon yet?

Thanks for all the posts, emails and PMs, and I'll take account of what everyone has said on and off forum about dates. Once the refurbishment people have finished at the college, I'll go there again to have a closer look at the new facilities. Then I'll contact people by email to start organising something - if I haven't got your current email address, please PM me with it so that I can put you on the mailing list. I'll now let this thread die and start a new thread nearer the time. If anyone else is interested in coming, please feel free to either email or PM me. Thanks again for all your thoughts

I'd be up for either Dec / Jan

Me too.

Posting this here cos I never seem to be able to catch you anywhere else - you are very welcome to stay with me, if you do come up. In a lovely big house now, and it will be the holidays then, probably. xx

I'm trying to PM you my email address to be added to the list but I'm getting a message saying you don't accept PM's?

Help!!

I don't normally have a problem receiving PMs. I've PM'd you.