Endangered Species spotted in Ealing

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Local musicians take action to ensure rare instruments survive

 

Did you know that some instruments are played by so few young players in Britain that they have been labelled "endangered species"? So, in order to encourage and support new players, the Ealing Music Service has teamed up with the White City-based BBC Concert Orchestra to run a series of events and extra teaching. This partnership has already led to thirty-five new young players in Ealing Schools.

 

On Sunday September 25th, Thames Valley University hosted a day dedicated to ensuring their survival.

Rare species such as players of the oboe, bassoon, French horn, trombone, euphonium and tuba and Double Bass of all ages and levels, some as young as 8 years old, took part in a free day of activities at TVU's Faculty of the Arts (formerly the London College of Music and Media).

 

TVU's Arts Manager Alex Russell said: �Instruments like the Oboe or the French Horn are in danger of slipping into extinction if we don't take action by celebrating the important role they play in music. These instruments and many others like them provide them the unique colour and depth of the orchestral sound and are steeped in tradition as part of Britain's cultural heritage.�

 

�The Endangered Species Day aims to revive the fortunes of instruments that have suffered a decline in recent years.  We believe that the enriching quality of these instruments that have been played longer than most of us have been around is a privilege to be part of and a real responsibility to keep going.�

 

After a morning of intensive ensemble playing, with the opportunity for masterclasses for the more advanced, everyone strolled down in the sunshine to nearby St Mary's Church for a recital by internationally acclaimed soloist Nicholas Daniel. His oboe playing and enthusiasm won him tumultuous applause from the players and families who attended. Players from the BBC Concert Orchestra were joined by Ealing Music School, TVU tutors and participants of the day to perform the pieces they had rehearsed in the morning. The grand finale was a jazz improvisation by all the instruments together, a new and unnerving experience for many, and an exciting experience of a very different way of making music to end the day.

 

 

 

 

March 27, 2004