At this week’s Yarra Bend Workshop, Richard van Hoesel played his waterphone solo for Adam Simmons’ work String.
The waterphone is a percussion instrument with water in the base that creates moving, bending tones. Richard, usually a Squawkestra cellist, bows the bronze rods to create mysterious, etherial sounds similar to whale calls – or the scary moments in a horror film sound track! His instrument is a bit different from the usual waterphone, as it comprises two waterphones, one stacked on top of the other. Click here for a sample of Richard’s playing.
We will be performing String at our Winter Solstice Concert at Melbourne Polytechnic (Fairfield Campus) on June 21st.
Richard’s “Double” Waterphone
As part of our Yarra Bend Workshop Series, last week we were joined by composer and violinist, Andrea Keeble. Andrea lead us through her work The Crossing, originally written for a 3MBS competition, and recently arranged for Squawkestra. It was wonderful to learn from Andrea the history and inspiration for the piece, and get her insights and advice on technique.
We will be performing The Crossing at our Winter Solstice Concert at Melbourne Polytechnic (Fairfield Campus) on June 21st.
Sunday Age City2Sea Fun Run
Sunday 15th November 2015
Where: Somewhere on the course from Yarra Park to Catani Gardens
Time: Sometime between 7:00 am – 12:00 pm
Date: Sunday 15th November, 2015
Repertoire
Evangeline
Hey Jgazitsad
Donna Donna
Sto Me
Night on the River
Farandol
Chariots of Fire
What to Wear
Fun Bright Colours
Other Things to consider:
We may repeat the set
What to Bring
This is an outdoor concert. Be prepared for all weather conditions. I am hoping that we will be under cover, however we may not be. You will not be expected to perform in wet weather.
!!**Pegs to hold your music**!!
Sun cream
Sun glasses
A steady music stand
Cellos may be required to bring a stool
Water bottles
Small bag of belongings that you can keep on you while performing as there is no storage area
Adam Simmons
Orchestra workshop series and concert
$25 for non-Squawkestra members. Free for Squawkestra members
Thursday April 2 and Thursday April 16 at Northcote Uniting Church (251 High st Northcote)
7:00 – 9:00 pm
Concert
Thursday April 30
7:30 Northcote Uniting Church
Hear a performace outcome from the workshop series
During the workshop series, participants will be exploring Conduction, a unique form of improvisation ideal for ensemble players. Here’s what Adam has to say about Conduction.
Conduction
Squawkestra is looking forward to working with Adam Simmons this year in an exciting workshop series. We are opening our doors and inviting folks to join us for a this 3 week series. If you are not a member come along to try it out.
Squawkestra presents
Adam Simmons
Orchestra workshop series and Concert
Join Squawkestra in a unique workshop series with Adam Simmons.
A three week workshop series with a performance outcome.
Workshop participants will discover ‘Conduction’, a powerful system of hand gestures used to spontaneously compose. The technique, developed by Lawrence ‘Butch’ Morris, brings together professional and beginner instrumentalists creating music that is unique to the ensemble. Workshop participants will also learn selected movements from ‘Traveling Tales’ a suite written by Adam for the Intari Orchestra and first performed in the Piraeus Festival, Athens in 2014.
Adam Simmons is a sought after woodwind multi-instrumentalist. He is a composer, performer and teacher. A skillful player, with an approachable manner, he instills a sense of curiosity among his audience and students. He is key instigator in many original music projects (Adam Simmons Toy Band, BOLT Ensemble, Origami). He is in high demand as collaborator with International and Major Australian artists (Nigel Kennedy, Australian Art Orchestra, Ernest Ranglin, You Am I, Odean Pope). He is the Artistic Director and creator of the Festival of Slow Music (Ballarat.)
Squawkestra is a community orchestra project based in Northcote and conducted by Katrina Wilson O’Brien. The orchestra is a place to discover a breadth of ensemble repertoire at an entry level standard.
This 3 week workshop and performance series is for orchestral instrumentalists of all standard. Current and future members of Squawkestra welcome to attend.
Workshop dates:
Thursday April 2
Thursday April 16
Northcote Uniting Church
7:00 – 9:00 pm
Final performance
April 30
7:30
Northcote Uniting Church
Workshop participation
FREE for Squawkestra members
$25 for future Squawkestra members
Adam also played Traveling Tales at the 2014 Ballarat Quiet Music Festival with Ballarat Symphony Orchestra as seen in the photos below. Love the socks Adam!
Conducted by Andrea Keeble and blessed with the light of God.
SQUAWKESTRA 