Meet CCC’s Wind Ensemble!
We’re delighted to be heading on the road with ‘Peter and the Wolf On Tour’ in May with our fantastic Wind Ensemble. Before we set off on our wind-tastic adventure, we thought we should formally introduce our wonderful musicians so you know what to expect. So read on to learn some tips for learning to play an instrument, some favourite pieces and also to learn that a French Horn is actually four meters long! Ladies and gentlemen, we give you….CCC’s Wind Ensemble!
First up, we have Emma Roche on flute and piccolo. We asked Emma some questions to find out a bit more.
Next up is CCC’s very own Creative Director, Cath Earnshaw, on oboe!What inspired you to learn the oboe?
I first played the recorder and then wanted to move on to the flute. It was suggested to me that I try the oboe as there was an oboe teacher and that the oboe was ‘a special instrument that not as many people play’. Turns out they were right and 38 years later I’m still playing it!
What are the challenges of playing this?
There are challenges and rewards with all the instruments. The main aspect of oboe playing that is unique to the oboe and bassoon is the double reed and you need a good supply of reeds if you’re doing a lot of playing. Most players make their own reeds which can be quite satisfying if you make a really good one (and there are machines to help!). The reward of playing the oboe is getting to play the best tunes in the orchestra! * in my opinion *
And now…the clarinet! May we introduce Fran Barker.
Any tips for learning to play the clarinet?
Find an instrument that you enjoy playing and work at it. There is no magic trick to learning an instrument – practise hard, be patient and the rest will follow. And join some kind of musical group as soon as you are able. Not only will it help you to develop your playing, it will give you confidence through performing to an audience and is most importantly lots of fun. I have made life-long friendships through playing in bands and orchestras.
If you were likening your instruments to an animal, like Prokofiev did, which would you choose and why? It’s hard to disagree with Prokofiev, the cat seems to fit the clarinet perfectly. However, I think it could represent many members of the feline family, not only the family cat as in Peter and the Wolf, but also big cats such as the leopard, panther and tiger etc. The clarinet has such a large note range and is able to play in such a variety of musical styles that it could depict speed, stealth, power, aggression, elegance, well basically any characteristics associated with all cats!
Our next instrument to introduce you to is the tallest instrument in our ensemble, the bassoon! And playing the bassoon is Heather Brown.
And finally, the instrument Prokofiev uses to portray the cunning Wolf in the music: the French horn (and it’s owner, Fergus Kerr!).
