MUSIC
TOUZEAU STRINGS ZOOM !
OUTSTANDING DEDICATION , MOTIVATION , GOOD SPIRIT AND HUMOUR
Scotch Years 7 and 8 string players combine to create the Henri Touzeau String Orchestra , usually performing at concerts , competitions and community events . But without live concerts and the sheer joy of playing together as an ensemble , the motivation for orchestral participation can diminish .
Throughout 2020 , the Touzeau boys have shown outstanding dedication , motivation , good spirit and humour . They are to be congratulated on their contribution , personal growth , support of their peers and willingness to overcome challenges together . The boys have rehearsed every week , whether in person or on Zoom , creating several projects of which they are immensely proud .
PROFESSIONAL RECORDING SESSION During Term 2 Touzeau-online , students learned new repertoire in ‘ breakout rooms ’ with members of the string staff . They recorded their parts , and when the recordings were combined , using computer software , the boys enjoyed hearing a ‘ normal ’ string orchestra sound .
When the boys returned to on-campus learning for two weeks , they enjoyed performing these pieces live together . They were fortunate to engage in a professional recording , where a crew filmed their performance in the Ian Roach Hall .
Being part of a studio recording exposed the boys to a different version of performing . Elements of music such as rhythm and tempo assumed supreme importance , as the recordings needed to fit together with other year level string recordings .
In their home practice routines , metronomes can be frustrating , however in this circumstance , the boys learned to rely on the metronome and use it as a heartbeat . In Joshua Symons ’ ( Year 8 ) words : ‘ I loved the refreshing time that we were back at school . The professional recording was such fun to make ’.
30 Great Scot Issue 160 – September 2020