JAZZ
Being a part of the group introduced me to a whole new side of performances at Sevenoaks . I was already well acquainted with the classical concerts , but I had never been involved with the more modern programmes . For jazz players , Crash into Christmas and Sevenoaks Swings are the main concerts . The performances have a feeling of nervous excitement and pride to them , each performer encouraged to return to the hall between acts to support their friends . Sevenoaks Swings was a great event , headlined by Harry the Piano . We played everything , from sentimental ballads to fast-paced rock . Many different groups took to the stage , ranging from our small Rollins Ensemble to the epic forces of the Saxophone Megaband ( almost 40 people ).
When improvising , you can never be wrong .
I never thought I ’ d be an improviser , but surprisingly , I find myself reeling off scales and imitations on the stage of the Pamoja Hall , in front of 400 people . I ’ m performing as a member of the new Rollins Ensemble , created by Mr Beston , the Head of Jazz and Contemporary Music at Sevenoaks . Our six-member group meets once a week and , from bossa novas to jazzy Christmas tunes , we play music that is bound to get anyone ’ s feet tapping .
We also played in Mr Beston ’ s concert , Big Band Aid . It raised over £ 3000 for the charities Brain Tumour Research and Living On . Not only was it for two amazing causes , but it was also a wonderful evening : we heard solos from seasoned professionals in the first half , played our hearts out in the interval , then returned to the hall to listen to the catchy closing acts .
It ’ s safe to say that my involvement in jazz at Sevenoaks has been an unlikely yet brilliant gem of my time at school . As Mr Beston says , ‘ when improvising , you can never be wrong ’. I think that ’ s advice I ’ ll take with me for the rest of my life . If you ’ re pushing yourself out of your comfort zone , don ’ t be inhibited by the chance of your mistakes . Be motivated by the possibility of your success .
Ellie Curson , Lower Sixth
When we started rehearsing , I was nervous for what seemed like daunting rehearsals , but soon found out they were actually relaxed sessions . As a classical trombonist , I had never improvised before ( make up a tune on the spot , rather than reading from music ), let alone in a genre I was unfamiliar with . And yet , with my first few notes , I felt my nerves lessen a little . Each time I do it , I gain a little confidence .
60 MUSIC REVIEW