October 2014 – Jersey Youth Chamber Orchestra Winter Course

 

Jersey Youth Chamber Orchestra Winter Course

29th Oct  – 1st Nov 2014

In a contrast to previous years, the Jersey Youth Chamber Orchestra’s winter session was held as a half-term orchestral course.  Starting on the Wednesday of half-term the orchestra came together for four full days of musical activity.  Led by visiting conductor Robert Roscoe, the orchestra worked on Offenbach’s Overture to Orpheus in the Underworld, Malcolm Arnold’s Little Suite no.2, and Khachaturian’s Sabre Dance.

The additional rehearsal time afforded by the extended course meant that in addition to the regular sectional and tutti rehearsals the students also had the opportunity to learn a piece of Body Percussion music led by Russell Abraham, and took part in music quiz based on the music performed.  The lunchtimes and breaktimes gave the students the chance to enjoy the lawns, enhanced by some glorious sunshine.

The concert on the Saturday evening was enjoyed by a full hall, requesting an encore of Offenbach’s Galop Infernal.  Next year’s session will take place in partnership with Chetham’s School of Music in February, leading towards a performance at the Jersey Arts Centre on  8th February, conducted by Chets Director of Music Steven Threlfall. The JYCO is run through the partnership of the academy with the Jersey Music Service, and supported by the Strasser Trust and Dorothy Chapman Trust.