"In Conversation with..." Airplay
As rehearsals move from online back to in-person, the final conversation in this series is with Anna Robinson (director), Sarah Perrott (assistant director) and players from the music hub’s windband Airplay. During lockdown Airplay joined together with the equivalent group from the Isle of Wight, Airwaves.
What have the aims been for both groups whilst rehearsals have been online?
AR - The primary aims for both groups have been to have fun making music whilst also making new friendships between both new players within their own ensemble and the IOW bands.
How have you been able to achieve these?
AR - We have been working from the Charanga Take off beginner's wind band series, a set of really fun high energy repertoire (I have learnt the bands particularly enjoy pushing the tempo up to 150%!) We have also done a range of social activities including a house scavenger hunt.
What have you enjoyed about online rehearsals?
Player A - Very friendly chat at the beginning and everyone can contribute on how fast they want to play
What skills have you had to develop for online rehearsals that you didn't previously need?
Player B - Playing along with background music
What has been the best moment been for the bands whilst working online?
AR - The great energy everyone has brought to the rehearsals week on week and the collaboration which has come out of this as a result.
SP - The laughter! We have consistently laughed and giggled our way through rehearsals, even when the tech failed us, we have still found a way around it. The positivity and acceptance by the musicians whenever anything goes wrong, has been so encouraging and made what on the face of it was a massive and almost impossible task with such young players, become a completely enjoyable experience!
How have the staff from Airplay and Airwaves made the online rehearsals enjoyable?
Player B - Lovely relaxing atmosphere
Player C – quizzes etc
What has it meant joining Airplay and Airwaves together for rehearsals?
AR - The joining of the bands is something really special that has come out of this unusual situation. Each week we have not only tackled a huge range of music including a virtual performance of A Million Dreams, but we have also had a huge amount of fun and laughs along the way! I know highlights for the band have been air guitaring to one of our favourite pieces 'Rock Out', home percussion disco break in 'Pink Lady' and the great online scavenger hunt. We have formed a great team and are really excited to do a collaborative play day in person when we are able to as well as a joint residential weekend.
SP - We have built a community that will transfer in the future from an online digital experience to a physical ensemble of friends playing music together. The musicians are keen to meet up with each other, and we as staff are very keen to do a airwaves seabreeze and airplay performance altogether, as soon as we are allowed. It will be a fantastic experience for us all.