East Midlands Region

The Thalia Ensemble at Matlock

John Gough - Piano
Karen Slack - Clarinet
Ian Anstee    - Tuba

Concert at All Saints C of E Junior School, Matlock. March, 2005

Two hundred junior age children enjoyed an hour-long programme given by The Thalia Ensemble – an unusual mix of piano, clarinet and tuba.  The players introduced themselves and their instruments in an informal, entertaining manner using a wide variety of music. Each musician performed solo items to explain and demonstrate the many different sounds and techniques of playing. There was constant interaction between children and the group with pertinent questions and lively responses holding their attention and interest. Plenty of audience participation exploring elements of music such as conducting styles, rhythmic clapping, using percussion instruments to add Latin American rhythms to ‘Jamaican Rumba and assembling (and playing) a ‘build-yourself-a tuba’ from hose pipe and funnel created much enthusiastic response from everyone. The programme began and finished with interesting ensemble pieces and the whole concert was well controlled by  Ian Anstee who linked the programme together, judging pace, activity, information and level of excitement with skill.

This was a valuable educative experience furthering the musical development of these junior age children and, as the head teacher said in her thanks, - “…we all enjoyed it, - it was entertaining, informative and fun!”.

The concert was arranged by Matlock Music Society using funds from Making Music.