Feedback and comments from Launch Event – June 2015

 

The players, parents, teachers and educators who attended the launch were asked to work in groups and to give feedback on the initiative. Responses are listed below - each colour group represents the responses of a particular table.

 

They were asked:

"From what you have heard about the Young Philharmonia so far, we would like you to list ....."

 

Things that appeal?



• The pieces – Beethoven 8th Symphony and Hebrides Overture

• Lots of areas coming together

• Monday evenings are a good day

• The three set dates at the beginning of terms

• Online access to parts

 

• Playing with other people my age (e.g. not over 50!)

• The music chosen is really good and we wouldn’t always get chance to pla

 

• Good to play with musicians from other areas

• Just for young people!

• Different genres of music

• Just 3 sessions per term

• Could be a good promotional/ signposting stream for other musical events/ concert

• All sounds very good

• C.V. / reference opportunities

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• Individual parts – e.g. only one person per wind part

• Great Professional Arts Venue (Square Chapel)

• Great incentive to have an entry standard for players



• The music on offer

• The group

• Opportunity to play in a bigger ensemble

• The performance area/ building – formality/ prestige

• Opportunity to play exam pieces in the auditorium

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• Being in a proper orchestra

• Bringing together talent from across Yorkshire

• Young Composers – playing their works

• Composing our own music

• Arts Building to perform in

• Quality of the venue – quality performance space



• Creating involvement with other groups

 

Things that might cause a problem?



• An imbalance of instrumentalists that apply – very difficult to do without the right instruments

• What happens if we don’t get enough players – would a different for/ change of repertoire be considered?

 

• Holiday absence

• A-levels (examinations) time – time to fit it all in

• Students may not have their own instrument

• All the orchestral positions are not filled

• The time involved



• Are two rehearsals before the concert enough?

• Audiences – need good promotion of them

 

• Summer concert clashes with exams



• Managing the limited time

• Other commitments



• Clashes at exam periods

• Other time commitments (tight schedule)



• Students missing lessons if it expands and creates more opportunities

• Grade 5 standard playing is too low

• Losing talent by only auditioning one a year

 

Ideas that should be considered?

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• Using understudies for parts

• Wide repertoire



• Have Young Ambassadors

• Giving Young Musicians the chance to conduct



• Rehearsal/ prep time increased?

• Use it to attract more young people to concerts

• Student representation on the ‘board’/ committee

• Is there a West Yorkshire Youth Orchestra to tie-in with?

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• Residential

• Sectionals

• Busking

• ‘Tchaik 2’ so that you can have a tuba



• Solo recital concerts

• Chaperones from bus stations etc.

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• Arts Awards

• Trips to other orchestral performances

• Meeting other youth orchestras



• Orchestra of Square Chapel and Young Philharmonia playing together

• Working with university students

• Halifax Philharmonic Club could be involved if meeting on Fridays

 

Anything else you might want to add?

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• Visits by the Young Philharmonia to other schools

• Video clips of the orchestra on the net



• What happens if you can’t make a rehearsal if you are ill/ on holiday?

• What happens if/ when you go to University?

• Offer from Calderdale Music Trust may be able to help out with instruments.



• Good that there is an aspiration for slightly elite orchestra!

• Lots of work at home required.

• Travel with the orchestra

• Free tickets for Young Phil members for the Orchestra of Square Chapel (OOSC)

• Progression into OOSC

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• All sounded brilliant!!



• Promote members listening to other groups (e.g. Philharmonic Club