Back to back concerts on the weekend. One was held yesterday evening. It was a high school brass orchestra playing one classical piece and contemporary songs. It's my official first time listening to live orchestra music. Quite well done. Since it wasn't really a classical suit and tie event, there were some distractions as the concert progresses. It went smoothly before intermission. Straight after, the circus came to liven up the orchestra. During 'Doraemon' song, the characters from the song came out to act, then proceed to giving bookmarks to the audience and one overturned a chair. The conductor turned around to look......I'm sorry, I wasn't amused since I came to listen for inspiration. While playing Michael Jackson's Heal The World, the cardboard animals came out to celebrate and jog round the audience. The crowd cheered and the music was covered.......
Some songs were played with the junior members dancing to it. I have to admit it was difficult to concentrate on the music while watching the stage, my eyes went straight to the dancing. Some audience also did the mexican wave. Every time the orchestra finished a song, the crowd cheered, clapped and after the clapping stopped, some would scream out a member's name. The conductor actually had make them keep quiet before the orchestra begin a song.
All in all, I was glad I attended. It was a fun concert, the orchestra played well. It gave me a rough idea on arranging the instruments and percussion on the Electone.
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Junior Original Concert (15 years old and below) National level. Held in Penang for the third time, attending for the first time. I've attended JOC school level. It gives me a rough idea that I need to dress properly and neatly for the event. It was a good event that went with minor coughs on the way. While composing on the Electone, nothing could be heard from the audience. While the pianist play their composition, I could hear a cough, occasionally a baby crying (hey, didn't it say no admission for three and below? It was obviously a baby below the age of two) Even constant reminders of silencing hand phones, a ring or two is still heard on and off. The young composers did a good job not distracted by the noises.
Overall, it was a professional event with no clapping or wooing when the performers played a difficult or eye popping part. It would have been better if the audience had clapped after the performers bowed. (Performers are taught that the silence after the last note played is important. It signifies the end and should not be interrupted) But of course, when it is a good performance, everyone can't wait to clap and give support to the players.
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These concerts have helped me to be more creative even while teaching in class. The next concert (competition) I'm attending will be the Electone Festival Regional Level. Looking forward to it!
