| Adult learners in the limelight |
|
|
|
|
On Saturday July 29th thirteen adult music students met at Stalybridge Methodist Church, near Manchester, for a day of music making. This was the second Adult Learners Concert in Stalybridge and included solo performances on piano, violin, flute, clarinet and recorder. The performers ranged from grade 1 to Diploma standard and there were also some duet performances. The idea for organising Adult Learner Concerts was hatched amongst visitors frequenting the Adult Learners' Forum on the ABRSM website. The inaugural event took place in Surrey in February 2005 and was so well received the first Stalybridge concert was organised just 5 months later. At this years event the morning was taken up with rehearsals and socialising with the concert taking place in the afternoon. The audience was small, comprising of performers, their friends and families and other adult learners who didn't feel confident enough to take part this year. This allowed for a friendly, supportive environment in which to perform, giving nervous performers the confidence to take their first steps in performing in front of an audience. After the concert there were feedback envelopes for each participant. All performers went home with an envelope containing positive feedback on their performance from their fellow performers. This has been a popular aspect of the Adult Learners Concerts from the very beginning. Sam, who was taking part for the first time this year sums it up this way; "The whole idea is terrific, I enjoyed myself. I thought all the participants did really well particularly when there had to be a restart. Well organised - very friendly group - the whole thing is very worthwhile.” Susan Bailey, organiser of the North West events added: "We hope that the Adult Learners Concerts will continue for many years, giving adults who are learning an instrument the opportunity to meet other adult students and to perform to a friendly, supportive audience.' For further details about the North West Adult Learners Concert please visit www.atlasmegahertz.co.uk/music/ . August 2006 |
| < Prev | Next > |
|---|