CrescendoThe Official Magazine of The Purcell School for Young Musicians May 2019

INSIDE PURCELL: SITTING DOWN WITH SIMON GOING DIGITAL: LET’S TALK MUSIC TECH ALLEN, HEAD OF JAZZ LIVE AT LUNCHTIME

Discussing everything from Renowned within and outside Thank you to all staff the benefits of going digital to the School, we dive into the and students involved in the importance of teaching Jazz department launching our live concerts! INSIDE PURCELL: LET’S TALK MUSIC TECHNOLOGY We sat down with our Music Technology department to discuss everything from the benefits of going digital to the importance of teaching at Purcell The Music Technology Tom Bell (Music Technician) composition, scoring film department is passionate studied Music Production music, arranging and an about the latest recording and at Newcastle University understanding of studio computer technology being and Leeds College of Music technology and acoustics. used creatively. whilst also being an avid musician. Originally playing A big change came in 2017 Aidan Goetzee (Head of Music the trombone, he moved when, due to pressure from Technology), who has been to percussion along with the music industry and with Purcell since 2001, worked playing guitar and bass. As universities, the subject was as a freelance flautist and an electronic producer, Tom relaunched as a separate teacher before moving into full has achieved releases on course of study to music; time teaching 25 years ago. commercial labels, one of a timely recognition of the Before this, he studied at the which gained airtime on BBC particular skills and knowledge RCM, Guildhall and in Paris on Radio 1Xtra and Rinse FM. that the subject demanded. several scholarships. “Coming from a family of “Today, you just cannot “When I started working in classical musicians, I was escape the technology the 80’s, I did some studio the first to branch out into being an essential skill for have the latest Mac and Logic “I’m a firm believer that every is also good is that the more work and then later when commercial and ‘popular’ the contemporary musician. software sitting on your table single musician should have technically adept students will I was working with the music. From a young age I Through computers a huge it is easy to use. Musicians at least a basic grasp of tech go out of their way to learn London Contemporary found myself not just listening amount of knowledge and skill need guidance through these skills. In the current online about the more complex side Dance and the Lindsay Kemp to my favourite album on is available at your fingertips. amazing sonic tools if they are world where marketing of tech, which is always very Company, I saw first-hand the repeat, but also wondering We are in such a different to use them effectively. From yourself is more pertinent interesting for both myself and creative possibilities of the how they were made. When world to when I was a student personal experience I know than ever, being able to put the students.” technology when combined studying GCSE’s I got my first at the RCM in the late 70s and how important it is to feel together simple yet high with traditional acoustic taste of music technology, we cannot just give students confident with the technology. quality recordings/videos of The importance of Music instruments. It seems to me which led me to pursue it at A what we learned; this does not yourself playing online can Technology in today’s that this was how the future Level, and from then on I know equip them for the future. At I remember recording for a massively boost your presence, curriculum is becoming was going to be. it was what I wanted to do.” the RCM I used to walk past the local radio station once and and might ultimately give you increasingly apparent. The I was also involved in small mysterious ‘Electronic Music the engineer had not a clue the edge over others. With the UK is one of the world’s most theatre and film productions Music Technology has been Studio’ everyday – none of us where to position the mics for technology becoming cheaper competitive and diverse where I would be recording a available to students at A knew what went on in there our ensemble; he was clearly and more accessible by the digital music markets, with single track and would then Level at The Purcell School and rarely heard the results a bit thrown but at the time I day, there’s no reason not to! around services catering for all see it transformed by the since the late 90’s. Whereas of its work. And remember, did not have the knowledge or Music Tech is a subject in different kinds of music fans composer and engineers into the traditional ‘music’ there were no such thing as experience to be able to insist which you get out of it what and musical genres. According a huge sound scape. I was course focused on classical computers for everyday use on changes to the way he did you put in, regardless of to analysis by the BPI, based fascinated by the possibilities composers and notational back then! things. I like to think that my technical ability or skill. We on data from the Official Charts of these processes and literacy, music technology students, even when working have had students who start Company, audio streaming decided to pursue a Master’s was designed to combine a Today’s audio software draws as purely musicians, will be in AS having barely touched accounted for almost two Degree in Music Information study of popular music and on a very long history of audio better aware of the techniques a computer, and they go on thirds of music consumption Technology. Along the way, recording techniques. engineering and acoustic and processes being used to to get an A* in the A Level during 2018. Furthermore, as well as the creative side, theory. Consequently the capture their performances so only 2 years later. As long as according to RAJAR, the I became intrigued by the Students can now learn audio user interface are incredibly that they can make informed you keep an open mind and number of UK adults who theoretical underpinning of the engineering techniques, complex. It can be so easy comments to engineers and are willing to put in the extra listen to a podcast each week subject.” production skills, electronic to think that because you producers.” work, anyone can do it. What increased from 3.2 million (7 per cent of adults) in 2013 solo recitals and orchestral any of our other concerts and fascinating talk at the school music outside of performance. prospective students or really to 5.9 million in 2018 (11 per performances whether it be that student input would be last year. If ever there was an Recently (thanks to the Music anyone across the world get a cent of adults). This increase sound production, film music, fundamental. We have had inspiring example of the union Tech department), this had feel how our school works, and is across all age groups, but music for games, mixed media music with film, with theatre of creativity and technology it included the launch of a series the standards that we uphold. the steepest growth in the etc. Music tech offers students and with live dance, orchestral is Jacob. It has been great for of live streamed concerts; ‘Live The growth we have seen past year was among 15-34 insights into the music industry rock scores and every variety of us to know that he premiered at Lunchtime’! This means already on our channel with year-olds. Revenues from all beyond the confines of their avant-garde weirdness. I have his split-screen close-harmony no matter where you are, as our first three livestreams has UK music segments, including instrument.” been told that we are the only arrangements (which got him long as you have access to the been amazing, and I can’t wait streaming, downloads, specialist music school that noticed by Quincy Jones!) internet, you have the pleasure to see what the future holds physical sales, performance One of highlights of each present these kinds of concerts at the SIM events. Mica Levi of watching our magnificent with many more to come!” rights and synchronisation year for the Music Tech where we see students not is now a successful film students perform. (use of music in film, TV, ads department are the Sound only getting to grips with a composer, whose scores are Our ‘Live at Lunchtime’ and games), grew by 3.1 per Image Movement concerts of wide range technology but are transformed by her incredible This term the School has live concerts, which have already cent in 2018, leaving the UK as which the next is taking place also involved in the technical music technology skills. I streamed three concerts with amassed over 2,500 views the biggest music market in on Thursday 4th July here at staging (which is huge) and remember her asking me to performances from multiple online, will continue in the Europe. the School. theatrical presentation. help her record a printer (… Purcell soloists, Purcell’s Flute Summer Term. Previous yes, the sound it makes!) for Ensemble, our Percussion ‘Live at Lunchtime’ concerts “Today there are jobs being “The Sound Image Movement The Delegates, a successful one of her compositions. Duo, Purcell’s String Quartet can still be viewed on the created which we could not concerts are a real highlight. I band run by Purcell (who performed an original School’s YouTube channel and have imagined a decade set these up back in 2010 after alumni, Sam Every and She was the first to present composition ‘Tiger Teeth’ Facebook page. ago. Invariably they involve the demise of the Film Course. Seth Tackaberry, launched live-mixing to film in the SIM written by Sasha SURNAME) skilled use and knowledge I made a promise to myself at themselves out of the concerts. Quim Badia Arumi and Purcell’s Jazz Quartet. On behalf on The Purcell of technology. With the right the time that we would try to SIM concerts and are now is now a very successful film School, we would like to say skills, musicians can be part do something new or different recording and producing composer, frequently found “Livestreaming is a fantastic a special thank you to Simon of this – there are many in each concert, that they their own work. Jacob Collier, directing sessions at Abbey way to build hype and Kingsbury. more things that musicians would provide and outlet for of course. He came back to Road. A music technology engagement around anything! can be involved in beyond the type of work not found in give a demonstration and student, he initially hated The ‘magic’ of live gives an “The livestreaming project has the subject, went on to elevated level of excitement only been allowed to flourish study piano at the RCM but that normal videos fail to thanks to the enormous help after studying for a masters compare to. The streams are of our Network Manager, in film composition in a chance for our students to Simon Kingsbury. Simon is a Barcelona became a hugely be seen on a global stage and fantastic and essential asset knowledgeable and skilful is good experience as live to both our tech department used or the technology (in fact, streaming feels very different and the whole school, and he he spent some time working at to a regular concert – and is definitely the unsung hero Spitfire Audio, creators of the in most cases more nerve- behind all that we do here, finest sample libraries) as was racking! With the advent of thanks Simon!” in evidence when he visited the online media becoming ever school a couple of years ago to more relevant, most of our demonstrate the tremendous students will undoubtedly sampling skills he used in his perform in concerts that are film scores. livestreamed in their careers after the school. Another bonus Several other students have is that once the livestreams are gone on to be successful film finished, they instantly become composers; one of the most regular videos that can be notable being Dru Masters, shared around and used for sound designer and composer competition entries, auditions for The Apprentice.” etc.

The Purcell School is grateful to Live streaming is a fantastic be able to offer opportunities window into the school and for our students to explore really lets parents, alumni, SITTING DOWN WITH SIMON ALLEN, HEAD OF JAZZ Jazz is an established and flourishing department at The Purcell School. Renowned within and outside the School, it comprises an inspirational team of experienced teachers and performers who are uniquely placed to oversee the development of creative musicians.

The department is a great further awards and touring the Strictly Come Dancing UK gateway into studying Jazz UK over 7 years. arena tour. at conservatoire level, and students from the Jazz Simon is also a member of the Simon has been involved department regularly achieve Laurence Cottle All Star Big in education since 2002, considerable success. In 2016, Band, and works with Colin holding a range of positions for example, first study jazz Towns Mask Orchestra for the from peripatetic instrumental trumpeter Alexandra Ridout Birmingham Royal Ballet, the teacher to Artist in Residence, won the prestigious BBC Young Matthew Herbert Big Band, teaching music and music Musician Jazz Award, and jazz touring around Germany, technology GCSE and ‘A’ Level, students are often sought after China, Belgium and Poland. and leading improvisation as members of the National He has appeared at major UK workshops. Having been Head Youth Jazz Orchestra (NYJO) venues and festivals including of Jazz at the Purcell School and the National Youth Jazz Ronnie Scott’s, the Barbican of Music for 5 years, Simon is Collective (NYJC). Recent and Brecon Jazz Festival, and also Jazz and Pop course tutor graduates of the department worked with an astonishing at Barton Peveril College near and improvising together we have is invigorating. Our music made them the minority include the multiple Grammy array of top musicians from the Southampton, specialising in drew me in. Jazz incorporates big band concerts are always a student, so seeing them able Award winning jazz pianist and jazz and pop world. Between preparing young musicians so many ‘styles’ of music highlight too. to share their passion for music composer Jacob Collier, Kit 2005-2013 Simon was featured for entry to Conservatoire. and requires a musician to with people of their own age is Downes, Jake Labazzi and Seth in the late Stan Tracey CBE’s Simon is also a visiting tutor understand harmony, groove, What do you love about wonderful. Tackaberry. various groups, and is featured at Trinity Laban Conservatoire improvisation, ensemble teaching? on his final two quartet and the London College of playing - these are vital Recently Purcell’s Jazz Leading the School’s Jazz recordings, as well as octet Contemporary Music. foundations to most musical It’s a challenge that I gladly Quartet took part in the department since 2014 is and big band album releases. genres. embrace. Everybody School’s ‘Live at Lunchtime’ saxophonist and composer Simon appeared on Jools With exciting developments approaches improvisation in series, why do you think Simon Allen. Simon began Holland’s “Later” TV show happening for the Jazz You have been running the a slightly different way, and this was important for the his career with the National performing a track from the department, we sat down Jazz department at Purcell it’s really interesting working students and the School? Youth Jazz Orchestra and the album “Senior Moment”. with Simon for a ‘QnA’ session for 5 years, what are some with students to find their best Pendulum Jazz Orchestra, where we talked about his of your best moments from approach. The “real life” scenario of performing alongside the Outside of jazz, Simon leads time at Purcell and what Jazz teaching at the School? preparing for a concert that likes of Jazz Stars Art Themen, a horn section which among means to him! I love sharing my passion for can be enjoyed over and over Gerard Presencer, Jamie others has backed Phil The look of shock on the music and my methods for again. Also, the opportunity Cullum and Peter King. Collins, Eric Clapton and Paul What was it about Jazz that face of all our workshop and learning. I love seeing students’ to look back over their After being a winner in the McCartney. He has recorded you were drawn to at such a concert guests when they hear playing and musicianship performances is invaluable to Daily Telegraph ‘Young Jazz’ and played live with Robbie young age? our jazz students! develop, being a part of that is the students’ learning process competition, and a finalist Williams, Beverley Knight, a privilege. as musicians. It also gives the in the ‘Young Jazz Musicians Katie Melua, Jamie Cullum and My passion for jazz started Our gig at the prestigious 606 School a truly international of the Year’, Simon gained a many others. He is featured when I joined the Berkshire Jazz Club, and taking jazz Purcell is a place where young platform, and the opportunity place at the Royal Academy on the soundtracks of Tim Youth Jazz Orchestra aged students on a UK tour with my like-minded musicians can to show the world what of Music, and was selected to Burton’s “Alice in Wonderland” 15. The opportunity to play own band was a very proud share and grow together. A wonderful musicians we have. join UK drummer Clart Tracey’s and Sujoy Ghosh’s “Aladdin”, with other musicians and moment for me. Exposing jazz lot of our students come from acclaimed Quintet, winning and in 2014 played for the the excitement of interacting audiences to the young talent schools where being skilled in COMING UP

LOWER SCHOOL SOLOISTS HERTS FESTIVAL OF MUSIC COMPOSERS’ CONCERT Tuesday 4th June - 13:00 FIRST IMPRESSIONS: Tuesday 25th June - 19:00 St. Mary’s Church, Watford COMPOSING FOR PIANO WITH The Purcell School, Recital Admission is free FLORIAN MITREA Room Thursday 20th June An evening of new music The Purcell School, CP Hall written by The Purcell School MIDDLE SCHOOL SOLOISTS Composer Masterclass - composers Wednesday 5th June - 19:00 11:00 - 13:00 Admission is free The Purcell School, Recital Piano Masterclass - Room 15:00 - 17:00 Admission is free Tickets: £15 CHAMBER ENSEMBLES AT hertsmusicfest.org.uk WIGMORE HALL Wednesday 26th June - 13:00 LOWER SCHOOL SOLOISTS Wigmore Hall, London, W1U 2BP Tuesday 12th June - 19:00 CHAMBER ENSEMBLES AT ST. Featuring performances from The Purcell School, CP Hall JAMES’ PICCADILLY Purcell’s Percussion Duo, Admission is free Friday 21st June - 13:00 Piano Trio, Wind Quintet and St. James’ Church, Piccadilly Saxophone Quartet Admission is free Tickets: £10 (Transaction fees LEES CHAMBER RECITAL apply) wigmore-hall.org.uk Sunday 16th June - 15:00 The Ballroom, Lees Court, WOODWIND & SINGERS’ SOIREE Shelfwich Lees, Faversham, Monday 24th June - 18:30 JAZZ ENSEMBLES WITH ME13 0NQ The Purcell School, Recital BRANDON ALLEN Programe to include Schubert Room Wednesday 26th June - 19:00 and Rachmaninoff An early evening soiree, with a The Purcell School, CP Hall Tickets: £15 including selection of music performed by The Purcell Jazz Ensembles champagne. To reserve tickets the School’s singers and wind perform with tenor saxohponist call 01923 331109 or email players Brandon Allen [email protected] Admission is free Admission is free

WIGMORE HALL

Wednesday 26th June, 13.00

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