Do you have a future rock hero in the family?

Concert showcases top music talent at Chiswick Saturday Music Centre

We will rock you! A special version of Queen’s classic hit was the finale of the summer concert at the Chiswick Saturday Music Centre last weekend (Saturday 12 July). Arranged by one of the music teachers, Mike Reeman, this legendary rock anthem included most of the 25 teenagers and children who learn a huge variety of instruments on Saturday mornings at a unique parent-run music school in Chiswick.

With a showbiz entrance worthy of any top concert at the Apollo theatre in nearby Hammersmith, Harry Boulding started the finale with a lead guitar solo whilst walking down the centre aisle of the hall. The arrangement included an ambitious combination of the senior and junior rock groups, the junior percussion group and jazz group with saxophones. The fabulous main vocals were from Harriet Morris backed by the all girl singing group. It nearly brought the house down.

David Baker, committee member and an enthusiastic saxophone player, commented, “I have been involved with the music centre for six years now and the standard just gets better every year. It’s marvellous to see all the kids having such fun and producing wonderful music at the conclusion of the term.”

The students, mostly aged between 7 and 18, also performed a huge variety of individual pieces ranging from Tyrolean Waltz and Gershwin’s Summertime to The Cossacks.

Chiswick Saturday Music Centre is one of the treasures of the area – a non-profit organisation that is devoted to providing local kids the chance to learn to play an instrument, and the joys of ensembles and group performance.

All the teachers are qualified professionals who get great results. The organisers are parents, many of whom have no musical ability themselves but enjoy the family atmosphere and the chance to support the centre.

Hundreds of children over the years have enjoyed individual tuition from professional musicians and the opportunity to participate in groups in a relaxed atmosphere. Instruments taught at the centre range from oboe, flute, clarinet, violin, acoustic and rock guitar as well piano and percussion. There are also rock, jazz and recorder groups and singing.

July 17, 2008