From Rock to Baroque

Local music talent excels at Christmas Concert

“Versatile and enormously gifted” was the unanimous verdict by the audience who attended last Saturday’s Christmas Concert by the Chiswick Saturday Music Centre (CSMC). The performers ranged in age from 7 to 47 (though mostly under 18) all from Chiswick and the surrounding areas.

The family and friends who attended were entertained by an adventurous and varied programme. The rock classic Wonderwall (Oasis) performed by the Junior Rock Group was as much of success as the baroque classic carol Silent Night played first on the classical guitar by Alexis aged 8 and then by a rock ensemble.

A rendition of Street Delight by the Jazz Rock Band perfectly illustrated the range of participants on Saturday with youngest member Alex aged 10 on the trumpet and oldest, David (one of the Dads and a committee member, in his 40s) on the saxophone.

There was something for all tastes and a chance for everyone to shine with performances on the flute (Anais aged 7 and Veronica aged 10), clarinet (Lizzie aged 15), piano (Lilly aged 9) and even a version of James Brown’s I Feel Good on the drums (Louis aged 14).

The Senior Rock Band’s medley of Money for Nothing (Dire Straits) and Things We Said Today (Beatles) nearly brought the house down as the parents (who remember the songs from their youth) were up and rocking in the aisles.

Mike Reeman, music teacher at CSMC explains, “The increase in standard has this year has allowed us to put on a concert where teachers and students play together”. Indeed the Senior Rock Group has already been playing local gigs including summer fairs and school events.

This unique parent-run music school 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.

The new term starts on 10 January 2008 and there are a few places newly available for tuition in selected instruments for next year.

December 11, 2008