Will Hay

Blog

  • Concert of duets raises £260 for Music School

    The last “Playing Together” concert at King’s School, Chester was very well attended. Thirty students performed duets, trios and ensembles which included a variety of other instruments including guitars, saxophones, flutes and a recorder.

    Some hi-resolution photographs of the concert are available in a password-protected gallery. (Access details for this gallery will be emailed to parents directly) All proceeds from any sales of these photographs will go to the Kampala Music School Fund. Video clips are also available, (produced to order) of your child’s performance on DVD, memory stick or by digital download, price £5. Contact me if you are interested in one of these.

    Excerpts from the “Playing Together” Concert

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    Plans are already afoot for the next concert which is likely to take place on a Saturday morning in late June, 2011.

  • Playing Together – Piano Duets and Ensembles

    It has been really encouraging to see a lot of work going into piano duets this term in preparation for the next concert. There will be a mix of piano-based ensembles in the programme besides piano duets as I have tried to set up a group to perform from each of the schools in which I teach. Those students involved should have received an email and the music for your ensemble will soon be available on your noteflight studio account if you have not already got a sheet copy.

    Some of the duets I have been using have been taken from Piano Time Jazz Duets Bk1. This book features duets in various styles from an energetic boogie to a moody blues and lively samba.

    Others are from Easy Jazzin’ About by Pam Wedgewood which also take inspiration from blues, rock and jazz styles with “cool syncopation and funky riffs”.

    I was so pleased with Alice and Emily’s work on their duet that I felt it had to be shared below as a preview for the “Playing Together” recital.

    Katie’s Waltz performed by Alice and Emily

  • Charity Piano Recital – The King’s School, Chester

    I can now confirm that the next Charity Piano Recital will be taking place on Saturday 19th March, 2011 starting at 11am in the Music School at The King’s School, Chester.

    Following the usual presentations, the concert this term, themed “Playing Together” will feature only ensemble items, piano duets and accompaniments following requests and suggestions from previous concerts. Performers will be receiving invitation letters starting this week and it would be really helpful if the reply slips could be returned by half term at the latest.

    Tickets cost £3 for adults, £1.50 for children and £1 for performers and proceeds will continue to provide lessons for Betina, a student at Kampala Music School. Tickets may be purchased using the paypal cart below or by request from Will Hay and will be printed at the start of next week.

    Ticket type

  • Thankyou card from Kampala Music School

    I received a lovely card through the post today from Fiona Carr of Friends of Kampala Music School acknowledging receipt of the £300 raised for Betina’s lessons last year. The concerts actually raised £430 but I have kept the surplus aside to provide any other disbursements Betina may need in the course of her lessons (exams, music etc).

    Fiona requested that I might share the card with my students, so with thanks to Oliver who created the backing track on Noteflight, please see below the embedded video presentation of the delightful Ugandan craft card!

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  • Duet arrangements for beginners

    It is often the case with piano duets that one part is much harder than the other. Younger beginners deserve the opportunity to collaborate with their peers at the piano. The four arrangements below, kindly input into noteflight by Becky ;-), are pieces from Tunes for Ten Fingers. Both parts should be suitable for those who have recently worked through this book or are currently studying from it. As they are embedded noteflight scores this allows the pianist the chance to practise either part and get the duet effect even if their duet partner is not present. You may print a copy of the scores for practise at the piano by clicking on the embedded printer icon.

    Yankee Doodle

    Westminster Chimes

    Kumbaya

    Old MacDonald