One down!

Have just finished the first of the new "Two at a time series". It was a much bigger and more complicated job than I had thought but I think it will be a useful publication for woodwind teachers teaching grass routes flute and clarinet at the same time . The first few pieces when the instruments were actually leaning towards differnt keys were a challenge, but I did it, and hope people will find them useful. I will start the next book ( descant and treble recorder recorder) this week, and then on to violin and cello after that.

Red Hot Recorder 2 out very soon !!!!

Stop press! TV documentary.

There is a television programme called Johnny Dankworth: the Show Went On which is being broadcast on Saturday April 10, on More 4 at 8pm. It’s an Associated-Rediffusion Television Production. Its about the day John died, and the Funeral and tribute day. I think the programme is an hour long, and will include footage of the two events. Some of us that took part were interviewed for the programme ( but may get edited out!) but I am sure it will be an interesting programme to watch.Check TV listings for times in case I have got it wrong.

Happy Birthday Avril Dankworth!

Happy Birthday Avril 88 today!.

Old treasures!

I have just completed four lots of mentoring days for "Music for Youth" which have all been different, but all equally exciting and enjoyable.
I am also at the moment looking through some old archives of Avril's and have found real treasures and souvenirs of her wonderful contribution to music education over the years. It is so exciting to unearth old clippings and photographs, and realise the influence she had on me as she took me to lectures and workshops she was doing, and to places where she was adjudicating.
I found this photo of her and I, (not sure who the other lady is). It was about the time she was an adjudicator for "Music for Youth, and took me along to that. I remember being really inspired by it, not thinking ever that I would be in her position one day.
Thanks Avril!! I am enjoying re discovering your journey and realising even more what a profound effect you had on music Education.

Chris on youtube

As I have just discovered how to post videos on the blog, I thought I'd put one on of Chris playing one of my harmonica pieces.

Bobby Mcferrin describes the pentatonic scale

Two at a time!!

I have been asked for a long time for a book that teaches, or "Introduces" two instruments simultaneously, like two Razzamajazz books rolled into one.
I am finally doing this, and book one for flute and clarinet is nearly finished. The idea is, that piece one and two just use the first notes the two instruments learn as a duet. The next pieces use the first two notes for both instruments then the first three, and so on up to ten notes. Its been quite a challenge, as the notes learned don't relate that easily to start with. I think I've pulled it off,but its been like doing a puzzle, but has demanded some interesting harmonic backing.