A ‘Youth Collab’ afternoon for string instrumentalists on Saturday, June 14 will provide valuable experience for young players.
The combined afternoon rehearsal from 2pm followed by a performance for parents and supporters at 4pm, will involve Taupō Strings, the Taupō Youth Strings Orchestra and about 12 students from primary to high school level who are working towards joining the youth orchestra.
Youth strings conductor Richard Paull says the afternoon is a chance for the promising youth players to perform within a large group and gain some ensemble experience in a fun environment.
A similar workshop in 2024 led to the revival of the youth strings orchestra this year.
The violin was one of the few instruments in Taupō that "bucked the COVID trend", says Paull, seeing an increase in enrolments in the last five years rather than a decrease.
"Ensemble playing is so essential to a string musician's development and skill. There are certain things that students will never learn in lessons that they pick up while playing with others and learning off each other. The social aspect of orchestras is certainly a big drawcard as well."
There was a misguided belief that the strings family was an "elitist" group of instruments, he said, that could only be picked up by certain people.
“But they are fun to learn, accessible to anybody, and I hope that over time we can push these instruments further towards the mainstream sphere of music. I'd encourage anyone out there to pluck up the courage and give it a go."
The collaboration workshop in the Tauhara College hall, being put on by Taupō Strings as a ‘give back’ to young players, has been supported by a grant from Creative Taupō and the Mercury local creative fund.
About 35 participants are expected on the day.
