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Make Music Day UK 2020 The Virtual Choir & Ensemble formed of Making Music members brings sunshine online
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In March, it became clear that this year Make Music Day (MMD) on 21 June would be unlikely to be in person. Across the world, we discovered on our conference call with other countries’ organisers, MMD was going digital. So the project team refocussed quickly and this year’s output included a 13-hour continuous broadcast on Youtube (including 45 minutes hosted by Making Music, interviewing, among others, three member groups) and over 200 separate digital events set up by organisers all over the UK, plus projects to take part in before or during the day. See more at: www.makemusicday.co.uk
Usually, Making Music’s own contribution to MMD would include a showcase event with member groups in each of the nations of the UK. Instead, we commissioned an arrangement of the MMD anthem donated by Hal Leonard Europe for free performance on the day, which would enable anyone from member groups to take part. The Virtual Choir & Ensemble of Bring Me Sunshine was born.
In the end, 200 Making Music members contributed. The resulting film was launched during the Making Music session on the Make Music Day live broadcast and has now been viewed more than 3,700 times on Youtube.
Another great way, we hope you agree, to showcase leisure-time musicians from around the UK – and the professionals who work with us, such as Baz Chapman (arrangement and sound mixing), Ula Weber (coaching videos for singers) and Peter Baumann (video editing).
Thank you to everyone who contributed and continue enjoying, watching and sharing it. Find the video on the Make Music Day UK YouTube Channel.
Photo: Still from Bring Me Sunshine Virtual Choir & Ensemble video
Did you know?
Make Music Day UK hosted a 13-hour broadcast on YouTube and there were over 200 separate digital events throughout the UK
ADOPT A COMPOSER UPDATE Despite the odds posed by COVID-19, our 2019/20 pairings have forged valiantly ahead.
The Edge Chamber Choir’s MD has issued ‘home rehearsals’ each week of their new piece by Rob Jones, combined with notes on breathing, dynamics and things to look out for.
Thanks to the lovely weather, the Sussex Folk Orchestra has been able to hold small rehearsals outdoors, which has helped them get the concert programme for Jonathan Brigg’s piece together.
The Junior LCoM Ensemble Creative have moved to onlineonly classes, with students working on composition and improvisation, and hope to resume in-person sessions with Carmel Smickersgill soon.
City of Bristol Brass Band’s plans for their premiere with Laura Shipsey have been postponed by a year. In the meantime they have released lockdown video performances.
Camden Symphony Orchestra organised Zoom meetings, which were attended by their composer Claire Victoria Roberts who talked about the music that’s influencing her, and the composition process.
Helensburgh Oratorio Choir have practised Aileen Sweeney’s piece on Zoom and are waiting for the Scottish Government to allow singing and performance again.
Alex Paxton’s project with Haslingfield Choir involves local childrens’ choirs. Although the children’s premiere didn’t happen in March, Alex has continued to work towards the full premiere in Spring 2021.makingmusic.org.uk/
