October 2009 Session 2

This was the second Feeder Scheme day which tied in with the final day of the Core Programme residential in Somerset.  The 22 Feeder students came together at Bridgwater Arts Centre with tutors Keith and Julie Tippett to look at free improvisation. They talked about how music can be created in the moment, from the instruments you have and the musical ability that there is at the time. 

They went on to look at the jazz influence on improvisation and Keith talked the students through the use of jazz chords and symbols and how to structure improvisation in this way.

The students were put into groups to work on listening to each other, leaving space to let other instruments and ideas speak and the ability to pick up on others ideas and develop them further.

Part way through the day, the Feeder students were encouraged to speak to the students on the Core Programme as they were having their workshop in the main auditorium. This gave the Feeder Students a chance to find out what it is like on the Core Programme, what happens on residentials and ultimately what it is they are working towards.

At the end of the day, the Feeder students joined the remaining Core students to watch the final performance; the culmination of the weekend’s work.