Sorry it's been a while - have been busy! So Tuesday was teaching. Actually not a huge amount of teaching becuase Michael didn't turn up and Disan had already told me he wasn't coming. But Soloman is doing well. Tuning getting lots better which is very encouraging. It has been very hot all week so came home and jumped in the pool to cool down. Then spent quite a lot of time with Manding in the shop. She works very hard really - gets all these amazing clothes from West Africa and sells them in the shop (in the garage). They're all beautiful. She also gets loads of fabrics and people come and order exactly what they want to be tailor made to them. I was measured for my own African style clothes! Very exciting. Then went out to a bar called Rouge where Carys was with some people which was quite good fun. We found this pizza place which is buy 1 get 1 free on Tuesdays which was a yummy late night snack!
Wed I taught Charlotte. Her scales and sightreading are very good. She's having trouble with slurs though which I'm also finding quite hard to teach. She still has 2 months til her exam though so we've really got nothing to worry about! She's doing fabulously, I'm so happy. Grabbed some lunch then set off to Jenny and Jessy with Carys. Teddy was still recovering from whatever it is she had so we were going solo again. We managed to get the younger kids clapping rhythms using crotchets and minims. They seem to be getting the hang of it! Tricky part comes when we try introducing quavers. The older kids are doing very well! Are now confident at clapping rhythms with minims, crotchets and quavers. They're picking it up so fast. We also got them doing a dance with the minims swaying slowly, the crotchets marching and the quavers shaking/dancing in the time of the quavers. It worked well I think. Will do that with the little kids too if we ever get that far! Our next problem is working out what to do next...any ideas?! What's the next step after note values? Actual notes/reading music? Bit tricky without any instruments... Learning about the different instuments? We have no idea! Gotta do some thinking. Jumped in the pool again as it's been just so hot everyday this week. Phew! Then there was Kampala Cantori in the evening. The Faure is coming along nicely and should be good for the concert. We're going to do another piece to contrast which we just need to decide on. So it's all getting there. Manding also went to Dubai on Wed to stick up on stuff for her shop. Lots of people have been here the past couple of weeks asking her to buy specific materials and jewellery etc so it's a business trip with lots for her to do. And Siya has taken on the mummy role excellently!
Thurs I taught Disan and Michael. Disan's tuning is still getting there. It's really hard to teach someone pitch! Michael's Hungarian Stomp is going well, though he admitted to have only practiced that and nothing else since our last lesson. Better than lying I suppose. I was hoping he would play it in the informal concert that evening (we had a rehearsal with the piano during the lesson) only for him to tell me after that he could go to the concert that evening. Genius. And I'm not here next week (am on safari!) so maybe the week after, but maybe we'll have moved onto a different piece by then because I don't want to get bogged down by it. We need to move on really. Then it was beauty school in the afternoon. We were doing pedicures this time. It's really good, I'm enjoying it. Looking forward to learning the massage aspects too. There was a plan to go out in the evening with people from the school, but then Julie invited me round to her house for dinner (spaghetti bolognese yum!). We were planning on joining the others after dinner but ended up just chatting for ages. They'll be lots of going out before Carys and I leave though I'm sure!
Today (Fri) I briefly taught Soloman (he turned up late because he forgot the time of the lesson!) but he's getting good for sure. Then it was Charlotte who's still having trouble with these slurs but she's working hard and will master them soon I'm sure. It was the AC Meeting after. Nothing too exciting, as ever. Julie and I then played some violin and cello duets and have decided (I think!) what we're playing in the visiting teachers concert. I think Julie misses playing with others now she's been here so long so it was good just playing lots and having a bit of fun. So I've got lots to be practising - that duet, duets with Sam, solo piece and rehearsing the cello ensemble. Sam's organising jazz stuff too so it's all coming together. Another swim necessary after all that hard work playing! It must be well in the 30's, and humid too - you just spend the entire time sticky! So the pool is a blessing! Home in a month - it's going so fast! I'll be seeing you all soon!
Friday, 27 March 2009
Monday, 23 March 2009
23/3/09
Hmm Saturday, oh yes - I had my second ever lesson with Mr Mystery Student Julius! His technique really isn't very good but I'm beginning to tell he's very musical and possibly quite advanced so it's a shame he missed so many lessons because I think we could have got quite far by now. Oh well. Technique is important so we have to sort that first. He seems to want to keep his arms plastered to his sides like in those silly deodorant adverts they used to show on tv. Either that or he's just plain lazy! Haha. It was nice to see him again though! In the afternoon I went with the family to this fair kind of thing where there was food from countries all over the world and you could buy coupons and get a little bit of everything. As a result, lots of eating happened! We left about half 7 and I got dropped at a bar so I managed to see most of the 2nd half of the England vs. Scotland game. Well done England! Carys and Sam joined and we stayed for the Wales vs. Ireland match. Very exciting to watch! Lots of drama. Well done Ireland, sorry Carys/Wales! So that was fun.
Sunday was a busy day at home. It was the monthly West African lunch, this time at our house so in the morning there were cakes being baked and lots of things bubbling away on the stove. The tent was all set up in the garden so we spent the morning laying tables and getting everything ready - drinks, food, etc. Then people started arriving, bringing more food and the feast began! I ate lots, again. What a foodie weekend it has been! All the kids ended up in the pool, I would have sunk! All very delicious stuff. And as a result I've hardly eaten today - food overload! Haha. But it was a great afternoon with lots of fun had, even a bit of gentle dancing towards the end! The washing up got done very quickly by all the extra hands hired for the day so Siya and I put it all away in the evening and the house looked practically as good as new by the evening! Everyone totally exhausted though and sleepy from too much food. Fun day! Oh, and Happy Mothers Day to all mums! It doesn't exist out here but I explained it to my mum here and definitely liked the idea. Hope it was a lovely day for all!
So I was still full when I woke up, so decided that was the time to write out the missing parts of the cello ensemble music I found seiing as we had a rehearsal today. What a boring job it is! But at least it's done now. Couldn't have done the rehearsal without it really! Got to school at 1 for a duet rehearsal with Sam first. We've almost decided which pieces we're playing in our concert which is useful! At least now we know what to look at so putting it together should be less of a problem. Then the cello ensemble rehearsal went really well. We were minus Disan but that didn't matter too much. The pieces are pretty easy and they all read them well. Next we just need to add in some dynamics and they'll be fab! So it's looking promising! I think Sam is going to play Requiebros by Cassado for his solo piece, and I'm playing 3rd movement of Saint Saens cello concerto (hopefully!) Carys is yet to decide... Lamin (Dad) arrives home this evening I think, and Manding (Mum) is off to Dubai tomorrow. And we're off on safari for 3 days on the 1st April. So it's all go! :)
Sunday was a busy day at home. It was the monthly West African lunch, this time at our house so in the morning there were cakes being baked and lots of things bubbling away on the stove. The tent was all set up in the garden so we spent the morning laying tables and getting everything ready - drinks, food, etc. Then people started arriving, bringing more food and the feast began! I ate lots, again. What a foodie weekend it has been! All the kids ended up in the pool, I would have sunk! All very delicious stuff. And as a result I've hardly eaten today - food overload! Haha. But it was a great afternoon with lots of fun had, even a bit of gentle dancing towards the end! The washing up got done very quickly by all the extra hands hired for the day so Siya and I put it all away in the evening and the house looked practically as good as new by the evening! Everyone totally exhausted though and sleepy from too much food. Fun day! Oh, and Happy Mothers Day to all mums! It doesn't exist out here but I explained it to my mum here and definitely liked the idea. Hope it was a lovely day for all!
So I was still full when I woke up, so decided that was the time to write out the missing parts of the cello ensemble music I found seiing as we had a rehearsal today. What a boring job it is! But at least it's done now. Couldn't have done the rehearsal without it really! Got to school at 1 for a duet rehearsal with Sam first. We've almost decided which pieces we're playing in our concert which is useful! At least now we know what to look at so putting it together should be less of a problem. Then the cello ensemble rehearsal went really well. We were minus Disan but that didn't matter too much. The pieces are pretty easy and they all read them well. Next we just need to add in some dynamics and they'll be fab! So it's looking promising! I think Sam is going to play Requiebros by Cassado for his solo piece, and I'm playing 3rd movement of Saint Saens cello concerto (hopefully!) Carys is yet to decide... Lamin (Dad) arrives home this evening I think, and Manding (Mum) is off to Dubai tomorrow. And we're off on safari for 3 days on the 1st April. So it's all go! :)
Friday, 20 March 2009
20/3/09
This week has turned out to be very busy! Wednesday was great fun. Was just teaching in the morning - we've decided on Charlotte's 3rd and final Grade 1 piece, a nice contrast to the others which is good. Her scales are also very good which is encouraging. Discovered Teddy was ill so wouldn't be coming to Jenny and Jessy with us which was really quite a scary thought as she is our Luganda translator, especially for the little kids! Anyways, we set off and managed to make our way there, despite nearly being very lost (the taxi took a different route, but it actually turned out to be a better route as it went straight past the school! Was very confusing though...) So we started with the little ones as usual. Was really quite hard work without Teddy. They were a lot less receptive and forthcoming. Their teachers did Luganda translation for us, still was quite tricky. Managed to bring minims into the equation for them which is good. The older class were fantastic though! Went over minims and crotchets in 2 and 3 time, writing up rhythms on the board for them to clap. There were a few claps on the 2nd beats of minims at the beginning but they quickly learnt otherwise. Then we went on to introduce quavers! Very exciting! I got a great video of when we divided the class into 3, some clapping minims, other crotchets, and the rest were quavers. Fab stuff. They're picking everything up so quickly which is very rewarding.
Thursday was another good day. Teaching in the morning. Have found some cello quartet music so am trying to organise rehearsals in the hope it will be played in our visiting teachers concert which is a month away! Lots to organise! Anyways I then set off to the bank to get money to enroll at beauty school! Carys and I discovered a beauty school right opposite KMS and we're taking a 'hand and feet therapy' course which is such fun. Learning manicures and massages etc. Fab stuff. Hopefully should be able to make a bit of money out of it at uni etc! So that will keep us busy every Thu and Fri afternoons. First thing we did was a manicure on eachother. I'm really hoping this will help me to stop biting my nails! We'll see! After that, Carys, Sam and I set off to Fred and Sam's house because they'd invited us for dinner. Fred is a teacher at the school and Sam is English - weirdly enough went to St Paul's Girls! They have a 2 year old son, and a 6 or so week old baby girl called Lucy. What beautiful children. Dinner was lovely. Quite English which was nice! Followed by this amazing chocolate cake floating is chocolate sauce that was sooo delicious! Lovely evening. And Fred very kindly dropped us all home to our various parts of town.
Today (Friday) has been teaching mostly. And learning too I suppose (beauty school!). Today I did a pedicure on Carys! Definitely need to improve my nail painting skills - I just haven't had enough practice having never had any nails to paint! Practice makes perfect I guess. We're going to have to miss a couple of sessions for safari (which leaves April 1st) which is a shame but safari will be great so I'm not complaining! We're still going to get a certficate at the end of the course which is exciting! So we're definitely all keeping busy! Only a few weeks til Carys and I leave, it's going so fast!
Thursday was another good day. Teaching in the morning. Have found some cello quartet music so am trying to organise rehearsals in the hope it will be played in our visiting teachers concert which is a month away! Lots to organise! Anyways I then set off to the bank to get money to enroll at beauty school! Carys and I discovered a beauty school right opposite KMS and we're taking a 'hand and feet therapy' course which is such fun. Learning manicures and massages etc. Fab stuff. Hopefully should be able to make a bit of money out of it at uni etc! So that will keep us busy every Thu and Fri afternoons. First thing we did was a manicure on eachother. I'm really hoping this will help me to stop biting my nails! We'll see! After that, Carys, Sam and I set off to Fred and Sam's house because they'd invited us for dinner. Fred is a teacher at the school and Sam is English - weirdly enough went to St Paul's Girls! They have a 2 year old son, and a 6 or so week old baby girl called Lucy. What beautiful children. Dinner was lovely. Quite English which was nice! Followed by this amazing chocolate cake floating is chocolate sauce that was sooo delicious! Lovely evening. And Fred very kindly dropped us all home to our various parts of town.
Today (Friday) has been teaching mostly. And learning too I suppose (beauty school!). Today I did a pedicure on Carys! Definitely need to improve my nail painting skills - I just haven't had enough practice having never had any nails to paint! Practice makes perfect I guess. We're going to have to miss a couple of sessions for safari (which leaves April 1st) which is a shame but safari will be great so I'm not complaining! We're still going to get a certficate at the end of the course which is exciting! So we're definitely all keeping busy! Only a few weeks til Carys and I leave, it's going so fast!
Tuesday, 17 March 2009
17/3/09
Happy St Patrick's Day guys! Not a hint of green here sadly. Oh well, I'm not surprised!
Good news is I got my laptop up and running! Feel like such a genius/computer whizz now!
The last concert on Sunday was fantastic! Everyone in very good spirits with how it went. It was filmed too so I'll definitely be buying a copy of that! There was a party with free food and drinks and the traditional African style lots of speeches but it was all very good fun and a nice way to celebrate the end of a busy and successful weekend. Carys was locked out of her house (clever clogs!) so she stayed at mine and we made a last minute decision to go out clubbing with Francis, Ben and his brother. Was such fun! Got there at about 10.30 and there was actually no one there! Was so hilarious! So we were all dancing away by ourselves and being taught the African moves! Ben is hilarious - I love him! (Julie's boyfriend). People started turning up about 12 and we danced the night away until about 2.30 when it was decided that was quite late enough as the others were supposed to be teaching the next day! There was a guy right next to us called Bobby Wine who is a famous Ugandan pop star. So that was pretty exciting. Lots of fun had.
Late start on Monday. Carys went to teach about lunchtime. And I (who had a free day because I don't teach on Mondays plus Orchestra was not on) decided to go for a massage at this place Julie and her mum recommended. Was AMAZING. A full body massage with the oils and scents for about 10 pounds. Fabulous stuff. Then had a pedicure for a further 1 pound. Perfect way to relax after a busy week of rehearsals, concerts and parties! Just what I needed. Had a look round the shops after, have seen so much stuff I want to buy! My poor suitcase is going to suffer!
Today I taught Michael then Disan then Soloman, who were all late for their lessons! Bit annoying but at least they all turned up eventually. Need to start getting ready for the visiting teachers concert now. Is in just over a month! Eeek! Time to get practising! The other news is that Carys and I are booked onto safari leaving April 1st. Sam hasn't decided if he wants to come yet! I think he will. It should be awesome, though sadly expenisve. Oh well. What else were we earning for when we were home?! We are hosting the monthly West African lunch at home this Sunday which should be fun. Am going to help lots preparing the food and house. Want to do as much as I can to repay their generosity!
Thats it for now. Huge well done to England for their fabulous rugby win on Sunday! Sadly I missed it because of the concert but I've managed to see the highlights on BBC iplayer. What a lot of action! Well done boys... :D
Good news is I got my laptop up and running! Feel like such a genius/computer whizz now!
The last concert on Sunday was fantastic! Everyone in very good spirits with how it went. It was filmed too so I'll definitely be buying a copy of that! There was a party with free food and drinks and the traditional African style lots of speeches but it was all very good fun and a nice way to celebrate the end of a busy and successful weekend. Carys was locked out of her house (clever clogs!) so she stayed at mine and we made a last minute decision to go out clubbing with Francis, Ben and his brother. Was such fun! Got there at about 10.30 and there was actually no one there! Was so hilarious! So we were all dancing away by ourselves and being taught the African moves! Ben is hilarious - I love him! (Julie's boyfriend). People started turning up about 12 and we danced the night away until about 2.30 when it was decided that was quite late enough as the others were supposed to be teaching the next day! There was a guy right next to us called Bobby Wine who is a famous Ugandan pop star. So that was pretty exciting. Lots of fun had.
Late start on Monday. Carys went to teach about lunchtime. And I (who had a free day because I don't teach on Mondays plus Orchestra was not on) decided to go for a massage at this place Julie and her mum recommended. Was AMAZING. A full body massage with the oils and scents for about 10 pounds. Fabulous stuff. Then had a pedicure for a further 1 pound. Perfect way to relax after a busy week of rehearsals, concerts and parties! Just what I needed. Had a look round the shops after, have seen so much stuff I want to buy! My poor suitcase is going to suffer!
Today I taught Michael then Disan then Soloman, who were all late for their lessons! Bit annoying but at least they all turned up eventually. Need to start getting ready for the visiting teachers concert now. Is in just over a month! Eeek! Time to get practising! The other news is that Carys and I are booked onto safari leaving April 1st. Sam hasn't decided if he wants to come yet! I think he will. It should be awesome, though sadly expenisve. Oh well. What else were we earning for when we were home?! We are hosting the monthly West African lunch at home this Sunday which should be fun. Am going to help lots preparing the food and house. Want to do as much as I can to repay their generosity!
Thats it for now. Huge well done to England for their fabulous rugby win on Sunday! Sadly I missed it because of the concert but I've managed to see the highlights on BBC iplayer. What a lot of action! Well done boys... :D
Sunday, 15 March 2009
15/3/09
Sorry for delay, my laptop is being weird and not letting me open the internet even though I'm connected. It's something to do with the Norton Anti Virus so I'm trying to sort it. Don't really understand computers that well though so we'll have to keep our fingers crossed that whatever I'm doing will work!
So the important news. The concerts! They have been going great. The last one is today and they do seem to be getting progressively better so hopefully today should be amazing! We had one little hiccup on Friday when there was a power cut just as we reached 'And he was buried...' in Mozarts Coronation Mass. Strangely appropriate timing! The Orchestra and Choir both carried on until the end on that section (about 15/20 bars or something) and then there were huge cheers from the audience! So it was quite good fun really and the performance continued about 15 mins later once the generators were up and running. Really hope that doesn't happen again tonight! Children from the Tender Talents school (the one supported by David Juritz and Musequality) are singing in the concert aswell. They're awesome! So on the whole everything is going great as far as the concert's are concerned. Sam now wants to be a percussionist as a result of him playing tambourine in Money Money Money...!
My other excitement is that yesterday (Sat) I was live on Ugandan radio! It was a debate about music and education in Uganda and how it has stopped and what should be done about it etc. Was really good fun actually! Feel like a star...haha!
The next thing we have to concentrate on is our visiting teachers concert which is just over a month away! Gotta get practising! Not sure there's any other news that's exciting really. Better go as I'm using the family PC. Bye for now. X
So the important news. The concerts! They have been going great. The last one is today and they do seem to be getting progressively better so hopefully today should be amazing! We had one little hiccup on Friday when there was a power cut just as we reached 'And he was buried...' in Mozarts Coronation Mass. Strangely appropriate timing! The Orchestra and Choir both carried on until the end on that section (about 15/20 bars or something) and then there were huge cheers from the audience! So it was quite good fun really and the performance continued about 15 mins later once the generators were up and running. Really hope that doesn't happen again tonight! Children from the Tender Talents school (the one supported by David Juritz and Musequality) are singing in the concert aswell. They're awesome! So on the whole everything is going great as far as the concert's are concerned. Sam now wants to be a percussionist as a result of him playing tambourine in Money Money Money...!
My other excitement is that yesterday (Sat) I was live on Ugandan radio! It was a debate about music and education in Uganda and how it has stopped and what should be done about it etc. Was really good fun actually! Feel like a star...haha!
The next thing we have to concentrate on is our visiting teachers concert which is just over a month away! Gotta get practising! Not sure there's any other news that's exciting really. Better go as I'm using the family PC. Bye for now. X
Wednesday, 11 March 2009
11/3/09
Monday during the day was a day of practice, swimming, and reading a bit of that exciting music theory book. Then in the evening was our first full orchestra with the choir too at the National Theatre. It was actually a great success! Obviously a few bits to tidy up here and there but it wasn’t the train crash I think some people were expecting. So it’s looking very promising really. Everyone feeling a lot better about the whole concert now. Which is great.
Yesterday was lots of teaching - Michael then Disan, then Soloman, and supposedly Julius too but unsurprisingly he didn’t turn up! They all seem very pleased with how orchestra went and we went over any bits they are worried about. Generally they are all doing very well so I am very happy with them all. Soloman’s tuning is really doing well, as is Disan’s and they are both getting the hang of tenor clef fantastically. Michael’s scales are getting there, pieces are doing well too. So it’s all good!
Today started off blissfully cool and cloudy, even looked like it might rain (can't quite believe I'm saying I'd like to see some rain!) - which it really needs to, is very sticky at the moment. But no, turned into a crazily hot and humid day. Not sunny, but cloudy, hazy, and HOT! Phew. Decided that when playing duets with Philip today, he could do the leading in the tricky one we’ve been looking at the last couple of classes. So I said - right, you lead, you decide where we’re going from and how we’re going to rehearse this, you decide what needs to be done to make it better etc. I was trying to get him more involved with the playing and learning of it because he always looks so bored when it’s constantly me whittering on. I think he quite enjoyed it actually, and it wasn’t sounding too bad by the end! So hopefully that got him more interested. He did seem to be enjoying himself a bit more as far as I could tell!
After Ugandan lunch (and lots of it!) we headed of to Jenny and Jessy in the mid day heat, and traffic. I must have mentioned before how crazy the traffic is…it really is insane! Everyone seems to go home or out for lunch so we always get caught in standstill jams on our journey there. We’re thinking of changing the time. We’ll see. Anyways, we finally made it there and started out lessons. Began with a recap of the 2 and 3 time we were doing last week, getting them to sing songs, clapping and identifying the time. Then moved on to explain that the beats that we were clapping were called crotchets, so we have been clapping 2 or 3 crotchets per bar (the lines either sides of the notes). It's really strange explaining these things as I don't really remember being taught them, but it's good exercise for the brain, explaining things as simple as they get. That’s as far as we got with the littlies, but we managed to move onto minims with the older lot. Very exciting. Nearly got into a complete mess explaining that a bar of 3 could contain both a minim and a crotchet because 2 beats plus 1 beat equals 3s. But managed to rescue it somehow. Next week we’ll add in quavers and get them clapping different rhythms. What fun. I really enjoy it actually. Is so rewarding when you know they had absolutely no idea what we were on about 2 weeks ago and now we can talk about bars and crotchets etc. Good stuff!
Was straight off to the National Theatre for the 2nd of our full rehearsals. Again a great success. All the soloists were there too so really getting a good feel for how it’s going to go. Everyone is very pleased. It’s going to be great! Apparently it’s being filmed too so I’ll try to get a copy to show you all at home! That’s all for now folks! X
Yesterday was lots of teaching - Michael then Disan, then Soloman, and supposedly Julius too but unsurprisingly he didn’t turn up! They all seem very pleased with how orchestra went and we went over any bits they are worried about. Generally they are all doing very well so I am very happy with them all. Soloman’s tuning is really doing well, as is Disan’s and they are both getting the hang of tenor clef fantastically. Michael’s scales are getting there, pieces are doing well too. So it’s all good!
Today started off blissfully cool and cloudy, even looked like it might rain (can't quite believe I'm saying I'd like to see some rain!) - which it really needs to, is very sticky at the moment. But no, turned into a crazily hot and humid day. Not sunny, but cloudy, hazy, and HOT! Phew. Decided that when playing duets with Philip today, he could do the leading in the tricky one we’ve been looking at the last couple of classes. So I said - right, you lead, you decide where we’re going from and how we’re going to rehearse this, you decide what needs to be done to make it better etc. I was trying to get him more involved with the playing and learning of it because he always looks so bored when it’s constantly me whittering on. I think he quite enjoyed it actually, and it wasn’t sounding too bad by the end! So hopefully that got him more interested. He did seem to be enjoying himself a bit more as far as I could tell!
After Ugandan lunch (and lots of it!) we headed of to Jenny and Jessy in the mid day heat, and traffic. I must have mentioned before how crazy the traffic is…it really is insane! Everyone seems to go home or out for lunch so we always get caught in standstill jams on our journey there. We’re thinking of changing the time. We’ll see. Anyways, we finally made it there and started out lessons. Began with a recap of the 2 and 3 time we were doing last week, getting them to sing songs, clapping and identifying the time. Then moved on to explain that the beats that we were clapping were called crotchets, so we have been clapping 2 or 3 crotchets per bar (the lines either sides of the notes). It's really strange explaining these things as I don't really remember being taught them, but it's good exercise for the brain, explaining things as simple as they get. That’s as far as we got with the littlies, but we managed to move onto minims with the older lot. Very exciting. Nearly got into a complete mess explaining that a bar of 3 could contain both a minim and a crotchet because 2 beats plus 1 beat equals 3s. But managed to rescue it somehow. Next week we’ll add in quavers and get them clapping different rhythms. What fun. I really enjoy it actually. Is so rewarding when you know they had absolutely no idea what we were on about 2 weeks ago and now we can talk about bars and crotchets etc. Good stuff!
Was straight off to the National Theatre for the 2nd of our full rehearsals. Again a great success. All the soloists were there too so really getting a good feel for how it’s going to go. Everyone is very pleased. It’s going to be great! Apparently it’s being filmed too so I’ll try to get a copy to show you all at home! That’s all for now folks! X
Sunday, 8 March 2009
8/3/09
Had a last minute phone call from Julie on Thu evening saying her and her mum were going to Chimp Island (Ngamba Island) the following day and did I want to join them? So I quickly rung and booked, then had to run down the road to get money for the trip and some stuff for a packed lunch as the food on the Island was ridiculously expensive! Then it was time to get ready for the musical soiree. Was just people from school, I arrived just in time for the food - perfect timing! Then we settled down outside and the windows to the room with the piano (behind some plants so some of the pics are quite funny!) were opened and the music began. Was mainly singing - the barber shop group sang, and there were several duets between people, Julie played an Elgar piece, the Cantori sung a couple of pieces (I only sing in one as I’d never sung the other) and it was generally just fun! Was a late-ish night, followed by a stupidly early start for Julie, Grace (her mum) and me.
We had a taxi coming for us at 6.30am to take us to Entebbe Zoo where we would be taken to the boat to take us to the Island. We made it there, pretty sleepy and boarded the ‘traditional boat’ that was taking us to Ngamba island. There was a group of 5 others with us - 3 Australians and 2 Canadians doing a tour of East Africa in this huge truck - looked pretty fun! The boat was a long thin thing with seats down either side. The only problem was the weather decided to turn on us and the Lake (Victoria) was very choppy so we were bouncing all over the place and being splashed lots. We were provided with rain jackets (and life jackets) and the journey that was supposed to be a nice hour and a half float across the lake took is 2 and a quarter hours! Finally arrived and received a well earned cup of tea while being given a talk about the Island. It is a sanctuary for rescued Chimps who have been abused, or used as household pets or their habitats being destroyed. The Island is 100 acres, 95 of which the 45 Chimps are allowed to roam free. Because the island is getting quite crowded now, they have the females on the contraceptive pill so they can’t reproduce! One still did though, and the baby is named ‘Surprise’. At 11 it was feeding time so we headed up to the viewing platform, a raised area where you can see the chimps from about. It is protected by a wire fence so the chimps can’t climb up to reach you. On the way there we passed a huge cage which contained 4 chimps in - 2 babies who aren’t ready to be integrated with the group, and 2 adults, one of which used to be a dominant male and acts that way when he enters this group which just causes fights. So they are being looked after there. On the viewing platform, once the Chimps had been called, it was amazing to see them all file into the feeding area in a line, behind the important guys. Then when the food was thrown at them, the younger less important ones just sat there and waited, not taking any of the food, until the important guys had taken their fill. Was really amazing to see how they all respect the dominant leader(s). As they have mostly been brought up in the sanctuary they are quite humanised and have learned behaviour like stamping their feet and clapping when they feel they are being ignored and not having any food thrown at them. Is hilarious! They are also just amazing creatures to watch - did you know they share 99% of their DNA with humans?! They eat pretty human food too - sweet potatoes, passion fruit, limes, carrots, bananas (which they actually peel!). Most of them can recognise their names too and react when you call them. Very cool stuff. Next was lunch and the sun had definitely decided to come out, was boiling! But because we were on the lake there was quite a nice cool breeze. I do have a bit of a red nose now, ooops! Thankfully the sun coming out had calmed the water down a bit and it was a much better journey back to Entebbe after lunch, still a bit rocky, but nothing as bad as the morning! And I had a nice chat with the Australians about places I should visit when I’m there. We then hopped in a matatu back to Kampala (Julie’s mum hadn’t been in one yet!) and it was a very pleasant, surprisingly quick (less than an hour) journey back to Kampala, costing only 1,500 shillings, for about a 40km journey! Ironically it then cost us 1000 each from the Old Taxi Park back to where we live (which is very close to each other), maybe a 5km journey…I suppose there were jams, plus it’s the city. So that was a fun, but tiring day!
Saturday was the last Junior Orch rehearsal before Friday (the day of the first concert!). We are now only doing Money in the concert, and Bob is organising lots of new parts to make it better and more exciting. One desk of the cellos have now been designated the bass section, pizzicato-ing their way through the piece to give more momentum, and Sam is going to be honorary tambourine player I think! I’ve hardly seen him at all this week which has been a bit weird, plus Carys has been in Burundi (she gets back today). But he seems to be doing fine - busy as always, and he’s no longer peeling you’ll be glad to hear! He has been asked to teach Grade 6-8 theory by Mr Yiga which is happening on Sat afternoons. He is also setting up a jazz group which will be cool, but is at the same time as our aural lessons are meant to be (on Sat afternoons) so that may have to change after the concerts. Lets just get through them first then worry about other stuff! Was a chilled out afternoon. I’ve decided it’s about time I start brushing up on my music theory too as at the moment it is appalling! So I’ve brought a couple of books home from the library with the aim of reading them and remembering it! We’ll see if it happens…
Today (Sun) is very hot - just a day of swimming, practising, maybe learning some music theory and relaxing. It’s going to be a very busy week! X
We had a taxi coming for us at 6.30am to take us to Entebbe Zoo where we would be taken to the boat to take us to the Island. We made it there, pretty sleepy and boarded the ‘traditional boat’ that was taking us to Ngamba island. There was a group of 5 others with us - 3 Australians and 2 Canadians doing a tour of East Africa in this huge truck - looked pretty fun! The boat was a long thin thing with seats down either side. The only problem was the weather decided to turn on us and the Lake (Victoria) was very choppy so we were bouncing all over the place and being splashed lots. We were provided with rain jackets (and life jackets) and the journey that was supposed to be a nice hour and a half float across the lake took is 2 and a quarter hours! Finally arrived and received a well earned cup of tea while being given a talk about the Island. It is a sanctuary for rescued Chimps who have been abused, or used as household pets or their habitats being destroyed. The Island is 100 acres, 95 of which the 45 Chimps are allowed to roam free. Because the island is getting quite crowded now, they have the females on the contraceptive pill so they can’t reproduce! One still did though, and the baby is named ‘Surprise’. At 11 it was feeding time so we headed up to the viewing platform, a raised area where you can see the chimps from about. It is protected by a wire fence so the chimps can’t climb up to reach you. On the way there we passed a huge cage which contained 4 chimps in - 2 babies who aren’t ready to be integrated with the group, and 2 adults, one of which used to be a dominant male and acts that way when he enters this group which just causes fights. So they are being looked after there. On the viewing platform, once the Chimps had been called, it was amazing to see them all file into the feeding area in a line, behind the important guys. Then when the food was thrown at them, the younger less important ones just sat there and waited, not taking any of the food, until the important guys had taken their fill. Was really amazing to see how they all respect the dominant leader(s). As they have mostly been brought up in the sanctuary they are quite humanised and have learned behaviour like stamping their feet and clapping when they feel they are being ignored and not having any food thrown at them. Is hilarious! They are also just amazing creatures to watch - did you know they share 99% of their DNA with humans?! They eat pretty human food too - sweet potatoes, passion fruit, limes, carrots, bananas (which they actually peel!). Most of them can recognise their names too and react when you call them. Very cool stuff. Next was lunch and the sun had definitely decided to come out, was boiling! But because we were on the lake there was quite a nice cool breeze. I do have a bit of a red nose now, ooops! Thankfully the sun coming out had calmed the water down a bit and it was a much better journey back to Entebbe after lunch, still a bit rocky, but nothing as bad as the morning! And I had a nice chat with the Australians about places I should visit when I’m there. We then hopped in a matatu back to Kampala (Julie’s mum hadn’t been in one yet!) and it was a very pleasant, surprisingly quick (less than an hour) journey back to Kampala, costing only 1,500 shillings, for about a 40km journey! Ironically it then cost us 1000 each from the Old Taxi Park back to where we live (which is very close to each other), maybe a 5km journey…I suppose there were jams, plus it’s the city. So that was a fun, but tiring day!
Saturday was the last Junior Orch rehearsal before Friday (the day of the first concert!). We are now only doing Money in the concert, and Bob is organising lots of new parts to make it better and more exciting. One desk of the cellos have now been designated the bass section, pizzicato-ing their way through the piece to give more momentum, and Sam is going to be honorary tambourine player I think! I’ve hardly seen him at all this week which has been a bit weird, plus Carys has been in Burundi (she gets back today). But he seems to be doing fine - busy as always, and he’s no longer peeling you’ll be glad to hear! He has been asked to teach Grade 6-8 theory by Mr Yiga which is happening on Sat afternoons. He is also setting up a jazz group which will be cool, but is at the same time as our aural lessons are meant to be (on Sat afternoons) so that may have to change after the concerts. Lets just get through them first then worry about other stuff! Was a chilled out afternoon. I’ve decided it’s about time I start brushing up on my music theory too as at the moment it is appalling! So I’ve brought a couple of books home from the library with the aim of reading them and remembering it! We’ll see if it happens…
Today (Sun) is very hot - just a day of swimming, practising, maybe learning some music theory and relaxing. It’s going to be a very busy week! X
Thursday, 5 March 2009
5/3/09
Yesterday was another hot hot hot day! Day was meant to begin teaching Charlotte but she apparently has had a tooth out so understandably she didn’t turn up. Next was duets with Phillip which was fine - nothing exciting to report, just working hard on fast bits of one duet. Maybe we'll get to perform some at one point. An informal concert perhaps? It was then time for Teddy and I (no Carys becuse she has gone off to Burundi with her new host) to head off to Jenny and Jessy primary school. Was a long and sticky journey in the matatu taxis but we made it (only a little late!) and were able to start easily because we had planned what we were going to do. All we decided to start with was rhythm and getting them to clap and sing songs in 2 and 3 time. It was great. I really enjoyed it. We had 2 classes - the younger ones P1-3 (like years 1-3 at home) then the older ones - P4-6. We did the same with both, the older ones getting the hang on the different times noticeably faster. But the young ones were so cute and willing to try anything. Like when we asked if they could think of a song they already knew in 2 or 3 they willing put their hands up whereas the older ones were a bit more reserved. But still it was great. Next week I think we're going to add note values - minims, crotchets, quavers etc, so they're building up their knowledge. Maybe at some point we'll introduce actual notes on a stave, but we'll have to negotiate getting manuscript paper for them first. At least we have ideas to be working with now. So that was great. Journey back not so great though. Very hot and sticky, and lots of traffic! Decided to abandon the matatu in favour of a boda to get home and have a lovely cold shower before Kampala Cantori in the evening. They sung through a few pieces they have done in the past because there is a little musical soiree at Regine/Julie's house this evening which I think we'll end up singing a couple of them. Should be fun.
Today has been a day of sorting stuff out. Got dropped at the British High Commission because this was where I was told to go to renew my visa. But when I got there they told me this was done at the immigration office so I managed to negotiate my way there and pick up the forms. So I'll be heading back there soon to finish all that off. Michael didn't turn up to his lesson (not sure what's got into him!) so I headed off to the post office to post some letters. So lots of things sorted which is good. Time to get ready for our musical evening now... X
Tuesday, 3 March 2009
3/3/09
Yesterday (Mon) was a relaxing and catching up with stuff day. Actually got round to writing a couple of letters so my next task now is to find the post office! Got to school for about 5.30 to start with this sorting out cello business. Took a while - but there are some really quite ok ones in there. Chose the best 6 after having swapped round cases that were too big or small for the instrument. Also some cello’s had ¾ size bows which was a bit of a problem! But then 5 people turned up for orch and we all had a quite nice cello to play. Orch is going well. Some of the movements of the Mass are a bit shaky and with just over a week to go I think Bob is a bit worried, mainly about the violins I think because it’s really very tricky for them. We’re allowed to use the National Theatre all week next week to rehearse though which is great and if everyone practises their part fingers crossed we’ll get there! Sam arrived back from Mombassa yesterday afternoon. He had a great time with his friend Ed (who arrived back in the UK yesterday) and as far as I can tell was just chilling out, going to the beach, and learning Swahili. It was also very hot there - hotter than here apparently! And he now has a peeling nose! Beautiful! Haha.
Today Michael turned up for his lesson when it was meant to be finishing which was pretty annoying but the good news is that he brought Beata’s cello back so I was in a very confused emotional state - happy/very grateful to see the cello return but pretty annoyed at Michael himself because he was late and has lost ALL his cello music. Not good. It makes him taking the exam an even scarier concept now he has no music to practice! Had a lesson with Disan after. Spent more time looking at the Mass because he’s got lots of practice to be doing on that to catch up with the others! His general technique is getting better though. Soloman next. His tuning is also improving well, and we also worked on the Mass. This will probably be the case until the concert’s are over and done with (they are next weekend!). About Beata’s cello - it has been agreed with everyone involved that KMS should keep hold of the cello (I saw the exciting moment the KMS Cello 25 sticker was stuck in it!) until after the concert because we are going to need to keep 6 cellos at the National Theatre all next week for rehearsals plus one at KMS for me to teach on so it has to be there or there wont be enough! And then they can take it home after that. Everyone seems fine with that so we can all breathe a huge sigh of relief. Last night a huge thunderstorm woke me at 4am - and today has been cloudy and cooler which has been nice. The huge snails are out again! Bye for now! X
Sunday, 1 March 2009
1/3/09
Hi, Sorry for not having updated this all week - the internet has been a bit dodgy plus I've been pretty busy all week! Here's what I've been doing.....! (sorry it's a long one!)
Monday was a chilled out day. The kids were home all week because it’s half term. Did practice and general sorting out. Came to the house at lunch to find it was a floury of activity. Lamin had 2 guests for lunch, one of which was a member of parliament from Gambia. So there was a lot of food, and lots of mouths to feed - the whole family, plus me, plus the 2 guests, Manding had a friend here, as did Mohammed, so how many is that? 12 I think! But the food was yummy and I ate lots! Went with Fatu to her school to pick up her Maths books which she needs as she still had tutors during the half term. So I had a little tour of the school - it’s huge! It’s nursery, primary and secondary all combined with lots of sports facilities and space. Was nice to see where she’s going every day though. Siya was going to her classes so I got a lift and they dropped me at orchestra on the way. The traffic here at rush hour is so crazy - actually that kind of switch your engine off traffic with police everywhere, especially roundabouts. Nightmare! Orchestra was good, very useful having Bob here because now we know what tempos everything will be going. He’s doing the last movement a lot faster than we’ve ever played it! And we have quite a few semiquaver passages (not as many as the violins though!) which definitely need some practising! There is a saga with the cello Beata has donated because apparently she said that Michael and Soloman (and a couple of other cellists who live nearby) could take it home to practice. Which is fine. But the were unaware that she has donated the cello so I told them they need to bring it back to be registered as a KMS cello and then they can take it home again (because obviously I’m all for my students practising at home!) but they don’t seem to believe that they will be allowed to take it home again so don’t want to bring it back as a result. But it’s nearly sorted now, and they understand that it needs to come back, and that they will get it back. But that was a bit annoying/stressful. It’ll work out though!
Tuesday was lessons with Disan and Michael who are both doing well. Disan seems fine at adjusting to the tenor clef, I’ve also told him to come to orchestra. And Michael’s Hungarian Stomp is coming along well. We also had a look at the Mass which was very necessary! Just working on the hard fast bits, slowly first then getting then getting them faster - it’ll come! Went with Julie to see the workshop where John the repair man has been working with the 2 students he is training to do simple, but essential things like rehairs and fitting bridges. It’s in the garage of a lovely lady called Harriet who sings in the choir. It was really great to see and the students seem to be learning fast. He’s fixing some cello’s too which is great! Harriet provided us with a lovely English lunch as her mother in law has just arrived from the UK bringing cheese (which I was really beginning to miss!) chutney and after eights! Wow. So that was delicious. John and Julie and a few others (including me) are playing at a Ceilidh on Friday. He plays accordion and we had a little busk through some music which was fun. Went back to school expecting to teach Soloman but he called and we rearranged for Wed. Sam was playing with a band called the Alchemists at a club called Rouge. He put us on the guest list so we didn’t have to pay to get in which was cool. It was basically lots of bands and people playing and singing, kind of just a talent show type thing. I don’t think it was particularly Sam’s kind of music, but apparently they’re paying him which makes it all better! He’s doing a bit of keyboard, guitar and harmonica. It was all quite good fun really, but a very mzungu place - almost felt like we were in London again! Still a good night as had by all. Sam and Ed left for Mombassa early Wed morning. Not sure when they’re due back actually! Carys and I went and bought pizza at a fast food place which was yummy, and then we were sitting and eating it in an actual Nando’s, Ugandan style! But it was exactly the same with the logo and everything. Very weird but pretty cool at the same time!
Wednesday was a good day. Started off with teaching Soloman and a little further discussion about Beata’s cello which still hasn’t made it to the school yet for one reason or another. So that’s still being sorted. Despite this he’s doing well and getting to grips with vibrato and tenor clef. Also worked on the fast last bit of the Mass. He’s not so good at coming back in when he gets lost - essential orchestral technique! - so we were working on that together as well as getting it all faster. Charlotte is also coming along fantastically. We’ve mastered the notes of 2 of the 3 exam pieces so now it’s just making them sound good! Duets with Philip went well, his sight reading definitely seems to be improving, though he’s very quiet and unresponsive so it’s hard to know whether he understands/enjoys it at all! But he’s always the one asking when we’re next playing so he must enjoy it a bit! There was a bit of a disaster in Kampala on Wed - one of the major markets that sells clothes etc has completely burnt to the floor and as a result some people’s entire lives will have been destroyed. The news says it’s arson. It’s quite near the old taxi park and was complete mayhem - Carys had to abandon her matatu and jump on a boda boda as the traffic was at a standstill. There are lots of angry people, and lots of police, so there have predictably been clashes between them. Anyways it was decided we wouldn’t be going to Jenny and Jessy today as we simply wouldn’t have made it there - we would have to have passed the scene of the crime! And it would have been pretty dangerous by the sound of things. So the busy day that I was expecting was suddenly not so busy which was lovely and I went home and jumped in the pool! Still very hot at the moment, though it has been raining a bit in the early mornings so it’s less dusty and humid. Went back to school for choir, arriving a bit early so I could check my emails as the internet has been down for most the week. There is a lady visiting called Ulli who was here with Fiona Carr at the beginning of the whole thing. She teaches singing and has been helping lots with the choirs etc. So we sung the pieces we’ve been doing for a couple of weeks, including the Faure I sung at my concert, and brought the music for. They all really seem to like as they keep asking to sing it again! Would be great if we get a chance to perform it. Internet not working so settled down in front of a film in the evening which was nice and relaxing.
Thursday I taught Disan first. Still working on technique stuff, plus had a look at the Coronation Mass seeing as I’ve managed to persuade him to join orch! His sight reading and counting skills definitely need some working at - hopefully being in an orchestra will help! We’ll keep looking at the part in his lessons so he can catch up with everyone else, concert’s not too far away now! Next was Michael. He explained to me that Soloman has spoken to Mr Yiga about Beata’s cello. So it seems to be getting sorted. The cello still hasn’t made it to school yet though! Soon I hope. We’ll need it for the concert for sure! But he’s doing well and his sound is great! Looked at a new piece which he already seems to have mastered the notes for so again it’s just making them sound good now.. Lots of scales to work at with him too. Had a little break when I went and spoke to Mr Yiga about this cello business, it seems he understands the situation, and we’re just waiting for an email from Beata herself confirming what is to be done with the cello. So it’s going to be fine I think! Had a unplanned lesson with Francisca as we were both free, she is also doing well. Good ear, will start on some more interesting pieces I think coz she should be able to cope! Internet café again, and then home for lunch. Headed back to school for the informal concert which was good. A guitarist who is teaching classical guitar to a few people at the school played a couple of great pieces then there was no one to play after but a pianist guy called Ivan just got up and played some Beethoven - hadn’t memorised it all, but it was an informal concert after all! After John was giving a workshop about maintaining string instruments and explained about keeping them clean and what to do if the bridge falls off and other simple but essential points, like why not to tighten the bow too much. Very useful stuff. We had a little Ceilidh reh after which was fine. Just busking through music, all I had to play was the bass notes on each half bar. Nothing too taxing! Back quite late again.
Friday I had an 8am start which Julie had forgotten to tell me about until about 9pm on Thu evening which was lovely of her! We were giving an assembly at a school with the intention of us starting to teach cello and violin there. It wasn’t too hard. Just played a little and explained about our instruments. We spoke in front of the older kids on Fri, and are going back next Fri to talk to the little ones. At least I’ll know what to expect this time. Back to school for a lesson with Charlotte. Scales and tuning definitely improving with her. Now looking at staccato’s in the Elephant. Its going great. AC meeting after. Sam, Carys and I are meant to be sorting out aural skill lessons for exams, instead of musicianship lessons, on Sat afternoons. Maybe they’ll start next Sat. Will have to discuss it when Sam’s back from Mombassa which no one seems to know when that is! Should be today or tomorrow apparently. Taught Soloman after the meeting. He still hasn’t brought the cello back and keeps finding excuses. It’s getting quite annoying now, especially as Mr Yiga now keeps asking me about it. It just has to be back for orchestra really. John very kindly said he would take Carys and I plus our Cello and Double Bass to the Ceilidh that evening. So we went back to Harriet’s house get changed into ‘posh’ gear. It was a 65th birthday party. The house where the party was was incredible! Was out in the middle of no where and was so beautiful. We played for the dancing - a bit before food was served, then more after. Was very good fun. Got chatting to this couple who live in Kololo who kindly gave Cays and I a lift back - dropping us at a bar where we managed to catch the end of the Wales vs. France rugby match (poor Wales!). Carys stayed at mine because that was a lot safer than her making her way home alone at 1 in the morning. So that was fun - watched a film in bed…!
Had to get up what felt like quite early for junior orch on Sat which I actually didn’t end up playing in because John the repair man (who left today) brought a whole load of cello’s and violin’s back that he’d repaired so I spent ages signing them back in. He brought back 4 repaired cellos, (and apparently there are more!) and now there's not enough space in the cello cupboard! I’m gonna play them all and decide which ones are best to keep at KMS and the rest can go to be stored somewhere else. We need at least 6 because there are 6 people in orchestra now! Got a lift back home from Bob then went straight out again to the monthly get together West African lunch I went to last month too. Arrived about 2.30 and didn’t get home until 7.30 - very long lunch! Ate far too much! Headed off to the Kampala Rugby Club to watch the England vs. Ireland match - what a close result! What’s so different about here, and what I love, is that everyone dances! Like we were in a rugby club and there were men dancing! You’d never get that at home would you?! So that was fun. Went home for a long, well deserved sleep. Has been a very busy week. Have done something every evening. But it has been very fun too! Today is a day of rest and catching up with everything. It has been extremely hot and humid these last few days but it has actually just started to rain which is a relief because it will be cooler and less dusty and humid now.
Hope all's well at home! I can't believe it's already March - time is flying so fast! X
Monday was a chilled out day. The kids were home all week because it’s half term. Did practice and general sorting out. Came to the house at lunch to find it was a floury of activity. Lamin had 2 guests for lunch, one of which was a member of parliament from Gambia. So there was a lot of food, and lots of mouths to feed - the whole family, plus me, plus the 2 guests, Manding had a friend here, as did Mohammed, so how many is that? 12 I think! But the food was yummy and I ate lots! Went with Fatu to her school to pick up her Maths books which she needs as she still had tutors during the half term. So I had a little tour of the school - it’s huge! It’s nursery, primary and secondary all combined with lots of sports facilities and space. Was nice to see where she’s going every day though. Siya was going to her classes so I got a lift and they dropped me at orchestra on the way. The traffic here at rush hour is so crazy - actually that kind of switch your engine off traffic with police everywhere, especially roundabouts. Nightmare! Orchestra was good, very useful having Bob here because now we know what tempos everything will be going. He’s doing the last movement a lot faster than we’ve ever played it! And we have quite a few semiquaver passages (not as many as the violins though!) which definitely need some practising! There is a saga with the cello Beata has donated because apparently she said that Michael and Soloman (and a couple of other cellists who live nearby) could take it home to practice. Which is fine. But the were unaware that she has donated the cello so I told them they need to bring it back to be registered as a KMS cello and then they can take it home again (because obviously I’m all for my students practising at home!) but they don’t seem to believe that they will be allowed to take it home again so don’t want to bring it back as a result. But it’s nearly sorted now, and they understand that it needs to come back, and that they will get it back. But that was a bit annoying/stressful. It’ll work out though!
Tuesday was lessons with Disan and Michael who are both doing well. Disan seems fine at adjusting to the tenor clef, I’ve also told him to come to orchestra. And Michael’s Hungarian Stomp is coming along well. We also had a look at the Mass which was very necessary! Just working on the hard fast bits, slowly first then getting then getting them faster - it’ll come! Went with Julie to see the workshop where John the repair man has been working with the 2 students he is training to do simple, but essential things like rehairs and fitting bridges. It’s in the garage of a lovely lady called Harriet who sings in the choir. It was really great to see and the students seem to be learning fast. He’s fixing some cello’s too which is great! Harriet provided us with a lovely English lunch as her mother in law has just arrived from the UK bringing cheese (which I was really beginning to miss!) chutney and after eights! Wow. So that was delicious. John and Julie and a few others (including me) are playing at a Ceilidh on Friday. He plays accordion and we had a little busk through some music which was fun. Went back to school expecting to teach Soloman but he called and we rearranged for Wed. Sam was playing with a band called the Alchemists at a club called Rouge. He put us on the guest list so we didn’t have to pay to get in which was cool. It was basically lots of bands and people playing and singing, kind of just a talent show type thing. I don’t think it was particularly Sam’s kind of music, but apparently they’re paying him which makes it all better! He’s doing a bit of keyboard, guitar and harmonica. It was all quite good fun really, but a very mzungu place - almost felt like we were in London again! Still a good night as had by all. Sam and Ed left for Mombassa early Wed morning. Not sure when they’re due back actually! Carys and I went and bought pizza at a fast food place which was yummy, and then we were sitting and eating it in an actual Nando’s, Ugandan style! But it was exactly the same with the logo and everything. Very weird but pretty cool at the same time!
Wednesday was a good day. Started off with teaching Soloman and a little further discussion about Beata’s cello which still hasn’t made it to the school yet for one reason or another. So that’s still being sorted. Despite this he’s doing well and getting to grips with vibrato and tenor clef. Also worked on the fast last bit of the Mass. He’s not so good at coming back in when he gets lost - essential orchestral technique! - so we were working on that together as well as getting it all faster. Charlotte is also coming along fantastically. We’ve mastered the notes of 2 of the 3 exam pieces so now it’s just making them sound good! Duets with Philip went well, his sight reading definitely seems to be improving, though he’s very quiet and unresponsive so it’s hard to know whether he understands/enjoys it at all! But he’s always the one asking when we’re next playing so he must enjoy it a bit! There was a bit of a disaster in Kampala on Wed - one of the major markets that sells clothes etc has completely burnt to the floor and as a result some people’s entire lives will have been destroyed. The news says it’s arson. It’s quite near the old taxi park and was complete mayhem - Carys had to abandon her matatu and jump on a boda boda as the traffic was at a standstill. There are lots of angry people, and lots of police, so there have predictably been clashes between them. Anyways it was decided we wouldn’t be going to Jenny and Jessy today as we simply wouldn’t have made it there - we would have to have passed the scene of the crime! And it would have been pretty dangerous by the sound of things. So the busy day that I was expecting was suddenly not so busy which was lovely and I went home and jumped in the pool! Still very hot at the moment, though it has been raining a bit in the early mornings so it’s less dusty and humid. Went back to school for choir, arriving a bit early so I could check my emails as the internet has been down for most the week. There is a lady visiting called Ulli who was here with Fiona Carr at the beginning of the whole thing. She teaches singing and has been helping lots with the choirs etc. So we sung the pieces we’ve been doing for a couple of weeks, including the Faure I sung at my concert, and brought the music for. They all really seem to like as they keep asking to sing it again! Would be great if we get a chance to perform it. Internet not working so settled down in front of a film in the evening which was nice and relaxing.
Thursday I taught Disan first. Still working on technique stuff, plus had a look at the Coronation Mass seeing as I’ve managed to persuade him to join orch! His sight reading and counting skills definitely need some working at - hopefully being in an orchestra will help! We’ll keep looking at the part in his lessons so he can catch up with everyone else, concert’s not too far away now! Next was Michael. He explained to me that Soloman has spoken to Mr Yiga about Beata’s cello. So it seems to be getting sorted. The cello still hasn’t made it to school yet though! Soon I hope. We’ll need it for the concert for sure! But he’s doing well and his sound is great! Looked at a new piece which he already seems to have mastered the notes for so again it’s just making them sound good now.. Lots of scales to work at with him too. Had a little break when I went and spoke to Mr Yiga about this cello business, it seems he understands the situation, and we’re just waiting for an email from Beata herself confirming what is to be done with the cello. So it’s going to be fine I think! Had a unplanned lesson with Francisca as we were both free, she is also doing well. Good ear, will start on some more interesting pieces I think coz she should be able to cope! Internet café again, and then home for lunch. Headed back to school for the informal concert which was good. A guitarist who is teaching classical guitar to a few people at the school played a couple of great pieces then there was no one to play after but a pianist guy called Ivan just got up and played some Beethoven - hadn’t memorised it all, but it was an informal concert after all! After John was giving a workshop about maintaining string instruments and explained about keeping them clean and what to do if the bridge falls off and other simple but essential points, like why not to tighten the bow too much. Very useful stuff. We had a little Ceilidh reh after which was fine. Just busking through music, all I had to play was the bass notes on each half bar. Nothing too taxing! Back quite late again.
Friday I had an 8am start which Julie had forgotten to tell me about until about 9pm on Thu evening which was lovely of her! We were giving an assembly at a school with the intention of us starting to teach cello and violin there. It wasn’t too hard. Just played a little and explained about our instruments. We spoke in front of the older kids on Fri, and are going back next Fri to talk to the little ones. At least I’ll know what to expect this time. Back to school for a lesson with Charlotte. Scales and tuning definitely improving with her. Now looking at staccato’s in the Elephant. Its going great. AC meeting after. Sam, Carys and I are meant to be sorting out aural skill lessons for exams, instead of musicianship lessons, on Sat afternoons. Maybe they’ll start next Sat. Will have to discuss it when Sam’s back from Mombassa which no one seems to know when that is! Should be today or tomorrow apparently. Taught Soloman after the meeting. He still hasn’t brought the cello back and keeps finding excuses. It’s getting quite annoying now, especially as Mr Yiga now keeps asking me about it. It just has to be back for orchestra really. John very kindly said he would take Carys and I plus our Cello and Double Bass to the Ceilidh that evening. So we went back to Harriet’s house get changed into ‘posh’ gear. It was a 65th birthday party. The house where the party was was incredible! Was out in the middle of no where and was so beautiful. We played for the dancing - a bit before food was served, then more after. Was very good fun. Got chatting to this couple who live in Kololo who kindly gave Cays and I a lift back - dropping us at a bar where we managed to catch the end of the Wales vs. France rugby match (poor Wales!). Carys stayed at mine because that was a lot safer than her making her way home alone at 1 in the morning. So that was fun - watched a film in bed…!
Had to get up what felt like quite early for junior orch on Sat which I actually didn’t end up playing in because John the repair man (who left today) brought a whole load of cello’s and violin’s back that he’d repaired so I spent ages signing them back in. He brought back 4 repaired cellos, (and apparently there are more!) and now there's not enough space in the cello cupboard! I’m gonna play them all and decide which ones are best to keep at KMS and the rest can go to be stored somewhere else. We need at least 6 because there are 6 people in orchestra now! Got a lift back home from Bob then went straight out again to the monthly get together West African lunch I went to last month too. Arrived about 2.30 and didn’t get home until 7.30 - very long lunch! Ate far too much! Headed off to the Kampala Rugby Club to watch the England vs. Ireland match - what a close result! What’s so different about here, and what I love, is that everyone dances! Like we were in a rugby club and there were men dancing! You’d never get that at home would you?! So that was fun. Went home for a long, well deserved sleep. Has been a very busy week. Have done something every evening. But it has been very fun too! Today is a day of rest and catching up with everything. It has been extremely hot and humid these last few days but it has actually just started to rain which is a relief because it will be cooler and less dusty and humid now.
Hope all's well at home! I can't believe it's already March - time is flying so fast! X
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)
