Prismatic Winds Perform at Riverbank
I’m playing at catch up, again, with this article.Sorry for the delay folks.
On the 24th April, Riverbank was extremely fortunate to be visited by an extremely talented group of musicians called Prismatic Winds. They were a wind ensemble who were in school to entertain but they were also there to explain that only a few people were learning to play certain instruments. Our visitors didn’t want these instruments to become ‘extinct’. By that, they meant that they wanted to encourage people to take up playing these instruments.
We were given the opportunity to have these talented musicians visit us by Live Music Now Scotland. The quintet of musicians were Graham Dickson – flute, Irena Klimach – oboe, Matthew Jansen Giraldo – clarinet, Robert Newth – French horn and Donagh Marnane – bassoon.
The children had a chance to see these musical instruments ‘in the flesh’ and see how they were played. Only a few of the pupils could name the instruments and that was an education in itself. The ensemble surprised us all y not sticking to the expected classical pieces although they did start their performance with The Flight of the Bumblebee. They interspersed with The Teddy Bears’ Picnic, the themes from Star Wars, Jurassic Park and everyone’s favourite the theme from The Simpsons. The children loved guessing what these popular pieces were. The musicians explained a little about their instruments and there was some audience participation which had some pupils trying to make a tune from a split straw. Irena explained that the split straw mimicked the reed in her instrument, the oboe.
The children were astounded by how much volume could be created by just five instruments which, unlike the ‘bands’ of today, don’t require electrical amplifiers to create a loud noise. Have a listen for yourself. Prismatic Winds
This was an exceptional opportunity for our pupils and we hope to welcome some other classical musicians to Riverbank in the future. We would like to thank Live Music Now Scotland, for arranging this visit, and especially, Prismatic Winds for entertaining us in such an educational but highly enjoyable manner.
UNCRC / RRSA
Article 29 – Education must develop every child’s personality, talents and abilities to the full. It must encourage the child’s respect for human rights, as well as respect for their parents, their
own and other cultures, and the environment.
Article 31 – Every child has the right to relax, play and take part in a wide range of cultural and artistic activities.