Unlock the Music News

MEGAN IN "ALL SHOOK UP"

Fri, 10 May 2013 00:00:00 +0100

Congratulations to Megan Evans for all her hard work and determination. She is currently taking a lead role in Coventry's Youth Operatic Production's "All Shook Up" at the Begrade Theatre. All the songs are Elvis Pressley hits and Megan plays one of the principal characters called Sylvia who runs a Honky Tonk bar

(All Shook Up is a 2004 American jukebox musical with Elvis Presley music and with a book by Joe DiPietro. The story is based on Shakespeare's Twelfth Night.)

Looking forward to seeing the performance tonight!

FIRE CABARET

Sat, 27 Apr 2013 00:00:00 +0100

A fantastic steamy evening of music, dance and poetry was had at the Catwalk Cafe in Knowle. Kicking off our 2013 Music of the Elements project this event was well supported by the UMCM crew and was great fun...

photos below feature Ken on guitar, Andy singing Handel, Sam singing Light my Fire, Amy dancing the Fan Dance, Darrell and Cat dancing the salsa and lovely hostess Maddy Kerr....many more photos and more information about our work on our facebook site

Coventry and Warwickshire Gospel Choir Recruiting

Sat, 13 Apr 2013 00:00:00 +0100

Coventry and Warwickshire Gospel Choir Profile

Coventry and Warwickshire Gospel Choir
phone contact: 07824 442180
bfm_20@btinternet.com

The Coventry and Warwickshire Gospel Choir is based in Coventry, West Midlands and is made up of members of the communities of Coventry and Warwickshire. Following a successful pilot in 2007, the group was formed in 2008.

The choir sings a wide variety of gospel music including traditional African sounds, modern gospel, Christian music, inspirational songs and ballads, singing both acapella and accompanied. The choir seeks to bring upliftment through the genre of gospel music.
The choir is led by Lorraine Williams and Sylvester Williams, who between them have more than thirty years' experience in leading, singing and playing in large choirs .
The group performs at various events including charity and civic events, weddings, concerts, church events and village festivals. Most recently CWGC has worked with the Enterprise Club for disabled people and the University Hospitals of Coventry and Warwickshire (UHCW) in charity work. The choir has performed for television on the steps of the Coventry Cathedral and was featured on ITV's Central Tonight at Christmas time. The choir describes itself as dynamic and seeks to engage the community through what it considers to be the most uplifting of all genres of music, gospel.
The choir meets on Monday nights at 7:15 at the Hearsall Baptist Church, Queensland Avenue, CV5 8FE opposite Hearsall Common. Recruitment is open. Contact Lorraine Williams on 07824442180, bfm_20@btinternet.com. Find us on YouTube and Facebook.

COVENTRY CORPS OF DRUMS RECRUITING

Tue, 02 Apr 2013 00:00:00 +0100

FRIENDS OF UNLOCK THE MUSIC, COVENTRY CORPS OF DRUMS ARE NOW RECRUITING

Bored? Itching to discover a new talent?
The City of Coventry Corps of Drums is looking for young boys between the ages of 8 and 15 to join its brass section. Previous experience is a real bonus, but our regular CRB-checked staff teaches 99.9% of new members from scratch - enthusiasm is the key!
Once trained to a reasonable level, members travel with the band to performances throughout the UK and Europe. Benefits include new friends, new talent, new experiences, always being in the team and the confidence all of this can bring. This is a great opportunity for a membership fee of only £60 per year.

CONTACT COVENTRY CORPS OF DRUMS

MUSICAL ABC

Tue, 02 Apr 2013 00:00:00 +0100

Musical abc: Fun, Sensory and Live Music for the Under 5s
Classes for children with their parents/carers, and nurseries/preschools, in Warwickshire and Birmingham.
www.musicalabc.net

HOLLY'S NEW JOB

Tue, 18 Dec 2012 00:00:00 +0100

Holly Akister is a dancer, singer, pianist and flautist. Her dream has been to get a job "just dancing" and she recently was successful in getting such a job with Haven. Holly tells of her journey:-

" I began auditioning in May this year, after graduating from university. I have always wanted to perform and with a love of music and dance, a singer/dancer role seemed perfect for me. I started getting singing lessons with Lizzie in the summer, as I have danced all my life but never had vocal training. Her teaching has helped with my technique immensely and has given me ever growing confidence in auditions.

Until the most recent audition, I have never even made it past the first round. I would go home empty handed, often still early in the day. The last audition was different, no one got cut on the day, and it was a long process, dancing, interviews, acting and show and tells. I felt it went well but you can never tell. They said they would get back to everyone about the jobs in two weeks.

The week of replies arrived and I found out they were sending emails for negative feedback and calling people for positive. Every email I received scared me until I found out it was not from the company! On the third day of the week I received a phone call at work telling me they had great news about my audition, to ring them back. So I called and called but couldn’t get through to them. I even called them during my singing lesson! I tried one last time in the car outside and to my surprise I finally managed to get through!

I’m going to be a Funstar at one of the Haven parks, dancing, singing and entertaining all the time. I find out where I’m going after Christmas, rehearsals start in January. I went from getting negative responses and no second chances to impress, to getting a job! It is possible. If I managed it, others can too, just keep at it and don’t give up on what you want. "

Everyone wishes Holly the best in her job and reminds her to keep healthy and fit in a demanding and high energy way of life. Being a Funstar is very hard work!

Well done Holly.

CARE FOR A SONG AT HYLANDS

Sun, 16 Dec 2012 00:00:00 +0100

Musicians from UTM are comitted to the work of Care for a Song, bringing music making into care homes in the Stratford area. In this aging population it is still quite easy to forget end of life care unless it directly affects our families. This Sunday Megan, Darrell, Dave, Elizabeth and I spent an hour of our Sunday making music for residents at Hylands in Stratford, only a breath away from busily preoccupied Christmas shoppers and the antics of famous actors on famous Stratford stages. It is always a salutory reminder of the absolute dedication of staff when invited to enter into the world of delicate elderly people. We experience the magic that just little music poured into their lives can engender. Residents with serious levels of dementia hardly ever fail to join in well known songs. Others are amazed to see Darrell leaping about their home and enchanted to see young Megan sing and the flutes tooting away at Christmas carols.

Happy Christmas One and All.

No Bah Humbug please!

ANDY'S SUCCESS

Fri, 14 Dec 2012 00:00:00 +0100

Andy Jones has added to his distinction in Grade 5 singing earlier this year with distinction in Grade 8 piano. His teachers Xi Xi and Darren Leaper have been a great support. Andy tells of his experience:

"I'm delighted and very surprised to have got distinction and I could not have achieved it without Darren and Xi Xi who are both outstanding teachers. The feedback I received on my grade 7 was a wake up call for me and so I took three years between grades 7 and 8. During that time I did a lot of work on easier pieces to improve my technique. Coming up to the exam I worked hard on the areas I was weakest at (for me that was scales and arpeggios and sight reading)."

As well as regular performances with UMCM, singing he performs dramatic solos with gusto. He also performs music from many cultures and in many languages. Andy enjoys open mic nights, especially at Taylor Johns. Andy is very enthousiastic musician and enjoys drawing together groups of people to perform, as he did at Habibi's restaurant earlier this year.

CARE FOR A SONG AT ALVESTON LEYS

Sun, 30 Sep 2012 00:00:00 +0100

UMCM supports the work of Care for a Song, bringing music making into care homes in South Warwickshire. Amy, Darrell, Laurel and Lizzie gave a concert to residents at the very beautiful Alveston Leys Home this Sunday. We performed in a small sun lounge with a large pole in the centre of it, but this did not put us off at all. Here are some photos which show the spirited dancing that enchanted residents. It was impossible to get anything in focus with my i-phone camera!! Laurel, dressed in her vintage 1940's Sailor Dress, sang "I've got You under My Skin" and "Let's Face the Music and Dance" and straight away residents were joining in. As you can see Amy and Darrell danced salsa and then Darrell gave them a taste of street dancing. Darrell also sang to them and Lizzie performed her "Hit the Road Jack" medley with the accordion, encouraging everyone to sing-along. Amy brought proceedings to a climax with her belly dancing. Residents clapped along with the Salsa and whistled with us on "Give Me Sunshine".

INDIVIDUAL PUPIL CONCERT DAY

Sat, 22 Sep 2012 00:00:00 +0100

Tomorrow is UMCM's Pupil Concert at Stoneleigh Village Hall. Read our article in Leamington Courier.

PENRHOS MUSIC MAKING WEEKEND

Sat, 18 Aug 2012 00:00:00 +0100

This August pupils and musical friends of Unlock the Music spent a weekend in the Herefordshire countryside making music at Penrhos. Early in the morning the sound of flute music drifted across the courtyard. Days were spent walking and then improvising, experimenting and listening to one anothers' performances. These included recitations of newly created monologues.

....walking in the Elan Valley...

Later in the day the pounding of drums echoed everywhere. The children made up songs on the spur of the moment. Everyone had a chance to sing a favourite song. From the weekend a new singing group has been formed. Delighted to meet one another they sang well into the night! Others slaved away in the kitchen to provide feasts for all. Isabel and Milly made these lovely pictures which represent the happy event. Hoping to place some photos here soon.

All Souls Concert

Sun, 22 Jul 2012 00:00:00 +0100

As our farewell to James Felix, our choir conductor, Unlock the Music performed a classical music concert with Kodaly's "Pange Lingua" and Purcell's "Come ye Sons of Art" at All Souls Catholic Church last weekend. The late afternoon sun shone on our performers like a celestial spotlight and the music reached out into the high vaulted ceiling. A stunning experience for us all.

CONGRATULATIONS ANDY!

Sat, 21 Jul 2012 00:00:00 +0100

Terrific news! Andy has just heard that he got distinction for his Grade 5 singing. Well done for an excellent job Andy. It is very nerve wracking for the teacher accompanying the pupils for these exams but because I did, I know that Andy really showed off his talent to the best of ability and the examiner agreed.

CONGRATULATIONS LAURA AND ALEXANDRA!!

Sat, 30 Jun 2012 00:00:00 +0100

Amongst our successes at this year's Leamington Competitive Music Festival Laura won the Hayle Cup for unaccompanied folk song, really stunning us all with her rendition of "She Moved Through the Fair".

Alexandra came 2nd in the Junior Show Song Class with Irving Berlin's "Sun in the Morning".

Well Done both of you.

Great Show!!

CONGRATULATIONS PATRIC

Thu, 21 Jun 2012 00:00:00 +0100

Patric recently succeeded in his audition for Chichester and here he writes about his experience of preparing for that:

How she helped

"Before I came to Lizzie Perring I had almost zero confidence in my voice, however I had been “warbling” for a long time over a period of two years, when decided that I would sing. Fighting of jeers about how certain people are “gifted with a voice” and out of tune jabs. However I fully believed anyone could learn how to sing. But it took a very long time to realise you need a teacher, it’s just one of them things. Anyway in 2010 I finally found her over the internet, I arranged a lesson and found things weren’t so far away from what I thought singing was supposed to be like, needless to say it was a scary but interestingly turning point experience. From that point I had several lessons, over the next couple of years. With the increase in ability I was able to gain confidence in my music, started to, go know I think I get I understand this, I want this as a career. Ultimately most music courses at University want you to be experienced in music which of course I wasn’t. However the university of Chichester offerd an audtion/interview for me, requiring nothing more than proof of ability. Before I even realised the enormousness of this task, I came to one of my classes early. There was a much older man, he appeared nice and I went into the back to wait. I listened to them rehearse, it was one of the few moments a voice almost moved me to tears. This man, given different circumstances I believe could have been famous, and its amazing to think Lizzie Perring can bring this out in people. Anyways inspired by this, I presented a song to her called "It’s a very good year". This tune is about a man reciting during each verse about the best years of his life, and the women in them, until eventually getting to last verse (which could be seen as the present for the character in the song) how fondly he looks at his life, like “vintage wine”. After showing her the song, she said I had shown real potential. Later on I suggested that I perform this song for my Chichester audition, and I continued to practise it with her. Come audition day, I have the song fully learned and ready to go. On the day its self, I find during the song a sense of enjoyment that was intoxicating, and apparently showed my voice in immense light, as only a week later I had been offerd a place. Over all the people who auditioned with me, I got a place. This I lay in debt to Lizzie and fully believe if it weren’t for her, I would not be the person to day. I Patric Page am a singer, thanks to Lizzie Perring."

COME YE SONS AT WELCOME CENTRE

Sat, 26 May 2012 00:00:00 +0100

Unlock the Music performed Come ye Sons of Art on May 26th at the Welcome Centre, as part of the celebrations for the visit of the Archbishop of Canterbury. Our soloists on this occassion were Alexandra Vickers, Laura Howes, Megan Evans, Dani Phillips, Darrell Springer and Andrew Jones. Buddug Pritchard and Caroline Menadue supported with continuo and Dave Weir and Elizabeth Marsh formed the top part of our chamber ensemble. Thanks to all and to our great conductor, James Felix. It was a privilege to be part of this exciting multi cultural event and to have a chance to hear the Archbishop's speech.

CARE FOR A SONG

Tue, 01 May 2012 00:00:00 +0100

Unlock the Music is supporting Care For a Song by joining the group of community musicians performing into care homes in South Warwickshire. Our first music session was at Quinton House Care Home on Sunday 22nd April. We took a little troupe of singers, dancers and flautists to offer a musical afternoon to residents and had a lovely afternoon making music with the residents. Here is some of the feedback from the Care Home:

The young girl...was a superb singer and was loved not only by the residents but also the staff, what a fabulous voice she has. The dancer was also very popular as there was a lot of movement for people to concentrate on.

You can read more about Care for a Song on their website: http://www.careforasong.co.uk

BRAVO ALEXANDRA!

Tue, 17 Apr 2012 00:00:00 +0100

Alexandra Vickers is the youngest singing pupil with UTM and has just succeeded in getting distinction in her Grade 1 ABRSM exam. She recently performed the opening solo at our "Come Ye Sons of Art" concert at Wellesbourne and this performance is set to be repeated several time this year. Starting singing tuition at age 8 years, Alexandra has approached her learning with great attention to the detail. She is amazingly focussed and calm about it all. Her family have been a terrific support through her learning process.

Alexandra is now 9 years old and undoubtedly will go from strength to strength. She plans to take her Grade 2 in the autumn of this year and work steadily through the exam system. She will be singing in the Leamington Spa Music Festival in June.

CONGRATULATIONS

UNLOCK THE MUSIC CONCERT MAKING

Wed, 11 Apr 2012 00:00:00 +0100

Unlock the Music is currently an umbrella for two activities:

Lizzie Perring's singing teaching business
Concert making

2012 sees Unlock the Music Concert Making become a charitable trust:

(excerpt from draft summary)

"Unlock the Music Concert Making UMCM is a small not-for-profit society dedicated to musical performances, especially singing. It is currently in the process of becoming a full member of the charity Making Music and opening a current bank account with the Charity Aid Foundation Bank and registering with HMRC for recognition as a charity so that UMCM may claim tax paid by donors on the amount they give.
Many studies have shown that music and singing have physical and psychological benefits. Live music can make individuals and communities healthier and happier. UMCM creates events that are good family entertainment, promote musical diversity and reach out to relatives and friends of the performers and to the local communities.
UMCM organizes small concerts in community venues, linking in and collaborating with local musicians. UMCM provides students of music the opportunity to develop skills and experience and to gain confidence by performing alongside more experienced musicians and artists. UMCM events include people of all ages and abilities. UMCM has a diary of concerts & events including guidance for students of music to help them organize their own concerts.
UMCM has a structure of between three to five Trustees and not more than 100 Members. Trustees are responsible for finance and to ensure money is used to further the objects of the Charity and only for charitable purposes as defined by the Charity Commission. This responsibility includes sanctioning activities to raise money, to outline long-term and short term targets with an action plan to achieve the targets. A structure of voting and non-voting members is yet to be decided.
Until UMCM reaches a turnover of £5,000 it may act as a charity without registering with the Commission. The aim is to achieve this between nine to twelve months.
The known Benefits of singing and music include: health, communication, artistic and creative development and personal & community identity

WELLESBOURNE SUCCESS

Sat, 24 Mar 2012 00:00:00 +0100

Unlock the Music performed at St. Peter's Church Centre, Wellesbourne, where we had a warm welcome and played to a packed audience on 24th March. The main work was "Come ye Sons of Art", with conductor James Felix and our James Felix Singers. This marks the beginning of UTM bringing its concerts into community venues in Warwickshire. Also featuring in the concert were the lovely Fantasia String Quartet with a programme of popular classics and pupils of Lizzie Perring singing solo songs and arias form Purcell and Handel.

UTM the music will be performing this "Come ye Sons" again later in the year in the afternoon Sunday October 14th at Leamington Hastings.

Link to Mike Parry's article in Wellesbourne and Waltham News

"There was standing room only at the Church Centre on Saturday 24th March. The concert, compered by Lizzie Perring herself, began most unusually with an exquisite, balanced and beautifully controlled dance realisation of ‘Winter’
From Vivaldi’s Four Seasons by Daniel and Amy

There followed a succession of classical solos and duets from composers as varied as Handel and Mendelssohn and Purcell all sung with great feeling by a variety of talented young soloists. Perhaps the most moving of which was a rendering of Dido’s lament.
The first of two intervals followed, notable fro the Cake! Obviously the talent of this ensemble extend beyond music.
The Fantasia String Quartet entertained us for the next part of the concert with a programme of modern (19th & 20thC) music from composers such as Saint-Saens and Anita Hewitt-Jones. The Quartet was augmented by flautist Dave Weir for some pieces.
A second interval, with wine and nibbles, was succeeded by a performance of Henry Purcell’s “Come ye Sons of Art”. In this the young soloists were joined by other singers. There were numerous solos throughout the piece but perhaps the tiny figure of the first, Alexandra, stole our hearts.
A thoroughly enjoyable and inspiring evening and there will undoubtedly be further concerts I am sure. Just watch this space and if you would lie to sing just contact Lizzie o 07941 565 311"

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Sat, 20 Aug 2011 00:00:00 +0100

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