Week 10 virtual events
Monday - Artist Spotlight
Emma Risley
Today's Spotlight features local artist, music student, and Concerts Manager, Emma Risley!
Em has been playing guitar and been singing for ten years and has made a collection of acoustic covers of popular songs by the likes of ABBA and Joni Mitchell. Take a look at her channel for chilled covers on guitar and piano, with some original music in the pipeline. Emma has also just released her debut self produced original EP Told You So.
Available on steaming platforms under Em Risley:
Tuesday - Concert Highlight
Fauré Requiem - UoY Cathedral Singers
For today's concert highlight we are going back to autumn term when the University of York Cathedral Singers gave a stunning performance of Fauré's Requiem.
Largely composed in the late 1880s, the work was not completed until 1900. Unusually gentle for a requiem mass, the work is often reminiscent of the composer’s best-known work, the restful and graceful Pavane of 1887. Fauré himself described his Requiem as “a lullaby of death.”
Wednesday - Competition/Quiz
This week we had round 2 of our ‘Say what you see’ picture quiz. Check out our instagram story highlights to see that!
Thursday - Recommended Video
At Home With The BBC Symphony Orchestra — Julie Price & Steve Magee
The BBC Symphony Principal Bassoonist talks about the instrument going into the detail of the reed making process and modern techniques on the instrument.
Friday - Quarantine Concert
Due to unforeseen circumstances, we have unfortunately had to delay the final quarantine concert once again. We want to thank everyone that has been involved in our virtual event series, from recording individual parts, to editing, to sharing - it can be a long process!
The end of term marks the end of our virtual concerts series, however as a result of these delays, we will be treating you to a few more quarantine concerts over summer! Keep an eye on our social media to be the first to see these, as well as other projects we have planned.
VIRTUAL SUMMER BALL
On Saturday in week 10 we held a virtual summer ball, where members could dress up and join us on a zoom call, with quizzes, awards and games! Stay tuned over the summer for similar socials.
As always, please do get in touch with any suggestions for things you’d like to see us doing.
Week 9 virtual events
Monday - Artist Spotlight
Georgia Corrin
After winning our composition competition with her amazing arrangement of 'The Incredits', this weeks artist spotlight is Georgia. Here's what she has to say:
"I’ve played sax since I was 7 and been part of ensembles for as long as I can remember. I’ve really missed these during lockdown and since I enjoy arranging, I decided I’d make my own ensemble from home! Check out some of my links below."
YouTube Instagram
Tuesday - Concert Highlight
The Chimera Ensemble
In today's concert highlight we're going back to the end of Autumn term when the Chimera ensemble presented a concert filled with amazing student composed works.
Wednesday - Competition Quiz
This week we made an instagram poll to determine the Music Society’s favourite instrument.
Winner: Saxophone!
Thursday - Recommended Video
Royal Albert Hall - Royal Albert Home
The Royal Albert Hall presents the series (Royal Albert Home), which brings exclusive sessions from artists’ homes to yours whilst the Hall is shut.
These shows are all available for free as part of an ongoing virtual series for viewers to experience some of the most talented artists.
Watch Tim Burgess delivering an exclusive set from his home as part of the Royal Albert Home sessions.
Friday - Quarantine Concert
This week we experienced delays with our quarantine concert - it will be released in the coming weeks.
Week 8 virtual events
Monday - Artist Spotlight
Annabell Pidduck
I’m Annabell and I’m a second year Music student and Singer-Songwriter. I am primarily a cellist, but have always loved singing from a young age and been writing songs since I was 14. I started writing songs more seriously since being at university as reflections of all of my experiences and always try to convey raw and honest emotions that people can relate to in my music. Recently, I’ve released two singles on Spotify - ‘Always’ and ‘She’, both are inspired by the indie, alternative and pop styles that I love to listen to. I’m also excited to incorporate cello into some of my upcoming songs. I would really appreciate if you could have a listen to what I have out on Spotify and other platforms!
Instagram: @anna_bellmusic
Tuesday
#blackouttuesday #theshowmustbepaused
This week, we focussed particularly on standing in solidarity with, and raising awareness for, the BLM movement. We are working to be more inclusive and representative. Thank you to everyone who has sent in suggestions of what we can do to achieve this - please keep them coming!
Wednesday
Following on from that, we felt that this week, instead of a quiz or competition, we could share a few resources that support the BLM movement.
Thursday - Recommended Video
This week’s recommended video is a compilation of music and art compiled by Zoe Amira, who is donating all of the proceeds generated from the adverts to a range of BLM organisations.
Friday - Quarantine Concert
Toot that flute is proud to present ‘Somewhere over the Rainbow’ by Arlen/Harburg, arr. M. Orriss. We understand that all our lives have changed recently; therefore, members of our flute choir would like to bring you some sunshine and rainbows to carry us all through this stormy time. This song is particularly special to each member of our flute choir as we all applaud our strong and brave NHS, key workers that are putting themselves out there to help us all everyday. This song is for them and for all of you who are saving lives by staying at home. We hope you enjoy Toot that Flute’s self isolated version of ‘Somewhere over the Rainbow’. Our members are wearing colours to fill a rainbow to show our support for the NHS.
Week 7 virtual events
Monday - Local Artist Spotlight
"If Joel L-S were a drink, he'd be a chocolatey stout."
He's Fulford road's finest MC, supposedly. Joel L-S is an artist who makes relatable hip hop that doesn't shy away from emotion. If you're into 90's era hip hop he's definitely got something for you. Listen to his music on:
Tuesday - Concert Highlight:
Zamar - Za-Fever
Zamar is a fun filled Gospel choir who love some glitter and love to boogie! This is our first concert of the year in which the new MD’s are so excited to introduce brand new repertoire with a brand new choir full of traditional Zamar tunes as well as some new exciting styles!
Wednesday - Competition/quiz
This week we did a ‘say what you see’ quiz on our Instagram and Facebook stories. Check out the recap email this week for a few of the questions if you missed it!
Thursday - Selected livestream/video:
Eamonn's Top Tip: Taking a Breather
Join Eamonn Dougan as he takes you through some breathing exercises.
Follow this link to check out the video they posted on Thursday.
Friday - Quarantine Concert:
Eboracum Quartet
Having been unable to rehearse during lockdown, the Eboracum Quartet thought they would bring you something a little different today, with an arrangement of Florence and the Machine’s, ‘Dog Days are Over’. We hope you enjoy!
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Week 6 virtual events
Monday - Local Artist Spotlight
"This lot are definitely ones to watch throughout 2020" - Spotlight UK
Harnessing a distinctive sound inspired by the likes of YONAKA, Nothing But Thieves and Wolf Alice, Everything After Midnight are a 5-piece to be reckoned with. The York band have been growing exponentially since launching in late 2019 with their debut single Again having received consistent local radio play and support from BBC Introducing.
March 2020 saw the release of their debut single ‘Again’ on all major streaming platforms, supported by a packed out gig on campus. After playing some huge shows and recently winning the University of York’s Battle of The Bands, the band show promise as the next big thing. With a catalogue of exciting demos brewing, it's clear there's plenty more to come from EAM.
Tuesday - Concert Highlight:
Get your dance shoes on and come along and hear some of your favourite tunes (and a few surprises). With fantastic arrangements and new moves we want to see you grooving away to our a cappella offerings!
Wednesday - Competition/quiz
WIN £100 - Music Society Summer Grant
Are you missing regular music-making whilst in lockdown? Have you found new ways of being creative with your music?
You could be in with a chance of winning the Music Society one-off grant of £100!
To be in with a chance of winning, you must create some sort of video recording, and write 500 words explaining a bit about your submission, why you think you deserve to win and what you plan to do with the prize money. Maybe you want to take some online lessons or a masterclass, buy some basic recording equipment, or even put the money towards instrumental accessories.
The video recording doesn’t have to be a conventionally rounded performance with good quality audio - we just want to see you find a creative way of showcasing your talent. We are fully aware that most people won’t have any fancy recording equipment, so we won’t favour recordings that have used a home studio over recordings made on a phone or computer. Likewise, we’re not looking for a completely polished performance, we want something fun and inventive. Video recordings must be under 5 minutes and filmed in landscape.
Send your video and writing to musicsoc@yusu.org. In your email, you must state ‘I have read and agree to the terms and conditions’. You can read them here.
You must be a paid-up member of the music society to apply.
Applications close on Wednesday the 10th of June 2020. Any applications received after this date will not be considered.
Please note, this is different to many other grants available at the moment, as it is based purely on your creativity and ability to adapt. If you are in need of funding in this unusual situation, we recommend looking into things like the Emergency Student Support Fund.
Thursday - Selected video:
Sing for Pleasure is a charitable organisation, and they’re doing a series of ‘webinars’ in different aspects of conducting choirs/musical leadership in a singing context. The webinars cost £5 each, or £20 for the next series of five. They also have free advice sheets on a variety of topics.
Friday - Quarantine Concert
The Power Four
Performing a jazzy version of Under Da Sea, the Power Four saxophone quartet. Coming together for this virtual concert from Guernsey, Hertfordshire and Yorkshire. Enjoy this upbeat classic with plenty of fun and key changes! With special thanks to Freya Godfrey for stepping and playing the bari sax part for us!
Make sure you're following us on Facebook to be the first to see all of our virtual events
Week 5 virtual events
Monday - Local Artist Spotlight
“The Music Education Group, or MEG for short, is a student run volunteering project. We run musical workshops in primary and secondary schools, hospitals and care homes across York ranging from samba and African drumming to ukuleles, kazoos, singing, instrument demonstrations and many more! All of our workshops are free of charge for everyone, making music accessible for all.”
Tuesday - Concert Highlight:
The Neptune Quartet and Toot That Flute
Two for the price of one with our next fabulous concert highlight:
Neptune Quartet
Join York’s grooviest Clarinet Quartet for a set full of our favourite tunes. With a mixture of classical and popular music, there’s something for everyone to enjoy! The Neptune Quartet are also taking part in our Composition Competition, allowing one lucky composer to have their arrangement performed by the group as part of our Quarantine Concert series! If you want to enter the competition to have your piece recorded by the Neptune Quartet, check out last week's post where you'll find all the details!
Toot That Flute
A fabulous selection of flute arrangements including music by Queen and The Beatles as well as some more traditional pieces.
Wednesday - Competition/quiz
"As of May 5th we are launching a global music competition For this competition winners: will be featured as part of the Prospect 100 for music, and receive mentorships from industry titans such as Guy Holmes (Michael Jackson & Stevie Wonder manager), Polo Molina (Black Eyed Peas & Will.I.AM manager), Danny Zook (Migos manager), Josh Marshall (Lil Mosey manager) and Preye Crooks (A&R at Columbia Records & Founder of Strawberries and Creem).
The competition is open to all singers, producers, instrumentalists, and other musicians age 21 and under. Applicants can submit music pieces in any language or format. Each submission must be an original work and will be according to its originality, sound, and performance. We have judges from a mixture of genres; from rappers like Iann Dior to the world’s leading techno DJ Guy Gerber to Kimberly Davis of CHIC and Derrick McKenzie/Matt Johnson of Jamiroquai so we can spot the genuine best talents from absolutely any genre.
To enter the competition, applicants have to submit their original song via www.prospect100.com and follow @prospectonehundred on Instagram. Applications open May 5th and will close on June 2nd at midnight Eastern Time.
Overall winners will be announced June 26th"
Thursday - Selected livestream/video:
Join members of Voces8 and Apollo 5 in learning about music that uses simple melodies that layer up to make a piece.
Friday - Quarantine Concert
This week, Isabell Chen is showcasing her love of Studio Ghibli with a performance of 'Always with Me' from Spirited Away.
Make sure you're following us on Facebook to be the first to see all of our virtual events
Week 4 virtual events
In case you missed it on our social media and recap email, here is a summary of the virtual events we shared this week.
Monday - Local Artist Spotlight:
Tom Gulliver-Guitarist, Singer, Song Writer, and producer.
"I’m Tom Gulliver, I make a lot of acoustic and rock tunes and am a third year Music & Sound Recording student. I run a student record label called ‘Lucky Boy Records’, with some artists such as The Shamble & Charlotte Hall, whilst also heavily involved with UoY’s Band Society. I’ve also run a few open mics on campus too and have had a handful of my own songs played on BBC Radio York, including my friends’ favourite - ‘All Dogs Are Good Dogs’. Throughout the year I’ve been recording a full-length album due in the summer of 2020, which features a blend of folk rock with some punk, synth-pop, and more. Hope you enjoy what I currently have online!"
Follow Tom on Spotify too!
Tom Gulliver-Guitarist, Singer, Song Writer, and producer.
Tuesday - Concert Highlight:
Kicking off our lunchtime concert highlights is the fabulous Yorktet and their concert back in February.
Wednesday - Competition/quiz
Composition competition: compose a new piece (or do a cool new arrangement of an existing piece) for the Neptune Clarinet Quartet
Thursday - Selected livestream/video:
Test your sight-singing out and try and sing along with the score to a piece sung by the magnificent ensemble I Fagiolini
Friday - Quarantine Concert
Committee choir - ‘Lean on me’
Make sure you're following us on Facebook to be the first to see all of our virtual events.