Masterworks 09

We'll we've just wrapped up 2 hectic weeks of Masterworks Player visits to schools all over Scotland. We've been to 38 schools, have seen 890 pupils and delivered 47 sessions - whew! SCO players Peter Franks, Adrian Bornet, Lorna McLaren, Alison Green, Alison Mitchell, Harry Johnstone and Aisling O'Dea have travelled from Doon Academy in Dalmellington right up to Fraserburgh Academy visiting the schools in pairs. They've been giving these pupils an insight into James MacMillan's Tryst through instrument demonstrations, delving into the history of the work, and also getting the pupils up on their feet exploring the rythmical complexity of McMillan's composition techniques. Using a Resource Pack prepared by Paul Rissmann for the teachers, the players worked with the pupils on practical Creative Activities, encouraging improvisation and creativity. Now everyone's up to speed on the background of Tryst, they're all ready to come along to see the full SCO led by James Lowe in action with Paul Rissmann presenting in Aberdeen, Kilmarnock and Edinburgh next week. For quite a high number of these pupils it will the very first time they've seen an orchestra live, so it's very exciting for us to be taking live orchestral music to so many pupils all over Scotland. And don't forget that anyone can come along to see what Masterworks is all about next Monday night - tickets are still available for the public performance at the Queen's Hall.