Day 3 (5/1/2007)

Big day - everyone is in a routine now but there are lots of tired kids (and their parents and teachers) around.

Day began as normal with a smaller tutorial group then yesterday and fewer interruptions from late comers and parents.

We were lucky to have Cathryn Lee again who took us through the first solo in the Bach A minor.

Important points included:

scales
thumb pinches
phrasing

Then off to ensemble - again a smaller group who listened and responded to our conductor with more discipline than was evident in the 1st rehearsal.

Then off to the play-in - we had Mr Nakamura and we played the Bach Double - yeah!

But I had not revised it as carefully as I should have - I hope Mr Nakamura did not hear the wrong notes I played!

He was in a very good mood and I think was as hungry as we were - he let us all off 10 minutes early.

I was so hungry and had-it but as we got up to leave, a Jazz band began loading into the main hall. It was a really difficult decision but I'm so glad that we elected to stay, listen and participate.

The Band's name was kinderjazz and they have a website here...

They spent an hour explaining the history of Jazz and demonstrating with jazz standards that allowed us to hear the various different types and styles.


Aunty Elizabeth knows Mr George Washingmachine (he plays violin in the band) and he invited Essie and me to play the do-wahs in 'it don't mean a thing if it ain't got that swing' (photo)

Then we helped the band play 'Autumn Leaves'

It was fantastic having an opportunity like this - George is a really cool jazz violinist.

Christobel Llewellyn is the producer of the band and she taught us various dances that were associated with different jazz styles. It was great to see lots of mums, dads and kids jiving (go Tristan!), doing the Charleston (photo) and the Mambo.

The last piece that the band played was called St Thomas and we both knew this one really well - so, we grabbed our violins again and rushed back on stage.

Thanks so much KinderJazz, George, Christobel and the Gang. And a very special thank you to the Conference organisers. This was a very special opportunity and we loved it!

BTW, the band stayed around at the end and answered lots of questions.

Lunch at last - we have found a great lunch spot at the top of the campus (up 350 stairs!) and today we had Indian Curries and Nan bread - yum.

Then we headed into Edgecliff to A. R. Irwin Violins. Aunty Elizabeth is sure that I am ready for a full size violin so I tried lots of different ones out. I found one that I really like but when dad suggested that we might buy it,I started to cry

Trouble is that I have only had my 3/4 for 18 months and it has been my 1st serious instrument. I love it lots and am not sure that I am ready to part with it. Dad can't see that there is a problem (surprise?) and has lots of pros and cons worked out for me - but I am just not ready yet.

Then the exciting bit - into the City - David Jones smells so good - bought something for Mum - saw Flushed Away - dinner then back on the bus.

Another big day tomorrow - I have a concert performance in the afternoon...