‘School Notes’ earmarked for young ears

When creating the programme for the “School Notes” concert next Tuesday, Steve Campbell did not have to look far for inspiration. Marlborough Civic Orchestra’s conductor has a musical daughter, fresh off a musical theatre production, and drew an idea from her.

“I ran it past a couple of our younger members who agreed,” he relayed, “and hey-presto, it was in.”

Steve did not reveal the specific piece, nor the list of pieces chosen for the night, as he’d “like to leave it a mystery”. However, since his daughter is Addison Campbell, who alternated with Alice Kingi in the title role of “Matilda”, a hint is in that billing.

“What I can tell you,” Steve continued, “is that the majority of the crowd will recognise pretty much everything we play as well as our guest vocalists, two of whom are both still at school themselves.”

Indeed, Addison and Alice will join the orchestra and the others at Whitehaven Theatre for a lineup curated for young ears. “School Notes” is a recurring part of the symphony season, aimed at building appreciation for classics old and new.

“Children need to hear music they recognise to stay engaged,” explained the conductor, who came to MCO in January by way of Blenheim Musical Theatre.

“Yes, Beethoven’s Fifth is recognised worldwide and is a magnificent, dynamic piece of musical art, but it’s not going to grab the children’s attention for the entire duration. We’ve chosen a programme that will be recognised and get them dancing in their seats – that’s engagement.”

Fresh faces
If youngsters envision themselves out of their seats and up on stage, all the better. MCO features musicians who rise through its developmental orchestra, UpBeat, which lays a foundation for their training and the future of the organisation.

“We have a good number of younger musicians in MCO,” Steve said.They, too, were sounding boards for “School Notes” selections.

“The music choice was about demonstrating how orchestras are capable of so much more than the traditional classics,” he noted. “We gave the audience at the ‘Curtain Up’ show a taste of a very well-known Led Zeppelin number; it was well received and was a first for not just the orchestra but also the audience.

On Tuesday, Steve continued, “I want the audience to learn that MCO have the musical ability to play a huge variety of music.”

School Notes
Who: Marlborough Civic Orchestra
Where: Whitehaven Theatre
When: 30 June, 5:30pm
Tickets: eventfinda.co.nz