We have just got back from a full on day one spent with the amazing people from the Musicians Union. The event took place at the excellent music learning centre – Resonance Education Centre in Dudley, Birmingham. We attended several of their including South African Gumboot Rhythms hosted by Lucky Moyo where we were shown how to make rhythmic patterns and songs with an African inspired way to play using your gumboots and thigh’s and some dance moves and vocal thrown in. We then on to a Behind the scenes with the National Open Youth Orchestra hosted by Doug Bott and Jamie Moody who talked about a talented group of musicians – some disabled who have pioneered a new experience for young musicians.
We were then taken on a tour of the building taking in the recording studios, Black Country Radio station, rehearsal rooms, and also the live desk used by the metal band ‘Metallica’ as show below:
Roger Wilson took us through a talk about diversity with black people in music roles. We then split into groups and we attended Diana Widdison and Dr Kerry Boyles discussion on their new book ‘The Essential Handbook for Musicians Who Teach’. Then onto Ucans Jonathan Savage and his son Josh Savage who delivered a fun and informative talk on their products for music teachers and also tips for teaching online – some very funny moments which will remain a secret during this one!
Finally Bob Heath gave one of the most moving speeches we have ever heard about music therapy. There were many stories about people in difficult situations that he has helped – and not a dry eye in the house, simply amazing man and speech, will live with us for a long time.
Right, on to day 2…