Banjo Playing Hedgehogs

3rd July 2008

I found you hedgehog saga amusing and informative. That is until you started to enter the realms of fantasy. Anyone with a modicum of fretted instrument knowledge would know that when the hedgehog rolled into a ball the neck of the banjo would be sticking out quite a way. This would to a certain extent negate Rule One. Therefore the hedgehog MUST have been playing a Ukelele banjo.

Paul Tombs

Keiron says:
Now that's just silly! How can he play a banjo or a uke when he's clearly on the phone. It is against hedgehog law to use amobile whilst in control of a banjo; if anyone is ever in control of a banjo!

Re. Prickly situations

26th June 2008

In my capacity as the unofficial mascot of the Yorkshire Wild Orchestra (or should that be Wind Orchestra?) I am bitterly disappointed that a small defenceless (ok, not entirely defenceless) animal has been mindlessly used as a subject of humour without the slightest concern for its wellbeing. It may have been physically unharmed but what about the emotional damage?
Basil
P.S. I am a little confused, is Amanda suggesting the hedgehog is a musician, if so, what does he play??

Basil the YWO Squirrel

Keiron says:
I have researched this and he plays the banjo; or at least he seems to be playing it. He does appear to be attracted to the instrument in some fashion. He has also become very attached to a clothes brush.

The hedgehog could have had a much worse situation to deal with if the dog took him too close to the main road.

Hedgehod strategy No.1 is not too effective under the wheels of a moving vehical. However, hedgehog strategy 1 a reads:

If you hear a car coming roll up into a ball. Then tightly close ear, nose mouth and eyes. It is essential that the arse muscles are tight too.

"What happens if they're not?"

"Well your brains shoot out your ass!"

It's tough being a hedgehog.

Keiron

Dealing with prickly situations!

25th June 2008

A typical musician! When the going gets tough stick your head up your arse and hope it all goes away :o)

Amanda (non musician)

Keiron says:
Now Amanda do you really expect me to put your "typical musician" thing on the site? Remember the song "When the going gets tough the tough..............." Phone a friend!
Oh I did put it on the site.

Let's see if we get some feedback.

Keiron

World premier

23rd June 2008

Hi,
We were all very privileged to have heard last night's premier of Closure in its original form, it is a very intense piece in parts and I think would improve even further with subsequent listening - which would also give Dave a chance to decide whether he agrees with you ending or not…….. Harlequin Dances by the way is great; very immediate - the sort of piece that makes you smile as you listen (and I now have extreme high note envy!).
L.

Lindsay

Keiron says:
I was glad that you came to hear the concert. I know that the group appreciate the support and play all the better for it. I wanted the piece to be intriguing and worthy of more than a single listen. Harlequin Dances uses simple ostinati and thematic development to drive home the point, making it more of an impact piece; which programmes need.

It is heartening to know that you enjoyed it all.

Keiron

NSWO Derby Cathedral

10th June 2008

Photos are now on my web site
www.ptgraphics.co.uk

Paul Tombs

Feedback!

19th May 2008

I know you have said you need to feed off the enthusiasm of group members. So here goes.
I think YWO is really starting to discover its new identity now, and is growing in confidence fast.
Having been out of Phoenix for around a year, I have noticed a new ethos with heightened concentration at rehearsals, and this resulted in a very successful concert at Armley where the receptive audience inspired the band.
C’mon Harlequin – any imminent concert seems to bring out the best in the group – and the challenging programme for Broomhill should do just that.
Thanks for your hard work and sharing your experience and skills.
Must keep listening and practising.

David

Keiron says:
I am a "vampire" for enthusiasm and commitment. I work best under those circumstances. What I cannot do is function well when I'm tired after a long day and a long journey only to find that people have not shown up. Empty chairs are my pet hate that's when all my energy is cancelled out.

It's my own fault because I have put up with it in the past. NSWO do not put up with it and so the players who remain have the commitment to be ready to play at 9.30am every Sunday morning. You don't get that by being soft and flexible all the time.

NSWO Concert : Langar

6th May 2008

Added the photos to my site.
www.ptgraphics.co.uk

Pappa-Hatzi-Paul

Keiron says:
I've had a look and they are really good. There was not a lot of light and most of it behind the subject. Well done!

Guest Conductor NSWO at St. Andrew's Church

6th May 2008

Say hello to Eduard Oertle, enjoy your time, company and music, have a memorable event (without getting hernia in the eardrum).

Michael Schulz, Albstadt, Unter der

Keiron says:
Thanks, Eduard was excellent!

Phoenix Band Concert

6th May 2008

Hi Keiron, as a new member of the flute section, I just wanted to say how much I am enjoying the rehearsals and I thoroughly enjoyed playing in the concert on Sunday. I think we certainly entertained the audience and I think your compairing was excellent! Thank you for putting in so much effort at rehearsals, it is a pleasure to attend and I have learnt so much, it is very much appreciated.

Jo Lewis

Keiron says:
Keep coming and playing so well!

Reaching out to new audiences

6th May 2008

Hi Keiron,

I think it's fair to say that everybody involved with the Phoenix 'Last Night of the Proms' concert in Armley last night had a wonderful evening. The locals clearly enjoyed themselves and the band felt greatly appreciated, both in terms of the audience reaction and the wonderful hospitality we were shown.

It made me reflect on the way home about how sometimes bands and orchestras can operate in a relatively small sphere. It was a great experience to reach out to a wider audience who perhaps came to the concert with slightly different expectations and responses.

The St George iced biscuits were also a great touch!

Hilary Pattison

Keiron says:
The band is improving and developing. Onwards and upwards!