Past Events - 2006
A gala concert was held in April 2006, with the wonderful voice of Holly Holyoake (truly a second Katherine Jenkins). Her voice was complemented by the Blaenavon Male Voice Choir, directed by Gareth Whitcombe. Our own Daisy Evans played the clarinet with such skill that we understood how she has been chosen for the National Youth. She was the first to give a recital on our fabulous grand piano, donated by the heirs of Dr. Alan Jenkins.
The Summer Gala Concert was of the highest professional standard, using both classical and jazz music. Ralph Allin’s group enthralled and enthused the 150 year 6 pupils of two local schools in the afternoon, and were well appreciated. Of those children with no musical experience, about 50 children raised their hands to say that they would like to learn to play an instrument- the acoustic violin being a huge impetus, with Ralph’s brilliant stories of music.
The evening Gala shocked many who perhaps were thinking that it would just be a ‘Concert’. It was, of course, far more than that, with the audience quite silent at the end, but then giving a standing ovation to the players, who when talking afterwards were really overcome by their time here and the hospitality that they received.
The drama workshop progressed through the summer with young people making a full commitment. They were trained in theatre skills, use of masks and mime, which culminated in a final performance workshop.
The drum workshop run by Chrys Blanchard was amazing – 35 drums were hired and were beaten with perfect synchronisation. The youngest child was 9 years old and the oldest were in their 70’s. Chris Blanchard was truly at ease, totally charismatic and inspiring. She empathised, she exalted and she enthralled.
The Autumn Festival Concerts were a great success. On Thursday 28th Pontnewydd Ladies choir were a perfect foil to Pontnewynydd Primary School musicians. The ladies choir were very competent and brought with them a young soloist, Ben Powell. The school children were well received by the audience and gained in confidence (one of the problems for children in our area).
Local talent performed at the Saturday Concert. The drummers from the workshop performed and made a terrific impact. She also persuaded her group, the ‘Djambabes’ to play, letting the uninitiated of us see and enjoy Africa’s music in song and rhythm. Because the building has such excellent accoustics, it was a live presentation that could make that space very special to both players and listeners. Interestingly, as people left the building, they asked how their youngsters could benefit from the T.F.C. Experience.
Definite progress was shown in the development of our own Youth Ensemble. Individuals and groups performed with great skill and confidence. Our Daisy Evans now of the National Youth Symphonia extended her skills to the piano and saxophone. Lauren Jones performed modern dance, but also was choreographer for the other girls to dance to various modern songs.
Three under eight year olds gave us a dance using streamers.
We were able to use one of our young men to work the video camera to show the dancing and full stage on the screen, so that those at the back could appreciate the whole show, developing our use of I.C.T.