Phoenix got back to fortnightly rehearsals this morning (Sunday 9 January), meeting up to have fun and make music over Zoom.
These online rehearsals have been inspired by our new friends at the Aberdeenshire Saxophone Orchestra, who very kindly allowed us to join one of their Zoom rehearsals just before Christmas to see how it’s all done!
Facilitated by our MD Tony Rifugiato, we are currently concentrating on two new pieces of music, using Zoom breakout rooms where we can listen, share and work together on various aspects including musical style, timing and expression.
Over the past 10 months, Phoenix members have worked hard to find lots of creative new ways to keep playing and learning together, despite not being able to meet face to face. Initiatives have included an online workshop on sax technique with the orchestra’s Patron Gerard McChrystal, two home recordings that have been released online with accompanying videos, and a virtual Christmas charity single, which has raised more than £830 for local charity VASL.
