Unique recording studio experience for orchestra members
Recording music live is an opportunity many musicians dream about but that became a reality for The People’s Orchestra (TPO) members.
In another unique members’ event, musicians experienced exactly what it was like to do a live recording session for a day in The Ruddock Performing Arts Centre in Birmingham.
Organised by Orchestra Manager Amy Marshall and led by TPO conductor Saphran Ali, excited members gathered in the state-of-the art concert hall with recording studio facilities at King Edward VI High School For Girls in Edgbaston on Sunday April 12.
They arrived feeling like VIPs to find the TPO team had already set up their stands and chairs across the stage, ready for them to hit the ground running for a day of immortalising their performance forever.
Musicians in TPO who normally rehearse on Sundays in Birmingham city centre jumped at the chance to try something new, rehearsing avidly before the big day.
Once settled on the impressive stage, they recorded four pieces during the long session. Catchy music, the epitome of what TPO has become known for, ranged from the theme music to movie ‘The Incredibles’ to an orchestrated version of Belinda Carlisle’s hit ‘Heaven Is A Place On Earth’, music from TV show ‘Doctor Who’ and an orchestral arrangement of musical favourite ‘A Whole New World’ from Disney’s ‘Aladdin’.
Deborah ‘Deb’ Carr, aged 55 has played the clarinet since she was 11 and been in various community bands before joining TPO. “I’ve never done any recording before so didn’t know what to expect,” said Deb.
“It was interesting as we had to perform sections of the music over and over again as it has to be perfect. The sound engineer was really good and funny. The session went very quick given that we only performed four pieces but there were probably at least 26 takes.”
Deb Carr (pictured left) joined TPO’s Woodwind section, shortly after being impressed by the concert at Symphony Hall.
Deb, who works in the NHS supporting cancer patients at Birmingham’s Queen Elizabeth Hospital, added: “I work part-time and it’s not the easiest of jobs but I like it. I enjoy being able to go to the orchestra when I’m not at work to meet people, socialise and it’s good for my mental health.
“It always feels professional and being able to do something like this recording helps me grow as a person.
“I wouldn’t get these experiences elsewhere, it’s a pleasure to be part of TPO. It’s all about playing well but still having a laugh.”
Deb joined TPO’s Woodwind section in June last year, shortly after being impressed as an audience member of the orchestra’s Mother’s Day Concert at Symphony Hall.
“After seeing a concert like that, I got itchy feet to be part of it, so got in touch with TPO afterwards and did the trial period,” explained Deb.
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“It’s such a lovely bunch of people to be involved with and they are super organised, so I don’t have to do anything but turn up and enjoy playing music.
“What I like most is that you can have a laugh but then also be serious when you need to be. TPO rehearsals are a joy to be part of, and I really enjoy going to them. I miss them when we don’t meet during the summer break.
“Saph the conductor is so experienced and a lovely guy, who always makes it fun. What TPO offers is special experiences, I mean you’re not going to get to perform music on stage at Symphony Hall or do a recording like this as a regular member of the public are you?”
There was even a renowned Steinway grand piano at The Ruddock Performing Arts Centre, used by TPO newcomer and pianist Elliot Atkinson.
Student Elliot, 21, from Kidderminster, normally plays an electric piano at home but got his first chance to play the special Steinway at the rehearsal.
“It was interesting how it involves a lot of takes to get the sound exactly right,” added Elliot.
“We did a lot of snippets of each piece and stopped a lot.
“I understand the industry better now and how a recording works.” You can read more on the student’s rare chance to play it here.
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Jamie Parker, TPO’s Digital Communications Coordinator, observed the recording session to capture footage for social media and TPO’s other channels. He said: “It was a useful and positive learning experience for all the orchestra members and a great day that left the musicians feeling very happy.
“There was more stopping and starting than usual as Saphran would explain what needed to be done different to get the best sound for the recording. The orchestra really like him and it’s fascinating to see how he works with them.
“It was just another good, unique event organised at TPO.”
The People’s Orchestra rehearses every Sunday in term time at Trefoil House at 2 Ellis Street in Birmingham city centre from 4pm to 7pm. Find out more about joining the orchestra here. New starters have two weeks’ of free taster sessions to see if they enjoy being part of TPO before they decide whether to join.
