CRITICAL LISTENING

UNIVERSITY OF YORKDEPARTMENT OF MUSIC

RECORD OF ENSEMBLE PARTICIPATIONNAME: Oliver PickupENTRY YEAR: 2013

Please state the repertoire and concerts you have performed this year with all Departmental and Registered Ensembles. If you have performed with Society Ensembles as well (Concert Band etc.), please list these as well. You may also like to reflect on new approaches and techniques learnt and how your performance skills have been enhanced (max. 250 words).

Symphony OrchestraAutumn Concert (Bray, Verdi, Forsyth)Spring Concert (Mahler 2)Summer Concert (Britten)

Jazz OrchestraAutumn Concert (Illes, Schnider)Spring Concert (Silver)Summer Concert (Dedication Orchestra)

ChimeraAutumn Concert (Composer)Spring Concert (Jarventausta, Tinnoco)Spring Festival Concert (Barratt)

Big Band (Current Chair)Jazz Dance (joint event with MEG)Set at GoodFest (upcoming)

Sam Johnson Big BandLord Mayors Charity Gala at the Barbican (Johnson, Bassie, Emerald)Alumni Weekend upcoming (Johnson, Dylan, McGrail)CHMSWitches of Eastwick Spring termSummer Showcase (Assistant MD and rehearsal pianist)

Gilbert & Sullivan SocietySpring Show Princess Ida

Music SocietyI have not performed in any MusicSoc lunchtime concerts this year but I have been heavily involved with doing the lighting and recording of the concerts. This role has taught me how different styles of lighting can influence a show and either make a really good show or potentially ruin a show.

YoCoCoSpring Concert (Composer)Summer Concert (Composer)

Dysfunktion and TOPQI have performed at various events both on and off campus with my own function band and jazz quartet.

The biggest improvement to my playing this year has come about after gaining an appreciation for contemporary classical music and performing with the Chimera Ensemble. I have learned new techniques (including using a bottle of Prosecco as a mute) to create and change the timbre of my instrument. I have also learned that there is more to be gained from music than sitting in front of a score. Playing in a new work by Richard Barratt with a text score has given me experience in having to make on the spot musical choices, i.e. which instrument to use with what mutes and when. This is something that I found very difficult and would like to improve on next year as I also feel that it will help improve the musical choices that I make with Jazz Improvisation.