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THE PROGRAMME BTN
MATTHEW BARLEY
At the ARTE
16 October 2003 – 20 October 2003
Pepi
Michaelides, Music Teacher, Pedagogical Institute, Nicosia.
What a memorable experience! I was lucky to be among
50 or so music teachers who went through a fascinating
musical voyage at the first workshop of th BTN project
which was led by Matthew Barley and Fraser Trainer and
took place at ARTE in Nicosia. Even though I had been
acquainted with Matthew’s work as an impeccable
cellist (so musical!) and with Fraser’s London
Sinfonietta projects, the workshop was a chain of pleasant
surprises continuously unfolding imaginative musical
events. Both musicians have great commitment, passion,
warmth, great humour and immense musicality respecting
at the same time the participants both as individuals
and as group members. The session was inspiring for
many reasons from the way the workshop was structured
by Matthew’s and Fraser’s gifted approach,
bringing to mind how ‘dry’ music teaching
may become when the music teacher ‘forgets’
that s/he is a musician and that all comes from and
leads to the same thing: the love for music, the love
for children, the love for what you do. All is combined
with hard work, and boy, both Matthew and Fraser do
work hard!!! I was touched by their sincerity, directness
and their wholehearted dedication to music and to what
they do.
Introductory
Speech at the concert
Maria Pashia and Maria Panayidou
Maria 1.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
On behalf of the students, we welcome you to this evening’s
concert, which is organized in the framework of the
Matthew Barley Programme «Between the Notes».
This programme is organised by the British Council in
co-operation with the Ministry of Education and Culture,
and it is the first time that a programme like this
is taking place in Cyprus. The first phase of the BTN
programme lasted for 4 days. The whole project will
be completed in April with a big concert in the Eleftheria
Stadium, with the participation of 1000 students.
This evening, the performers in this specific concert
are students from the Nicosia Lycea. Through this big
and very creative project, we had the opportunity to
work with Matthew Barley and his associates, Peter Whyman
and Fraser Trainer, and to have live and intense experiences
through improvisation, composition and performing.
Maria 2.
At first, we would like to share with you the experiences
we have had during these last four days. More specifically,
the first day that we all met, we were strangers between
ourselves and we did not know what to expect. Then when
the workshop started, we were not even sure what the
programme was all about. But through rhythmical and
other musical exercises during all those four days,
we were able to understand the whole procedure. With
the help of those three artists and through various
games and rhythmical exercises we were able to understand
the set environment and to get to know each other. Our
knowing each other was vital for good co-operation,
so that we would be able to create the musical composition
which we will present to you, shortly, this evening.
Maria 1.
No one can deny that it was those artists’ valuable
help which gave us the strength and skills to reach
tonight’s musical level and to be able to travel
through the music which we have created. During all
those last four days, Matthew, Fraser and Peter worked
hard and managed to put across to us their rhythmic
and musical liveliness, so that we ourselves might be
able to compose through improvisation.
Maria 2.
More specifically, we were divided into various groups
in which each one of us gave his/her own sound, in other
words, each one of us added little of each ones’
character/ personality, so that the final melody would
be built. We created melodies on a key given to us and
melodies based on our names. Then, when every group
had improvised and worked on its own piece of music,
we all gathered together in the main hall to put everything
together in a rather unusual manner.
Maria 1.
Finally, we would like to thank you all for coming here
tonight to listen to us. We would also like to thank
all the organisers who worked so that this project could
become a reality and especially we would like to thank
Matthew, Fraser and Peter who, with patience and perseverance,
showed us a different view of the world of musical composition
and improvisation. This experience will remain for ever
an indelible memory for us; it will remain for ever
engraved in our minds and in our hearts. This is because
we really had four wonderful days in which we learned
very important things about music, which we might never
have the opportunity in our lives to know about or to
feel. We hope that you will enjoy our concert and that
you will travel through our music in a world which is
different from the every day world.
Good Listening!
EVALUATIONS
Marios Stylianou, Lyceum of Pallouriotissa (trombone)
Well! I, personally, was so much thrilled with the programme
of Matthew Barley, and I believe that all the other
kids were thrilled as well. Since it was the first time
in which I belonged to a team, where I played the trombone
with others who play other instruments, and I learned
how to listen to other people as well, - as we all are
a team now, together, and we have to depend on each
other. And it was an exciting experience! Matthew, Peter
and Fraser gave us very beautiful and unforgettable
moments and although at times, we were getting on their
nerves, deep down, we love them very much, really very
much, and we will meet with them again on the 30th of
November when the concert of the 2nd group will take
place. We had the opportunity to see how a European
school system works, since we had to start working at
8.30 a.m. and we had our lessons until 2.30 p.m. with
a break of one hour, in the middle. Those 4 days were
unforgettable and we met kids from other schools with
whom we have common interests.
I believe that we gave a distinguished concert, in which
we performed 2 pieces: one was based on notes derived
from the names of 12 students from our team, and the
second one was based on our own improvisation, put into
a simple jazz piece, composed by Fraser. I was so sad,
because, as we all knew, in the morning, after the concert,
we would not have to go to Arte anymore, so that we
would have another lesson with our English friends and
the rest of the kids. On the other hand, it is so exciting
to have to wait for the final great concert, with all
groups together, next April, in the Eleftheria Stadium.
We all love you.
I hope that no one will ever forget those 4 days in
which we all became so close to each other.
George Karayiorges, Lyceum of Palouriotissa (clarinet,
piano)
I had a very pleasant time in the workshop with Matthew
Barley and the rest of the musicians from the BTN group.
I also gained a lot of useful experiences, as well as
entertaining.
The contact with a new way of composing music, with
a new way of working and shaping both sounds and harmony,
the contact with an unsurpassable and a very new way,
was something which I believe will remain unforgettable
to all of us, for ever. It was something so very interesting,
since not only we performed, but also we were part of
the whole procedure of creating those pieces.
Apart from the knowledge and the performing experience
of music that we had, we made friends, with whom we
will be tied together, for a whole lifetime, for ever.
We will always be in touch with them, because we lived
unforgettable moments together and because we worked
as a team, for the success of a difficult but fruitful
objective.
Once more I would like to thank Matthew, Fraser and
Peter for their patience and perseverance, but also
for the experiences that they offered us.
Petros Sytlianou, Lyceum of Acropolis (violin)
The workshop, in which we participated, will, truly,
remain engraved in our memory, because it was an exceptional
opportunity for us to practice other kinds of music
as well, for which most of the people do not know about.
At the same time, we improved both musical and mental
(problem solving) skills. Through the various games,
we got to know better the other kids who participated.
I would like to say that such opportunities should never
pass unnoticed, because they are so rare. We may never
have the chance to have such experiences in the future.
Finally, I would like to thank the 3 musicians: Matthew
Barley, Fraser Trainer and Peter Whyman for their continuous
help in this project and also you, the Ministry of Education
and the British Council for the opportunity you offered
us.
Harris Baytelman, Lyceum of Dasoupolis. (saxophone)
The project was an amazing experience. We learned many
things as far as rhythm and composing are concerned
but also about team working. After this, personally,
my attitude, towards various music subjects, changed
completely. I would like very much to repeat the whole
thing. Of course, we will all meet again in April. The
only thing I have to say about Matthew, Fraser and Peter,
is that they are all exceptional in everything….
I thank them!!! I also hope that such projects could
happen more often because they are not only educational
but also they are an unforgettable experience!
Maria Panayidou, Lyceum of Apostolos Varnavas (flute)
Without any doubts, this was the most creative and the
most odd/strange seminar, but also the most enthusiastic
seminar in which I ever participated. The three artists,
Matthew, Fraser and Peter made the rhythm inside us
come alive; they made us feel in every depth and in
every way, the music that we ourselves created. This
seminar made me realize the true value of rhythm and
of musical liveliness as well as the joy of creating.
At the same time, this seminar during its duration of
only 4 days, gave me the opportunity to come closer
to the other kids who were participating, and to make
new friends. This experience will remain unforgettable
for ever. I would never miss an opportunity to repeat
this experience. I feel very lucky that I had the chance
to participate in this seminar. This is why I feel that
I have to thank all the organizers of this programme,
who gave us this unique opportunity to participate.
The most pleasant thought is that we will have the opportunity
to work with those wonderful artists, again, in April!
I wait impatiently, for the second phase of this programme!
Menelaos Skitsas, Pancyprian Gymnasium (guitar)
This seminar which was organised for kids from different
schools of Nicosia, and was taught by three English
musicians, was an unforgettable experience for me. Through
this programme I learned to co operate with people unknown
to me. I am so glad because I participated in this programme
and I feel so lucky.
Erasmia Michael, Lyceum of St. George, Lakatameia. (Saxophone)
I, too, would like to give an evaluation for the seminars
in which I have participated these last four days, and
which were truly wonderful!
During these days, I have gone through some very intensive
sentimental phases: I had a lot of stress, worry, even
fear for the unknown; later I could feel the joy of
creating, the enthusiasm and also sorrow because something
so perfect, had to end so quickly.
I, thank you, truly, from the bottom of my heart, for
those intense, unforgettable experiences which you helped
me acquire, which were something so simple but at the
same time so wonderful.
The fact that the melodies we made were based on our
names, makes us feel enthusiasm, joy and satisfaction.
I believe that through these seminars, I have gained
a lot and I have increased my music knowledge. I am
sure that we all have gained not only knowledge but
we also learned how to co operate with each other, to
co-operate with people we did not know before. We learned
to create such beautiful things, to accept and to give
our help whenever needed, to think more clearly, to
have self-concentration and most of all to love what
we are dealing with.
The only thing left for me to say, is to wish a successful
continuation of this good work, for the weeks to follow,
and until we meet again in April for the big concert,
good bye. I do believe the concert in April will be
a great success equal to our and your efforts.
With sincerity and respect,
Erasmia.
Pavlos Christofi, Lyceum of Kykkos (guitar)
My experiences in this Music Project with Matthew Barley
and his associates, will remain indelible in my memory,
for ever.
We had rhythmic games; we learned new ways of composing
music. With their help we also found new way of performing.
This will be something which I will always remember;
it was something that made me feel more worthy in my
life. I would like this to be repeated, so that other
students who like music, may, as well, have this wonderful
experience, which I have had with other kids in this
Music Project. Now, we are all friends.
Christos Nicolaou, Lyceum of Kykkos (guitar)
The programme of Matthew Barley, offered us a practical
as well as a theoretical musical basis and also live,
intense experiences which will remain for ever engraved
in our life history.
Through this basic knowledge, we also acquired the skill
to improvise, to compose, and to perform this music
which was ours.
Through this programme, we gained knowledge; we also
came closer to the other fellow student/members of the
BTN Band whom we did not know before; thus, although
we were unknown to each other, we ended up being friends
and pals.
Through various games, we learned how to co–ordinate
and to understand better what the meaning of music is.
I would like to emphasize that this experience will
always be an unforgettable and a pleasant one.
I owe all this to my teachers of this programme: Matthew,
Peter and Fraser who offered us joy and creativity.
Iacovos Antoniou, Lyceum of Kykkos (violin)
When I decided to participate in this seminar, not really
knowing what it would be like, I never really expected
it to be so edifying.
During the whole seminar, we worked in an extremely
friendly environment and we were given the opportunity
to realize, that, music has the power to unite people
who are strangers among themselves.
Through these seminars, a message has been rooted in
my soul: Man has to devote himself entirely, in whichever
he does, in order to get the feeling of satisfaction.
Lucia Protopapa, Lyceum of Kykkos (flute)
Personally, I did not know what to expect from this
programme. It was something completely unknown to me
and I was a little frightened, because I knew that I
would have to improvise….. However, the moment
I met Matthew, Peter and Fraser, I felt as if I had
known them for a very long time. So I was having a great
time.
I have never been so much excited in my life and I am
glad I participated in the programme, although I was
worried that I would miss lessons in school and I was
frightened by the unknown. The music performed in to
night’s concert, was something completely different
than it was during the rehearsals we had yesterday and
today, although the notes continued to be exactly the
same! By working with Matthew, Peter and Fraser in this
programme and performing in this concert I learned so
many things about music and also so many things about
life! Truly, the fact that tomorrow I have to return
back to school, makes me sad. The reason is, that everything
we did in that programme, was done with such enthusiasm;
I was left with the impression the seminar lasted for
four years (!) and not only for four days: this is how
the ideal school should be!
I was so impressed with the concert! I never thought
it would come out so well! I feel so much enthusiasm
for what we did to night, and I am also very proud for
the result!
I do believe that this programme must continue! I believe
that it is something so wonderful that all young musicians
in Cyprus, who have dreams about the future, should
have this experience in their lives!
Christina Iona, Lyceum of Kykko (guitar)
I never expected that participating in a simple music
programme, I would gain so many valuable and important,
for a musician, musical experiences.
Through exercises and theatrical games, we were helped
to feel very comfortable between ourselves, but also
to regain back our own energy. With their valuable assistance,
all three famous musicians, Matthew, Peter and Fraser
,led us into musical compositions with which we traveled
far away, and they gave us such a different image of
the world of music, that no one of us would ever imagine,
it existed!
This unique experience is a life experience which built
a new road for us, it engraved a different way of thinking
and it led us towards a search for more musical knowledge.
Without these artists, we would never be able to understand
the real meaning of music. Music unites people. Its
bonds can be so strong that through music, 28 people,
strangers between themselves, have become friends, they
are able to share their knowledge, their talent and
experiences, and create music!
_________________________________________________________________________
Words from Leaden Hall School:
There are times in our school lives when something quite
different happens. An exposure to something new and
exciting which fires the imagination and which may ultimately
enhance the quality of our lives.
The heads of the three schools in the Close are committed
to giving their pupils this kind of experience whenever
they can, so when Helen Marriage made it possible for
the children to work with Matthew Barley, they jumped
at the chance. The spin-off has of course been inspirational.
Children and teachers working together to produce music,
the impact of which will allow a glimpse into a vision
of excellence which we hope will shape the future of
music in our schools.
Diana Watkins
Headmistress
Leaden Hall School
_________________________________________________________________________
The 1997 festival at Lichfield witnessed the birth of
something quite extraordinary. Matthew came up with
something beyond our wildest dreams..extraordinary,
groundbreaking events with the group which were fascinating
to watch unfold.
I would recommend Matthew and his remarkable team to
anyone who wants to make their work with young people
the really meaningful, important thing it should be.
So many educational events are dry and unimaginative
and are often just bolt-on extras for the sake of political
correctness. The kind of project Matthew and team create
is not for the faint-hearted, but the rewards are many,
great and long lasting. That is a rare gift, and one
which should surely be encouraged and nurtured by those
of us in a position to offer it to our youngsters.
Paul Spicer (Artistic Director, Lichfield International
Festival of the Arts) 1997
I found the performance of Between The Notes at Lichfield
Cathedral quite wonderful - there is a wonderful sense
of mingled passion, enthusiasm and informality in the
group's performance, and the new music created by the
group gave a powerful context to 's performance of the
Bach cello suites. The audience was swept along by the
warmth of the group - the memory of a Lichfield audience
enthusiastically twanging the thumb pianos supplied
by the group is something that will stay with me forever.
David Jones, Director, SERIOUS 1997
I remember the improvisation workshop as being four
of the most enjoyable days of my life. I found that
after the workshop my timing and co-ordination skill
had improved dramatically - my favourite memory was
of the performance.
John Eatock (10 year old participants in Sydney workshops,
2001)
I just wanted to give you something from the children
and myself expressing our delight about being part of
the Matthew Barley Improvisational Workshops. It was
the highlight of my year and, judging from the responses
of the children, it was also deeply felt by them. One
of the girls told me how she just began to cry after
the concert, as she didn't want it to end. I must admit
I felt a bit the same! It was just long enough to start
experiencing it as a life style. If that's what and
the Between The Notes members do most of the time, then
no wonder they look so happy and relaxed and are so
inspiring.
Having people like Matthew to help us discover what
we are capable of is priceless. All the BTN members
were wonderful with the children, they and all the adults
treated the children with dignity and respect and this
made them feel equal and willing to share their ideas.
Thank you.
Graeme Sandstrom, School Teacher, Sydney, 1997
_________________________________________________________________________
Extracts from feedback forms completed by participants
in
The Titanic project, (aged 15 - 18) at the Lichfield
International Festival, July 1997
A b o u t t h e p r o j e c t . . . . .
It was brilliant, wicked man, mad for it!
Most thrilling experience ever.
I just wish we could keep on performing.
We learnt how to be more open and to do what you want
to do and not hide your own personality and feelings.
I have decided to go forward in life positively and
do what I want to do whatever the difficulties.
New friends, supportiveness, confidence, a sense of
belonging; I'm more active now.
We should play in every city in the UK - It could have
been no better - it was perfect.
Fantastic. Brilliant. Amazing. Confidence, team work,
new friends, an excellent time.
I had an amazing time working with such a funky bunch
of people.
Loads of new friends, insight into new things, confidence,
great experience, been more aware and less self conscious,
new information and loads of fun.
I have learned about being individual and working as
a team, and letting your personality shine through at
the same time. It couldn't have been better!
Its been wonderful - I feel I'm more creative.
A b o u t "B e t w e e n T h e N o t
e s" . . . . .
They're all mad as toast!
Thank you all so much for all your help and support,
none of us will forget it.
All the people in "Between the Notes" were a great help.
I think you are all truly amazing people and I
love what you do!
At first I thought you were all on drugs, but now I
see that everything we did had a point to it, thanks
for making it such fun.
I just want to say thanks for all the support and inspiration.
It's been groovy -
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