The Street Orchestra Blog

Monday’s workshop

Nicole — Tue, 03 Aug 2010 07:43:16 +0000

Monday was a busy morning in the workshop with the arrival of some new members and the return of some of the more regular members. I made a small amount of progress on the instrument I am working on and also had the opportunity to play some music with the orchestra in the afternoon. This was particularly exciting for me as I consider myself to be fairly unco-ordinated musically but I was still able to make a worthy contribution!

I look forward to Thursdays workshop and rehearsal

Happiness – Song Lyrics

Margaret — Wed, 09 Jun 2010 03:52:48 +0000

A song written by Margaret on 18/3/2010

Happiness

A song dancing in my head
Saying always laugh instead
In place of thoughts so blue
They seem to make the world untrue

Chorus:
The sky when seen, a vivid blue
Seems clouds floating watching you
Makes you feel happiness abound
Where everything turns right around.

A thought, a smile, always gleaming
Showering on a world that’s teaming
Trees and flowers forming forests alive;
Where animals and many birds survive.

Chorus

A Growing Experience

Michael — Tue, 08 Jun 2010 02:27:35 +0000

Being part of The Reclaimers is a growing experience. At first, all I had was a desire to make a guitar. I had no musical experience but I could use tools to make things. I thought I could make an instrument but I didn’t know what to do with it.

Charles surprised me with his idea of forming a Street Orchestra. He had a lot of goals so I decided to hang in there and see what he had in mind for us. A lot of our practice involves very basic things, like timing and rhythm. We sat around in a circle beating small hoop drums to a steady count of 1, 2, 3, 4. When we got bored with that he would change the pattern. It’s not easy to keep in time and I often mucked it up.

It soon became clear to me that I was not very good at this. Charles said not to think about it – just let it happen. I don’t like making mistakes and many times I feel stressed. The support I get from everyone keeps me going. Playing music is good for my soul.

Recently, while riding home from practice, I realised I had enjoyed the day, music was in my head and i was feeling happy.

Catch The Rest

admin — Mon, 24 May 2010 07:24:24 +0000

If you’re not sure which category your post belongs in, (or don’t select a category at all) then your post will end up here – in the ‘Uncategorized’ pile. This category will catch all those posts that don’t fit nicely into one of the other categories. So even if you forget to put your post in a category, it still gets a chance to show up on the front page!

Share Stories

admin — Mon, 24 May 2010 07:18:55 +0000

Some people might want to share stories about their personal background, where they’re coming from, and where they’re going. Everyone has a unique story to share, and everyone has unique goals that they hope to achieve. Under the ‘Personal Stories’ category, you’ll find a place to share your story or read about others’ stories.

Recording of ‘Breathe’

admin — Fri, 07 May 2010 06:07:37 +0000

Breathe Shallow

Here’s one of our recent recordings! This one was recorded on the 29th April at The Workshop.

More Rehearsals

admin — Sun, 25 Apr 2010 03:39:02 +0000

Here’s another post about more rehearsals. Rehearsing for the Woodford Demo CD, rehearsing for Homeless Connect. There’s lots of practicing going on…but this post is really just a test post to check the layout.

Upcoming Performances

admin — Sat, 24 Apr 2010 08:05:35 +0000

The Reclaimers Street Orchestra performs quite regularly at local venues around Brisbane. All of the instruments that appear in The Street Orchestra have been hand made, and often have been made by the person playing them! The Street Orchestra plays a mix of traditional folk music and original songs. To find out more information about upcoming performances, contact charles@reclaimersonline.com. You can also subscribe to this site to keep up to date about future events and performances.

An Exercise to Try

admin — Sat, 24 Apr 2010 07:27:17 +0000

Here’s an exercise to try at home!

For cello, violin, viola:

Try to hold a single note as long as you can, and maintain a steady sound, without changing the direction of the bow. How slow can you go? Even try timing yourself, and post your times here in the ‘comments’ section. Who can make the longest note with only one stroke of the bow?

Become A Member!

admin — Sat, 24 Apr 2010 05:21:25 +0000

We’re currently looking for fresh new talent to join us in The Street Orchestra. People from all different backgrounds, and different levels of musical ability, are welcome to apply!