Charting the ways in which lockdown and social distancing is impacting both teaching and learning, and the creative industries; exploring creative solutions to the problems we face, and finding common ground.
Hosted by Dan Harding, Head of Music Performance at the University of Kent.
Series II: Episode 7: In Conversation: Phil Veacock
This episode of the Music Department's 'In Conversation' series features saxophonist with the Jools Holland Rhythm and Blues Orchestra, Phil Veacock, in discussion with director of the University Concert and Big Bands, Ian Swatman.
From reflecting on early inspiration playing the recorder and school leading into playing the clarinet, Phil looks back on being inspired to take up the saxophone on seeing 2-Tone bands playing on 'Top of the Pops;' playing with 'The Larks' and turning down a recording contract; illicit vegetable snaffling in east Kent; joining the Jools Holland Rhythm and Blues Orchestra, playing on 'Wogan' and Chris Evans' 'Don't Forget Your Toothbrush' and the 'Hootenanny' revels; and, during COVID restrictions, finding alternative work as a delivery driver for the Charlton Bakehouse bakery.
http://philveacock.com/ (https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbDZsVkt2WmtULTlnVmxvMWlnTnJCMzFPd3I4UXxBQ3Jtc0tuaGpscl8zYWtOYnNSeDhQclREQXR1ZmowcXpwM1BoekJQbmtNVnhibHBuSkhHRVU4bUc0OFk2ei05WXY3VWFtdzBjVjVINDZWVjR1SGlRYkVxRk5CUnJFOU1uVm9rX2FKMkRNM2pxY241UHhVVjVoaw&q=http%3A%2F%2Fphilveacock.com%2F)
Theme: Partita no.2 by JS Bach; Olivia Harris-Harding, violin
26 Mar 2021
Series II: Episode 6: 'Dawn chorus in a silent sky' - Radio Lento: part two
In the second part of the interview with Hugh Huddy, part of the creative team behind Radio Lento and its weekly series of 'sound postcards from beautiful places,' Hugh reflects on listening to the skies over his back garden over lockdown when air traffic had been suspended; the impact of drone technology on environmental sound; the importance of listening in to other worlds; and the idea of structured listening to the environment compared to listening to music.
https://radiolento.podbean.com/ (https://radiolento.podbean.com/)
Theme: Partita no.2 by JS Bach; Olivia Harris-Harding, violin
20 Mar 2021
Series II: Episode 6: Pockets of time: Radio Lento - part one
This week's episode is the first of several featuring Hugh Huddy, who, with his wife Madeleine, is the creative force behind Radio Lento, a podcast series presenting soundscapes recorded in the natural environment. From dawn chorus in the Forest of Dean to shingle beaches at Folkestone, each episode presents an immersive listening experience, offering, in Hugh's own words, 'weekly sound postcards from beautiful places.'
In this first episode, Hugh reflects on the challenges of recording the natural world; the concept of authenticity and being true to the practice of capturing the environment in sound, in single, unedited takes; and similarities between listening to soundscapes and to music, and the idea of defeating time.
Theme: Partita no.2 by JS Bach; Olivia Harris-Harding, violin
https://radiolento.podbean.com/ (https://radiolento.podbean.com/)
12 Mar 2021
Series II: Episode 5; In Conversation: Libby Burgess
Our In Conversation series continues with pianist and festival artistic director, Libby Burgess.
Pianist, chamber musician and accompanist, Libby's work has taken her to festivals and concert-halls around the country. She is also Artistic Director of the New Paths Festival, founded in 2016 and which takes place each spring in Beverley, and Co-Artistic Director of Beverley's own Chamber Music Festival.
In this interview, Libby reflects on finding new ways to engage audiences for the New Paths Festival in light of the pandemic, her own responses as pianist and vocal coach, and looks ahead to her ' Bach Project48,' setting herself the ambitious challenge of playing all of Bach's 48 Preludes and Fugues in each of the forty-eight counties of England, and what effect playing the entire set in different venues throughout the country might have on her own relationship to the famed set.
http://libbyburgess.com (https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbFJQcTlfZ2lVSGExTUJFV3E1OGJmUHpmVVo0UXxBQ3Jtc0ttRXUtd0JkZzlpM25LNzlrcUdHLVBaQTBxaEJ3d3E2WEVKS3lFNERpbkI2ckJiTlVEQTdNOE5KdzdxQTRJOEtxUUlMU0k5eDRtdENqUDRuMUFjUXkxS19TNVhNX3dSQlVwN3ExWDNVZGF5OEtXazVVUQ&q=http%3A%2F%2Flibbyburgess.com)
Theme: Partita no.2 in D minor by JS Bach: Olivia Harris-Harding, violin
7 Mar 2021
Zoom For Thought: Series II: Episode 4: Riverside Reflections: Jake Taylor
This week's episode features Jake Taylor, Operations Director for Riverside Studios in London. Since opening in 1933, Riverside Studios' rich heritage includes the original filming of 'Dr Who,' and the venue has hosted luminaries from the world of music including the Sex Pistols (before they were the Sex Pistols), David Bowie, Amy Winehouse, 'Top of the Pops' and the annual 'Hootenany' with Jools Holland.
Jake reflects on the way the venue, which re-opened after a major refurbishment, has found itself ably suited to the current demand for livestreaming and engaging audiences with online content, including most recently a series of filmed marathons and unique shows by Eddie Izzard; the impact of the pandemic on working practices and exploiting digital platforms; and the way society has changed and people have perhaps become more respectful of others.
Theme: Partita no.2 in D minor by JS Bach; Olivia Harris-Harding, violin
5 Mar 2021
Fluff 'n Stuff: Episode 3: Films We Watched When We Were Unwell And Off School
This week's episode isn't quite a ghastly as it sounds! As usual, our two chums embark on a cultural odyssey through music and film encompassing the sampling creativity of De La Soul's 'Three Feet High and Rising' (and the thorny issue of copyright); progressive rock (as usual...); Stevie Wonder; film composition and individual character; difficulties with freeform jazz; and films they watched as a child when they were off school - two VERY contrasting experiences here, Visconti's 'The Leopard' on the one hand, and, er, David Lynch's sprawling 'Dune' on the other...
Enjoy over a cuppa and your favourite biscuit.
The voices: Dan Harding (Head of Music Performance), Sophie Meikle (Music Administrator), Music Department at the University of Kent.
1 Mar 2021
Fluff 'n Stuff: Episode 2 part two: the right time to listen to Joni Mitchell
The second part of Episode Two of the cultural ramblings of Fluff 'n Stuff takes in chart pop, Peter Gabriel, Kate Bush's albums 'Lionheart' and 'The Red Shoes,' and the right time to experience the music of Joni Mitchell.
The voices: Dan Harding (Head of Music Performance), Sophie Meikle (Music Administrator) from the Music Department at the University of Kent.
26 Feb 2021
Fluff 'n Stuff: Episode 2 part one: Superstore, Kate Bush and Britten versus Tippett
Our second episode was packed full of ideas, we had to split it into two parts!
Herein Part One, in which our brave correspondents address the American comedy series 'Superstore, Frasier, Kate Bush's 'Hounds of Love' and the preservation of childhood memories, the thorny issue of Britten versus Tippett, and an uplifting ringtone.
The voices: Dan Harding (Head of Music Performance), Sophie Meikle (Music Administrator), Music Department, University of Kent.
Theme: Muskrat Ramble Interrupted by Sheep
22 Feb 2021
Fluff 'n Stuff: Episode 1: nostalgia, gatefold albums and embarrassing singles
Welcome to Fluff N’ Stuff!
Grab a cuppa and cosy up to two friends reminiscing about gatefold vinyl, pop music, the most embarrassing records they are ashamed to admit they own, Adam Ant, Blondie, Chas ‘n Dave, The Cure, The Stranglers, the appeal (or not) of Disco, the pull of nostalgia, and lots of laughter.
The voices: Dan Harding (Head of Music Performance), Sophie Meikle (Music Administrator), Music Department, University of Kent.
18 Feb 2021
Series II: Episode 3: In Conversation: Kate Romano
The second in our In Conversation strand features clarinettist, Radio 3 presenter, producer, writer and CEO of the Stapleford Granary in Cambridge, Kate Romano.
Here, Kate reflects on starting at the venue during the pandemic, and creative solutions and avenues they have been exploring; different approaches to performing and programming, and re-thinking the traditional concert-model; using digital platforms to engage audiences and the benefits and challenges created by streaming.
Theme: JS Bach: Partita no.2 in D minor. Olivia Harris-Harding, violin
8 Feb 2021
Series II: Episode II: In Conversation with soprano Rachel Nicholls
Our In Conversation series features soprano, Rachel Nicholls, reflecting on her career, the challenge of singing Wagner, combining teaching with performing, and moments when, expecting to be in the audience, Rachel has suddenly found herself performing on-stage...
Theme: JS Bach: Partita no.2 in D minor. Olivia Harris-Harding, violin
Image: David Shoukry
http://rachelnicholls.com
7 Jan 2021
Series II: Episode I: Dressing To Kill: Catriona Bradley
From Biosciences to Netflix...!
The first in a new series of episodes features alumna from the University of Kent, Catriona Bradley. Graduating from the School of Biosciences in 2017, Catriona went on to study costume design at RADA, and worked as a Trainee Costume Designer on the period drama Bridgerton, currently taking Netflix by storm.
In this episode, Catriona reflects on moving from science to the creative industries, how her studies equipped her with transferable skills which are vital to working in her field; the importance of referencing her Biology degree on her CV when applying for jobs in the creative sector; and compares the experience of studying at Kent with her time at RADA.
Theme: JS Bach: Partita no.2 in D minor. Olivia Harris-Harding, violin.
3 Aug 2020
Episode VI: A strange crossing of borders: transforming our private spaces - Dr Francesca Bernardi
This week's episode features a conversation with Dr Francesca Bernardi, founder and chair of the UK Gramsci Society (http://twitter.com/gramscisociety), RSA Fellow and independent researcher into children's right, dis/abilities and accessibility and the arts. Francesca reflects on new creative opportunities afforded by teaching art lessons over Skype; the importance of creating your own working environment for Zoom meetings; engaging with other academics in new ways; and new online support networks which have emerged as a means of supporting people during lockdown.
http://twitter.com/frabeart (http://twitter.com/frabeart)
Music: Allemande from Partita no.2 in D minor by JS Bach, Olivia Harris-Harding, violin
27 Jul 2020
Episode V: Making it work: Michelle Harris
This week's episode features Michelle Harris, a freelance mezzo-soprano and singing teacher at Canterbury Christ Church University and Senior and Junior King's School.
Michelle reflects on the technological requirements of adapting to teaching singing online, some unexpectedly positive aspects arising from recording singing lessons that allow them to become her own tool for self-evaluation, and the joys of teaching pupils from Canterbury to Belarusse and China - without having to leave her home. She also considers the environmental and financial benefits of working from home, and how marshalling resources for online teaching has helped both teacher and pupil.
https://singingfreedom.music.blog/ (https://singingfreedom.music.blog/)
Music: Allemande from Partita no.2 for solo violin by JS Bach. Olivia Harris-Harding, violin
20 Jul 2020
Episode IV: Finding a new equilibrium: Anna Phoebe
This week's episode features an interview with composer and performer, Anna Phoebe.
Anna has toured the world as a solo violinist, as well as with bands such as Roxy Music and Jethro Tull, in venues from the Royal Albert Hall and the Montreux Jazz Festival to the Moth Club. She reflects on the change from leading a busy life of touring, performing, composing and recording to adjusting to lockdown, and the new creative possibilities it affords. From missing live music, anxiety at the lack of government support, her search for a new equilibrium and writing music in response to her own fears and uncertainties, this is a remarkably candid and emotionally honest conversation from a fiercely creative musician.
Music: By The Sea by Anna Phoebe.
www.annaphoebe.com (https://www.annaphoebe.com/)
The series examining the impact of lockdown on teaching and learning, and music and performance, this week features Dr Oliver Double, Head of Popular Performance and Stand-Up Comedy in the School of Arts at the University of Kent.
Olly talks about the particular challenges faced in teaching stand-up comedy online and the relationship between performer and audience, the historical connections linking stand-up comedy with jazz and Dave Brubeck, and compering a comedy night online from home in the face of his sternest critic - his son, wielding the camera...
Olly's book, 'Alternative Comedy: 1979 and the reinvention of British Stand-up (https://www.bloomsbury.com/uk/alternative-comedy-9781350052802/)' was published by Bloomsbury in April.
Music: Allemande from Partita no.2 in D minor for solo violin; Olivia Harris-Harding, violin.
6 Jul 2020
Episode II: Not getting home for 'Match of the Day;' Ian Swatman
The second episode in the series features as its guest Ian Swatman, clarinettist, saxophonist, lifelong Hull City fan, and Head of Performance at St Edmund's School in Canterbury.
Ian talks about the challenges faced in making the transition from face-to-face teaching to online delivery as lockdown began; three gigs that inspired his love of music and desire to perform (and how he nearly didn't get to the first one); his experiences of doing the live music circuit in Scandinavia; and similarities between music and football.
Music: 'Allemande' from Partita no.2 in D minor by JS Bach; Olivia Harris-Harding, violin.
1 Jul 2020
Episode I: Being an experimental scientist: Bob Newport
The first episode features a conversation with Bob Newport, Emeritus Professor of Materials Physics at the University of Kent.
In which we talk about finding creative ways of continuing to explore physics at home, engaging listeners during lockdown in both science and music, finding teaching tools within the home and grappling with the exciting unpredictably of a dodgy wifi signal...
"I'm an experimental scientist, after all: I should be good at putting odd things together,"
Having retired from teaching at the University of Kent, Bob now teaches for the University of the Third Age in a series of blog articles and videos here (https://bobreflected.blogspot.com/2020/04/physics-in-house.html).
Since lockdown, Dan has been engaging the community of musicians at the university through the Virtual Music Project, creating a series of recordings of music by Vivaldi and Mozart from recordings made in isolation: you can find out more here (https://blogs.kent.ac.uk/music-matters/2020/04/06/dont-get-around-much-anymore-the-virtual-music-project-and-making-music-in-isolation/ ).
Theme: 'Allemande' from Partita no.2 in D minor for solo violin; Olivia-Harris Harding, violin
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