Young Grittleton: Oscar (11)

Young Grittleton: August 2021

In August 2021 I attended the Young Grittleton chamber music course at only 11 years old! Because of this, it was an especially exciting experience as this was my first time as a cellist playing with older and more experienced musicians, as well as spending a week away from my family. I loved it!

In total, there were seven quartets which all merged into one large orchestra to play two contrasting pieces: Perpetuum Mobile by Julian Winn and Tico Tico no Fuba by Zequinha de Abreu.

I already had experience playing in ensembles but this was a step up, with more challenging repertoire and unfamiliar faces, meaning we had to quickly adapt and learn to play with each other harmoniously. My favourite piece was Tico Tico no Fuba as it was interactive and very lively. My section had lots of fun standing up to do cello spins throughout the piece and I know the audience definitely enjoyed the show too!

What made this course unique was the opportunity to improve my quartet and performance skills. During the first two days, each musician played seven different pieces with seven different quartets! This sounds slightly daunting but it was actually very fun, as it was light-hearted and I quickly met everyone on the course. It also made sure we were placed in the best possible quartet suited to our level of playing. My sight-reading skills have massively improved as well!

My final quartet piece was Tempo di Minuetto from String Quartet in F by Charles Wesley. I loved playing in the quartet as we were allowed a little independence when making our own musical decisions and interpretations, with a teacher always on hand if we had any doubts. Although the piece itself was challenging, (half of it was plucking, and there were 4 flats in the key signature!) my group was very supportive and friendly, and after our rehearsals I was ready for the performance. What I learnt most was working as a team player not only during rehearsals, but whilst playing as I had to listen and communicate with the other members of my quartet during the performance.

As well as enjoying music-making, every evening we took part in activities like rounders or swimming, and had time off to socialise. I made some very good friends who I still keep in touch with, particularly those who were in the same dormitory as me.

The canteen was also excellent with a wide variety of good food, a hot chocolate and juice machine, the option to have seconds, and there were even French macaroons! We also had a pool, and a tuck shop with a great sweet selection.

Apart from all the skills I learnt, going on this course has increased my self-confidence when performing solo, and has allowed me to move to the senior section of the orchestra I usually play in – Chordis Caerleon.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed all aspects of this music course: the friendly atmosphere, people and staff, the hot chocolate and toasties, and most of all learning and making music surrounded by a passionate and supportive community. I will definitely be attending next year’s course to continue my musical journey and make more memories!

Finally, I would like to praise the Young Grittleton course organisers for managing to make this a face-to-face experience this year despite the pandemic challenges; and to thank the Joan Dickson Chamber Music Fund for making my stay at the course possible. It was truly the highlight of my year.

Oscar (11)  -  cello