give_it_a_go_orchestra_psm

www.paulsmithmusic.co.uk

 Photographs courtesy of Bright Images                  © Paul Smith 2017  

About Us / FAQ

  Email: giago@paulsmithmusic.co.uk

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share via e-mail Print

What is GIAGO?

A unique orchestra made up of musicians on any instrument, ability, age and background.

Who can join?

Anyone who can follow musical notation for their chosen instrument.

Why GIAGO?

To provide the opportunity for players of all ages the chance to play again and work towards a purposeful goal in a friendly and fun environment.

Will I be able to see the music before GIAGO?

Yes. The music will be specially arranged for you and emailed to you in pdf format so you can print and practice the music at home.

What if the music is too hard?

Send an email to Paul to let him know and he will rework the music to suit. The music will be set at a level to challenge but hopefully not put off.

Is it expensive to join in?

We have pondered the costs very carefully and think the £20 fee for a day (around six hours) of entertainment and fun music making with teachers and helpers provides excellent value. There may be a discount for larger bookings. Please apply by email. There is an email link at the top of every page on this website.

I am concerned about stamina and lasting the day.

The day is paced with breaks and you will not be playing all the time even in full rehearsals. GIAGO has developed techniques of rehearsing to minimise the affects on stamina.

Are refreshments, meals and drinks provided?

No. You will need to bring your own.

Will there be breaks

Yes. There is a timetable of a typical GIAGO session on the home page. The lunch time break is a great picnic atmosphere where the fun continues. Everyone is friendly and you will have already made new friends to picnic with.

How do I sign up?

Please fill in the form on the Contact Us page.

Can I sign up on the day?

No. Bookings must be made in advance as the music has to be made especially for you.

Can I pay on the day?

Sadly no. There is much to do logistically on the day and sorting the money out before hand means we can concentrate on the music.

Can I leave under 18’s?

It may be possible to leave a contact number for children over 12 years of age however, children 12 years and under will need to be accompanied by an adult or an older sibling by prior arrangement. If you are a parent or carer with some musical experience however small, do consider signing up to join in the fun.

What is the address for GIAGO 3?

GIAGO 3 will be held at Yateley School, School Lane, GU46 6NW

Frequently Asked Questions

SUSPENDISSE SEM

IN HAC HABITASSE

Paul Smith


Paul Smith lives in Basingstoke North of Hampshire,


I have been a professional musician since the 80’s and besides playing the piano, perform on a variety of woodwind instruments.  These include the oboe, clarinet and the family of saxophones. I also have much experience on brass instruments having played all but the French Horn at sometime. I even had a brief spell on violin and double bass however, this didn’t quite work out. Of course I am able to improvise and have the opportunity to show off these skills with my own jazz quartet P. R. Jazz which I manage.I regularly perform on the piano at Tylney Hall in the restaurant and also cater for weddings and private parties


Teaching music is an important and enjoyable part of my musical life and I am fortunate to teach at two fantastic schools (City of London Freemen’s School and Yateley Manor) and meet the many pupils and characters within these schools. My days are varied as I teach the flute, oboe, clarinet, saxophone and jazz piano. I run theory clubs, aural clubs, three concert wind bands, an improvisation club, orchestra, a recorder clubs and a jazz band. Concerts and examinations (as well as reports) are also part of the busy school routine.


Music arranging (and some composing) for the junior ensembles I manage is a pastime I particularly enjoy. I write music for the instrumentation and standard of musicians that I have available so often arrangements have to be reinvented many, many times over to suit the changing personnel and ability.


I am married and have a Son who is proving his worth musically.

www.paulsmithmusic.co.uk

The theme music to the super cool Fonze of the 70’s American sitcom. A great rock and roll piece that will be fun to play.

The audio file is a small wind band example.

Happy Days

The classic theme tune to the film. This will be a challenge to pull off and our main work piece for this GIAGO session. Make sure you practice!

Audio file to follow.

The Dambusters

Previous Pieces for GIAGO

Henry Mancini’s classic piece that will have the audience finger clicking and toe tapping.

Audio file to follow

The Pink Panther

Louise Rayner


MY APPROACH

My teaching is about more than just ‘learning an instrument’. Every lesson not only encompasses basic technique and score reading skills, but also other essentials, including sight reading, aural skills, musical theory and improvising. I am mainly from the classical genre, but will explore music that interests you.


I enter students for ABRSM or Trinity Exams, when appropriate. My philosophy is that exams are a milestones on your musical journey, not a destination.


Music is nothing if not shared, so I encourage my students to play with other musicians whenever they

can. This compliments individual learning by developing confidence, listening skills and meeting fellow musicians! I often run group workshops or lessons to give students the opportunity to do just this.


LESSONS

All age groups. Beginners to intermediate on Flute, clarinet, voice, recorder, fife, theory.

I studied music and drama at Brunel University, with flute and singing as my specialities. I sang with the

BBC Symphony Chorus for ten years, including being Hon. Secretary. I qualified as a teacher in 2004, and work for the Hampshire Music Service in primary schools teaching singing, ukulele, brass, fife, clarinet, violin and samba as a whole class teacher.


I also run three flute choirs and a saxophone group:


www.flutesalad.org

Previous Pieces for GIAGO

A fun collection of three of the great tunes form this Disney classic

The Jungle Book Medley

A fun and popular medley of tunes from this film

Grease Medley

A fun medley of three popular tunes from this iconic group

Abba Medley

A challenging selection of tunes from this show.

Les Miserable Medley

Plenty of action and some improvisation in this fun piece.

Soul Bossa Nova