For the past
three days I’ve been at the Royal Scottish National Orchestra gaining valuable
insight into the management of an orchestra. The main focus of my short time
here has been to create graphics and posts using the social networking site Tumblr for next year’s Springfest, a festival of music in Dundee. I’ve hugely improved
my skills in programs such as Photoshop and created promotional graphics and
information to inform the public of concerts during the festival.
I also sat in
on an improvisation workshop from musicians of the RSNO. It was incredibly
interesting to listen to such unique styles of playing and how each instrument
blends together to create beautiful sounding harmonies and rhythms all whilst
even the musicians are out of their comfort zone as improvisation is rarely
used in their repertoire.
On my last day, I listened to a rehearsal for the St
Andrew’s Party concert with Scottish duo Phil & Aly. This was great to
listen to as traditional Scottish music wasn’t a style I was very familiar
with. It also included students from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and a
drummer, which was quite unique.
I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time at the RSNO and
everyone I’ve met has been very friendly and welcoming. I know if I decide to
try a career in music or in orchestra management there are great opportunities available
such as apprenticeships here at the RSNO.
