During this period of lockdown, the music department and students at Farlingaye High School has produced playlists to enable the community to listen to work in a different way and share a little community spirit. There are a variety of playlists and podcasts to enjoy.
The ex-student podcasts are based upon various elements of the music industry such as song writing, playing Timpani in an orchestra, composing classical music and also some analysis of classical pieces. In addition, there are a series of podcasts where they chat about what they have done since leaving school and any advice they can give current students interested in working in the music industry. Fabian Marshal-Tierney talks to Andrew Marshall (Billy Eilish’s drummer) from his home in LA and Adam Double talks about playing on tour with The Shires. Luke Taylor describes the intricacies of playing percussion in a professional orchestra and Peter Ling has recorded some acoustic covers for you to enjoy, including Bring Him Home.
There are nostalgic playlists from various eras which the older generation may particularly enjoy. Classical playlists have been created to showcase instrumental and creative brilliance to introduce you to new genres or composers.
There are playlists suggested by staff at Farlingaye, with music that punctuates their lives or their favourite pieces, with written descriptions of why they are special. The community can enjoy instrumental solos and collaborations and a vocal covers and originals playlists.
Gemma Martino, Head of Music at Farlingaye, said: “Music continues to play an important part in people’s lives during this time and I felt that we should look at ways to create instrumental and vocal work from students, ex-students parents and staff for others to enjoy. The community may be separated from each other just now, but even in separation it is a powerful resource in times like these.
Students have found ingenious ways to record duets, solos and collaborations from their bedrooms and kitchens, as indeed have staff. Ex-students, who have continued with their passion for music, have created podcasts and I have started recording a series of videos with them to look at the journey after leaving Farlingaye. It has been lovely to hear the work coming in and a real pleasure to spend time catching up with those who work in the industry or continue with music as a hobby. This is a project to lift the spirits. Happy listening!”
The podcasts and playlists can be accessed from:
www.farlingaye.suffolk.sch.uk/FHS-Music-Community-Playlists-for-Lockdown