Over a year after the pandemic forced our world class orchestras to close their doors to audiences, we finally have hope on the horizon that once again the public will be able to return to our venues.
After a year of being stuck at home, unable to create, rehearse or interact with audiences or each other, other than via the means of a computer, we want to give our members the tools to return to work as safely as possible.
Join us for three separate virtual events specifically for orchestral players, focusing on:
- Physical Health for a return to work
- Coping with the pressures of returning to work
- Presentation Skills for Musicians
Each of these sessions will be open to both freelance and contract players within orchestras who are MU members. Should you wish to discuss any access requirements please email orchestral@theMU.org.
Physical Health for a Return to Work
4:00 pm - 5:15 pm Thursday 13 May (Crowdcast)
Physical wellbeing is more important than ever after the pressures that the Pandemic has put upon us.
Come and hear from Dr Sarah Upjohn, a British Association of Performing Arts Medicine (BAPAM) practitioner and physiotherapist on how best to prepare yourself for a return to full time playing.
This session will focus on the challenges that the Pandemic has created and provide tips for ensuring you are at your best physically. Some practical elements are included but as this is a webinar we won’t be able to see you, so wear what you want and make sure you have a comfortable space set up.
Coping With the Pressures of Returning to Work
6:00 pm - 7:30 pm on Monday 17 May (Crowdcast)
Returning to work during a Pandemic can be daunting, how do we deal with the pressures that this creates?
Come and hear from Amy Littlewood, violinist and performance mentor, about how best to prepare yourself mentally for a return to work in these extraordinary times.
This session will focus on the impact of Covid on orchestral players, how things may be different, how to gain confidence and what you can do to understand and relieve stresses and anxiety.
Presentation Skills for Musicians
There will be two opportunities to attend on 20 May, either at 11:00 am - 1:00 pm or 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm (Zoom)
An interactive training experience via Zoom, designed to deepen our understanding of what audiences need from musicians and to give practical advice on how to present well with ease.
Come and hear from Catherine Arlidge MBE, violinist, concert presenter and educator in a small workshop group style format. Designed specially to support musicians to communicate effectively with audiences in person and in the digital world.
These sessions include video advice from Tamsin Greig, Bill Bailey, Stephanie Flanders, Thangam Debonnaire MP, Stephen Hough and Satnam Rana. You will explore the 5P’s of presenting well – Pitch, Prepare, Practice, Pace and Perform, to draw out confidence and the individuality in the participants.
This session will take place in a Zoom meeting and is designed to be interactive. Spaces on the workshop will be limited to allow for as much interaction as possible.