Saturday evening I accompanied the dinner and drinks reception for the Devon Local Medical Committee. This was in the Solar room in Dartington Hall. Very nice! I really enjoy corporate events as I often get to play through lots of my repertoire. Even did some light jazz this time. #corporateviolinist #devonviolinist #musiciandevon
What a morning! 100 singers learning the iconic song 'You will be found' from Dear Evan Hanson with me at The Watermark, Ivybridge. A great pick me up and feel good session which is just what we all need at the moment. The choir did a brilliant job. Learning a brand new song in four part harmony was a challenging but hugely rewarding session. And, what a result! The sound at the end of our three hour workshop was simply amazing. Well done everyone. I hope you enjoyed the scrummy chords as much as I did!
To end a busy week of gigs with Exe Valley String Quartet The Exe Valley String Trio played a lovely wedding at Harefield Barn We love this venue. A gorgeous setting for a wedding with really lovely staff. We played I Giorni, Sweet Disposition and Everlasting Love amongst a range of other hits... and the weather was kind to us.
It feels like our second home. Rockbeare Manor. Another August wedding with the Exe Valley String Quartet. The bride made her stunning entrance to Pachelbels Canon and we played All of me and Halo in the signing. We even got to play our funky version of Toxic in the reception. Great gig today.
Today we went back to Mount Edgecombe for our second visit of the summer. The weather wasn’t quite as nice as last time but we still had a great morning singing and smiling and entertaining the locals. Well done Rockies for being professional as always. Gigs are what you make them and today was great. Thank you Miss Ivy Events for the invite.
Out with the Exe Valley String Quartet today playing at a wedding. First time at Lupton House for a while. We played two brand new bespoke arrangements from our ever expanding repertoire. Chapel of Love and You are my first my last my everything by the legendary Barry White. You know it kind of worked for string quartet ok! Love South Devon. Ceremony and drinks reception in the gardens - lovely summers afternoon!
Thank you Dawlish Celebrates Carnival for another great gig. We always love to sing in Dawlish and the audience was lively and so appreciative. We even got a standing ovation at the end! I am proud of my choir members for singing with so much intensity and enthusiasm in such 'hot' conditions. Each and everyone of you were brilliant yesterday and you all look so smart. Well done everyone!
Yesterday I played my first gig at Mount Edgecombe House. Such a great venue for a wedding. A lovely sunny day and I got to play some Enya which sounds so beautiful on the violin.
Lovely summer wedding in sunny Somerset. @crowcombecourt . Special request for ‘Daisy Daisy’ in memory of Felicity’s gran. A chance to play my new arrangement of From this moment by Shania Twain. Lots of lovely feedback. Congratulations Felicity and Neil. Beautiful setting.
August 5th 2022 - Buckfast Abbey Summer fair. Fantastic gig at the most beautiful of venues. A hidden gem in South Devon for sure. Over 100 rockies came together to sing to a really appreciative audience who joined in with the singing and the dancing. The South Devon Rockies were on top form. Another day where I go home uplifted, very happy and very proud to be a rock choir leader. Rock Choir Caroline Redman Lusher Buckfast Abbey. Rockies - What was your favourite part of the day?
Busy weekend. Sunday I joined Lucy and played as a string duo for a wedding ceremony and drinks reception at the very lovely Deer Park Country House . I transcribed 'Flowers' by sweet Female Attitude and we played it just before the ceremony. We played a stripped back version of 'Say you won’t let go' by James Arthur for the brides entrance. Lovely wedding at a beautiful venue. Nice to play as a duo.
Wow! What an amazing place to play. Love Mapperton House & Gardens I played for a small intimate wedding in the gardens and then played for the drinks reception and photos. Really enjoyed playing my new special arrangement of Paramore The only exception. Thank you for your lovely welcome. I had a great day.
Back to our second home today Rockbeare Manor. Always a lovely place to visit. Beautiful wedding as well in the Devon sunshine. We played 'Latch' by Sam Smith today during the signing of the register which is a really lovely song. We also played a slowed down acoustic version of 'Came here for love' which works so well for string quartet. Then we went outside into the garden house to play a range of pieces and songs for the drinks reception.
Well what an awesome gig we had on Sunday afternoon. We performed two sets at the Ice Cream and Bubbles fair at the very beautiful Mount Edgecombe House. Thank you so much to Miss Ivy Events for the invitation - what a great event! We tried out our new song - I'd do anything for love which was very well received by the crowds. We coped admirably at the end of the song acapella when the power suddenly cut out! True professionals. Great gig, well done rockies! Proud of you all.
Busy couple of days for the Exe Valley String Quartet. We played at another new venue for us in Plympton last Saturday. Lovely venue. We played for the drinks reception only today with a lot of requests for film music. We love playing the film themes and today we got to play lots, including Jurrasic Park, Star Wars, Gladiator and of course Toy Story. Great gig with lots of lovely feedback from an appreciative crowd. St Elizabeth's House
Lovely summer wedding with the Exe Valley String Quartet. A Thousand years, A million Dreams and I’m yours in the ceremony. Nice to try out some new arrangements today as well. Take my hand, Mardy Bum and cheap Thrills. All great new additions to our already extensive repertoire. New venue for us today. Beautiful and such lovely staff! @Uptonbarnandwalledgarden.
July 2nd 2022. South Devon Big Sing. Mutley Baptist Church, Plymouth. We had an amazing day together. Over 150 rockies and all of our favourite rock choir songs. We shared this wonderful day with the the ever inspiring Caroline Redman Lusher who is the founder and Creative Director of Rock Choir. You need to be there to experience the uplifting feeling of singing in choir of 150. Unbelievable and a great memory to take away from a great Rock Choir year.
Another lovely sunny Devon wedding. Slightly different gig today. Classical violin pre ceremony while the guests had a drink. Electric violin tunes for the post ceremony drinks. Kept it upbeat and lively! Lovely gig.
Wow! What a beautiful venue @coombelodgeblagdon . Lovely summer wedding in the gorgeous sunshine. Full day today. Violin for the wedding ceremony and the drinks reception. This included the lovely A Thousand Years for the brides entrance and my new arrangement of signed sealed delivered by Stevie Wonder for the exit music. Then I moved onto piano to accompany the wedding breakfast. Great day at a beautiful venue.
Lovely wedding reception at Tuxton Farm last Friday. I played a selection of popular songs and tunes on the electric violin while guests chatted, had a drink and even a bit of a dance!