Christmas Group Performance

This year, we, the BTEC music class, are performing two pieces of music as a group which will be assessed. Our first piece has already been learnt, perfected and performed - it is Chelsea Dagger by The Fratellis. For our second piece, we are performing a Christmas song (as it will be recorded around Christmas time) titled All I Want For Christmas Is You by Mariah Carey.

Today we had our first full run through of the song as a band, at first we ran into a few issues regarding timing - mostly in the choruses. However, we were able to work past the problems after playing in smaller groups. For example, I would play only with Emily (Who was singing), work out where the chord change should be and where I was playing it, and if it was wrong - which it was - correct it, with reference to the original piece. I found this to be a fantastic way to overcome the problem as Emily was the most helpful person to work with in regard to timing as she is the vocalist. We played the piece through fully twice, and on the second run through I didn't hear anything that needed improving, although I believe the transition between Verses 3 and 4 could do with some work. To work on this the group could timetable some rehearsal sessions outside of class, even if the sessions were only brief.

During the intro to the piece, where only one guitar, one piano and vocals are playing, I found that again timing could be worked on. Myles, who is playing the piano during the intro, came up with a great method to help keep timing between the guitar and piano by subtly and quietly playing the chord 4 times, to the count of 4 beats so that we both knew when to progress chords. I will need to practice at home along with the original piece, one rehearsal every other night would probably be the most efficient schedule. If I stick to this, I should have no problems with timing when the recording date rolls around.  

Below is a clip of a band called Royal Pirates performing All I Want For Christmas Is You in rock style, similar to how our rendition is played.

The chords were quite challenging at first, although strangely I found that the pattern is similar to Eddie Cochran's Summertime Blues, which helped a lot as I have played that a lot in the past making chord changes, and some of the strange chord shapes (B7) easier to deal with. The chords used in the piece are: G, C, Cm, B7, Em, E7, Am7, Am7/D & D. Some of these chords were (and still are slightly) difficult to play, mostly the last chords. Their positions are pictured below:

A B7 Chord:

An Am7/D Chord:

Approaching Recording Dates / Half Term Recap

We are now rapidly approaching the recording date for our solo performances. My performance date is the 25th of November, I feel prepared for this and am not too worried about the performances. However, I need to work on Baby Blue. I have been working on it a lot at home, but there is one finger-style part at the end which I am struggling to pull off. I have been working on this at home, however I am still struggling to remember it and play it in time. I have played it in front of family to try and get feedback, which has helped greatly as I now know where I am strongest, so I can focus less on that. 

Over half term I worked on my guitar parts for Not Alright by Me, mostly for closure with the song, and managed to pick out some weaknesses - mostly in the solo. I was able to come up with a strategy which I can now apply to both pieces when I run into errors. When I run into issues I tend to listen to the original track a few times, highlighting where I am going wrong and just solidly working on it for a substantial amount of time. One of my biggest weaknesses for the piece is confidence, which needs to be boosted if I want to achieve a Distinction (Which I certainly do). I think the best way to boost confidence is to play the piece over and 
over again until I feel confident with that section. 

I am still balancing time with the two pieces every week, this is so I don't lose touch with Not Alright by Me, so I don't forget it. It is important to keep playing the piece, for confidence purposes, as said above. I am working hard on Baby Blue as it is my weakest piece, I am dedicating the whole session to entire run through's of the piece for timing purposes. It is also good to play everything together, although I need to work on the ending still. 

Unfortunately I was unable to practice my pieces this weekend as I was recording an EP with my band, this was beneficial for me as I was forced to perform even when nervous - which conquered my nerves and I feel has potentially changed my confidence, I feel less nervous now when thinking about daunting performances.