Brenda's Bassoon Bash!
Brenda Stewart is raising money for Spinal Injuries Association
Participants: Rev Brenda Stewart
Story
Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.
It's here because I've just taken a Grade One examination on the bassoon - an instrument that I have never played before in my life. Well, on January 3rd, along with about 130 other musicians, I turned up at a Cambridge school to attend my lesson. Astonishingly, at the end of an hour I had found out how to put it together and was able to play a selection of recognisably different notes. Let's not mention the tone and intonation! Having spent 25 years badgering others to practice, I can now vouch for the fact that if you practice it really does get better. Having said that, I still sound pretty awful, but it's terrific fun.
Well, five days to go! Stephen (Bingham) and I have to take our exams this Friday because we're coaching on our string quartet course at Benslow Music Trust but we will be back in Cambridge in time for the GOAT concert on Sunday evening. We've definitely improved but who knows what may happen when the nerves kick in. Seven of us got together today to play our pieces to each other - tuba, trombone, french horn, bassoon, oboe, double bass and harp. It was hugely encouraging and there was lots of laughter as well as strange noises.
I did it! I've taken my exam and I passed with distinction - 132 marks. It was worth all the struggles with my reed and water in my pipework. I have to say that I was a little nervous before the exam but the examiner was very nice. I'd like to say that the GOAT orchestra sounded very good but I can't. However, it could have sounded a lot worse and the main thing was that we were all there to show what we'd achieved and, more importantly, to celebrate the fact that a huge amount of money had been raised for the Spinal Injuries Association - £46,000 so far. Many thanks to all who sponsored me or Stephen. If you would still like to give something, my Just Giving page will still be here for the next three months
I've never done anything like this before and I have to say that I have been inspired not only by the determination and hard work put in by more than 140 musicians but also by the generosity of the people who have sponsored and encouraged us. Humanity gets a bad press but let's remember and celebrate how many good people there are out there.
And why did we do this? Read on....
It was all part of a larger event aimed at raising money for the Spinal Injuries Association. I'm going to let it speak for itself through the words of Guy Llewellyn on the SIA website (www.spinal.co.uk/page/GOAT):
"My name is Guy Llewellyn and it is quite possible that you may know me as a horn player living, working, teaching and playing in Cambridgeshire. So why am I writing to you to invite you to a challenge? Well, in June 2010 the biggest challenge of my life commenced when I damaged my spine in a fall at home. This unfortunately, left me paralysed from the waist down and I have recently undergone rehabilitation at the amazing Stoke Mandeville Hospital. The skills I need to return to normal life are supported by the staff and charities that work here and believe me, these people are incredibly dedicated. Many musical friends of mine have asked how they might be able to help and it has been decided to repeat the successful fund raising Grade-one-athon that I participated in myself in 2004. The funds raised by this event will be donated to the Spinal Injuries Association, who are here on the frontline, supporting and encouraging patients through their rehabilitation
Spinal Injuries Association is delighted to have been chosen as beneficiary of the upcoming challenge Grade - One - A - Thon."
Guy spoke to us all at the lesson day about how the support from the SIA volunteers (who knew exactly what he was going through because they had been there themselves) and who work alongside the professional staff, gave him hope and so much moral support. At the concert he played a solo on his French Horn and performed with Prime Brass as well as playing his GOAT instrument, the guitar.
So that's why I did Grade 1 bassoon. I loved every minute, even when the dratted thing gurgled and refused to play in tune. My loan instrument has gone back now but, guess what, I'm saving up to buy my own bassoon so that I can carry on. Perhaps you'll sponsor me for Grade 2! If you do, it'll all go to SIA.
A final word...
I've just done a final count and I raised an epic £570. Thank-you to everyone who sponsored me. I was recently given a bassoon by someone who was moving house. It hasn't been played for a long time so it probably needs a look-over by someone who knows about these things. Once that's done - well who knows? Maybe Grade 2....
Very best wishes,
Brenda Stewart