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News and Events
Tuesday, 21 February 2006


On December 10th 2005 David made his debut in Hong Kong during a three day tour initiated by Besson, but sponsored by Hong Kong's 'Tom Lee Music'. The tour saw David perform a solo recital, give a specialist workshop, play as a soloist with Wind Orchestra and adjudicate the Hong Kong Youth Symphonic Wind Band Championships.

Upon arrival in Hong Kong David was taken directly to the Symphonic Wind Band Championships where he was part of a distinguished panel of adjudicators who provided a popular result following many fine performances from Hong Kong's talented young musicians. Following the results ceremony, David took to the stage with his euphonium and wowed the audience performing a number of showpieces accompanied superbly by the reigning champion wind band. His music included Brillante, Theme from The Mission, Carnival of Venice and Flight of the Bumble Bee - all effortlessly executed using no music, and with no evidence of jet-lag insight! The 2005 Championships were certainly brought to a rousing close.



The following day, a Brass Instruments Workshop & Euphonium Recital by David Childs was held at the Ngau Chi Wan Civic Centre. Well attended by avid aficionados and learners of brass instruments, David was delighted to share his experience on performance and playing techniques with the audience, and give on-site instructions to the trainees of the Music Office. The workshops enabled both the audience and the students to have a better grasp and a greater insight to brass instruments. David also played a number of soothing and exhilarating works on his Besson Prestige Bb Euphonium, wowing the audience with his excellent skills!

David Childs was raised in a musical family and has received very intensive and professional trainings from a very young age. He has already achieved a great deal as a young euphonium soloist, winning a number of international awards including "International Euphonium Player of the Year" and "Yamaha Foundation of Europe International Soloist Award". David has completed tours of America, Australia, Japan and the Middle East, gaining wide recognition from around the world.

This was David's first time in Hong Kong and we got to know more about his own perspective on music and brass instruments during his interview with Tom Lee:

The Workshop started with a euphonium solo performance by a trainee of the Music Office playing "Rondo from Concerto for Double Bass" by Capuzzi. Aiming at immediately enhancing the playing skills of the trainee, David did not hesitate to give valuable pieces of advice on stage. "Presenting yourself to the audience is very important," said David, "To be a good performer, you need to have more interaction and communication with the people in front of you." He also instructed the trainee to breathe in a deeper manner for a better projection of sound, instead of taking shallow breaths from the chest.

How about tempo? David elaborated that the work was intended for Double Bass which would provide mainly low and heavy sounds - it would make sense if the trainee could play a little slower and accentuate the primary beats to add poise to the performance. "We should also make our own dynamics to make better shape of the music." But words were not the only weapon David's got! Upon explanation, he took out an electronic metronome and asked the trainee to follow the beats. After minutes of follow-suit, the trainee replayed the tune with everything improved and brand new!

Still to come was the low brass ensemble by seven trainees, playing the well-known theme song of "The Pink Panther" by Mancini in a quartet arrangement. David said he was struggling to hear the tune played by the bass line, so he asked the team to play it up by improving the balance between different players. Some trainees, while performing, held their instruments in a wrong posture. David could not wait to correct them, stressing the need of holding it up-right properly as performer's posture would affect playing and also the impression on the audience of the whole ensemble.

David also advised the trainees to emphasize the walking bass line. "Try to play on the front foot - push the whole ensemble from the bass to give the music energy," he said. Tuning was another difficulty that the team seemed to have. "Tuning is not only about where the slides are. This is only on the mechanical aspect. It is your ears which could really help you get in tune. That's to say, you must listen to your own sound and those around you in order to achieve desirable intonation," he said.


Trainees of the Music Office Low Brass ensemble with David

After all David's thoughtful advice and professional guidance, it was time to enjoy some great music by our euphonium master! "Fantasy" by Hummel was among the highlights of five works played by David. It was, with no doubt, a soothing and captivating piece. David said that the song was transcribed by his father, and that it was actually him who inspired David to start playing the euphonium.

David also performed "Lento from Euphonium Concerto" by Horovitz. He told the audience that the second movement was one of his favorite pieces. With his sophisticated playing skills, David enchanted the audience with this romantic and lyric movement.

Last but not the least, David wrapped up the workshop by performing "Brillainte (Variations on Rule Britannia)" composed by Graham especially for David's father and uncle. A work blended with the essence of Welsh and British music, it rendered the audience to indulge in every note and beat. David's delicate and sensual interpretation definitely captivated the wild at heart!


During the Recital

While everyone in the venue was deeply immersed in the masterpieces, the workshop was ushered into its finale. The torrential applause marked the end of the event and let's look forward to another visit of David Childs to Tom Lee!

Event review by Y.D.L. (www.tomleemusic.com)
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