The Spring term 2013 ended with a fantastic concert in St John's Hall, Penzance where many Music Cornwall ensembles performed to a packed audience. Among them was the Cornwall Youth Percussion Ensemble, directed by James Robinson.

The members of Cornwall Youth Orchestra and Cornwall Youth Wind Orchestra enjoyed three days of intensive rehearsals during the Easter holidays culminating in fantastic concerts at Carnglaze Caverns, St John's Hall in Penzance and Truro Cathedral.

I was surprised to have lots of new pupils for lessons today - thanks to World Book Day.

Indiana Jones, two Harry Potters, Snow White - who proved that it is possible to play drums in a full-length ballgown and heels! - and some kind of bear with a detachable tail! I even managed to have a brief conversation with the headteacher who was dressed as Noddy.

Surreal morning!

Children can often make connections between two seemingly unrelated areas. This was demonstrated to me this week when a primary school pupil came into his lesson even more excited than normal.

He then proceeded to let me (and everyone else that would listen!) know that part of the world-famous Gangnam Style dance by the South Korean music PSY follows the same pattern as the Paradiddle drum rudiment! Who knew?!

All together now: R L R R L R L L

Yesterday saw the first Cornwall Youth Orchestra and Cornwall Youth Wind Orchestra rehearsals of the new year in Truro. 

One of the many great things about these full day rehearsals is that players and staff can really get into the detail of the music and explore some of the theory behind how some pieces are structured such as the relationships between different keys and the effect that changing from one to another has or the ideas and/or imagary that the composer is trying to portray through the music. 

Over the Christmas holidays I began working with a great book first published in 1935 called 'Stick Control' by George Lawrence Stone.

Many famous drummers endorse this book and it is easy to see why. It is simply laid out, progressive and has helped me to identify weaknesses and build on strengths in my playing.

Highly recommended!

Trewennack Chapel near Helston was the venue for Boskenwyn Primary School's Nativity Play. Music Cornwall Curriculum Provision teacher Sian Pilley coordinated the music for the play which included some more up-to-date songs such as How Much Further to Bethlehem, Gospel Angels and Calypso Kings along with the more traditional  Away in a Manger.

The pupils and staff of Bodriggy Academy held their Carol Service at St Elwyn's Church in Hayle on Tuesday 18th December 2012. The church was full with parents and families for the two performances with standing-room only in the evening. 

I was pleased to be able help out by playing with Penzance Youth Wind Band on Saturday 15th December as they entertained Christmas shoppers at the Wyevale Garden Centre near Hayle

Under their conductor, Jax Kershaw, the band played many seasonal favourites including Trepak and Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas. 

The first of this academic year's Music Evenings at St Ives School took place on Thursday 6th December 2012.