On Friday 2 December the Music Department held a rather unusual lunchtime concert; alongside the usual fantastic performances from pupils, professional session drummer Gabor Dornyei (website here) joined the performers. Following the concert, GCSE and BTEC musicians stayed for a masterclass with Gabor, during which he took them through the basics of music and rhythm, as well as drumming specifically. Anthony Adamson opened the lunchtime concert with a piano recital, before James Grundy made his debut in a concert, playing the guitar and singing a James Morrison song. Dom John-Vallee was the final pupil to play in the lunchtime concert, playing the piano. Then, it was the turn of professional session drummer Gabor Dornyei. Immediately, the crowd were captivated. The masterclass that followed was both educational and inspirational. Thank you to Director of Music, Mr Richard Curran, for the following report on the unforgettable afternoon:
‘Following the success of our very own Dan Western’s lunchtime concert in November, the Music Department looked further afield to host a visit from an emerging artist last Friday. Gabor Dornyei, originally from Budapest, is a London based drummer who has been attracting the attention of many forward thinking 21st century music institutions across the globe. Head of Percussion at the Institute of Contemporary Music in London, and visiting tutor at the Detroit Institute of Music Education and the Musicians’ Institute in Los Angeles, he comes highly qualified, not only in delivering masterclasses to professional musicians, but educational clinics to inspire young musicians. Proudly sponsored by Zildjan, Pearl, Roland and Remo, Gabor headlined our lunchtime concert, much to the excitement of our audience. His exhilarating performance of Stream showcased his dynamic and striking power and finesse on the drum kit, and his commentary was evidence of his love for performing music of all genres.
Following the performance, he treated our GCSE and BTEC Music students to a musicianship clinic where he explained how to nurture your passion for your instrument, and how disciplined you have to be in order to thrive. He rounded the afternoon off with a flurry of demonstrations across styles, much to the delight of our young musicians. There is no substitute for ‘live’ music to engage and inspire. Watch this space for news of more inspirational musicians at the top of their game later on in the year!’
