Percussion

As the culmination of the orchestral workshop weekend, we gave a concert, to a small audience largely made up of "friends and family".  We have been learning the 8th Symphony, by Vaughan Williams, which we found totally impossible quite challenging to play.  In addition, we did some extracts from Humperdinck's Hansel and Gretel, and Rossini's Overture to Semiramide.

For an amateur orchestra, the picture shows an impressive range of percussion.  In addition to the usual tymps, bass drum and snare drum, it includes a vibraphone, tubular bells and a gong.  It also includes an electronic keyboard masquerading as a celeste.  It is by no means ALL that is called for in the score.  Vaughan Williams included "all the 'phones and 'spiels known to the composer" and a set of THREE tuned gongs!