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Hello everyone. Updated 2006, 2007, 2008 NEWS - scroll down...

24-10-05

Thanks to all the schools that passed on the preliminary info to their students, and to local radio 2NZ for informing the rest of the community.

This afternoon, a room full of musicians (21 registered) had their first taste of the FOSSICKERS. CHARLIE, indeed, JAMS AGAIN!!

Thanks, also, to all the parents and friends that remained after the session, and discovered a little more about the project and the additional details of just what it means to a (young) musician to be a FOSSICKER. With a little extra attention to learning styles and instrumental technique these FOSSICKERS will all become the 'CATS' of the future, and we will find plenty of Gem-Tones.

See you all next week. We will be performing in about 6-7 weeks... (Details soon.) 

31-10-05

An absolutely wonderful response from the Inverell Music Community, and the young musicians of the town has the FOSSICKERS now standing at 27 registered!

Such a large response has actually put a lot of strain on the logistics and organisation that goes into preparing materials for each member and may mean the smooth running of rehearsals is effected, unless the FOSSICKERS call a 'cap' on numbers.

I have no intention on closing the books to people eager to have a taste of the group, but it is absolutely vital that students, particularly, register through their respective school music teachers (and understand the prerequisits of the FOSSICKERS). With all the inportant information then being passed on, well before the next rehearsal, things will run as planned, and folders/CDs can be ready and waiting.

After the next rehearsal, it will become time to help all the current FOSSICKERS assess how they are coping with the program. It is important to the progress of all involved that each member feels comfortable with their own expectations, and the undertaking being given to all the other musicians that all work at improving their instrumental skills and then consistently apply them, to the best of ones ability each time there is a session/rehearsal.

Some 'standard - audition' skills sheets will be prepared and members allowed to work through them for 1 or 2 weeks before they can then demonstrate their current relative skill levels.

With this information, some members may choose to follow a plan of skills development with their private teachers that specifically assists with their progress as part of the FOSSICKERS.

The FOSSICKERS will then be in a great position to form new 'COMBOS' within the larger group, ready to prepare special pieces for our 'debute' performances later in the year.

Lets keep the momentum going, and all practices (home and elsewhere) as fun and productive as possible.

7-11-05

Lets get chromatic, shall we? Listen to those chords as they move through their pattern/progression. Get a feel for the movement, it's more enjoyable than 'slavishly' counting each beat and you get to appreciate the solos and the great work of the FOSSICKERS Rhythm Section.

14-11-05

Great to see the Fossickers standing for their first real solos today. Also great to have parents keen to encourage their children's efforts as the venture into the sometimes frightening experience of 'improvising'. I'm sure all the FOSSICKERS would love to have their parents and friends joining in with the exercises, particularly the 'call and response' or 'echo' singing! There is absolutely nothing wrong with families joining in, or parents keen to help their young musicians comprehend the musical activities and concepts outlined at rehearsals. Sit in with the kids once in a while and help with the counting, or just to get a 'feel' for the music from their perspective. I'm sure it'll make for great conversation around the dinner-table once the family returns home, and (even better) this type of interest and sharing will help with the home practice and support for the endeavours of these new 'CATS'.

Don't forget Finale Performance Assessment, and Finale Notepad can be of assistance in the home practicing portion of FOSSICKING. Program Notepad, listen to the result. Bring it in to rehearsal and get it converted to Finale Performance Assessment (yes, even scales and technique builders), and start building up your percentages and accuracy. Its a lot of fun to have this much say in your musical development. Why not try one of your own compositions?

CEG, EGB, GBD....CEGB, EGBD.... 1x1=1, 1x2=2....

21-11-05

What do 'CATS' and KITTENS have to do with RABBITS?  (apart from the name of their young)

Interesting stylistic considerations when playing JAZZ. Have a think about this piece...and grow from a KITTEN to a 'CAT'.

UTB Keys

Dot, Dot, bah, doo Bah doo Bah doo dit....

Utb Jazz Sim

28-11-05

New connections this week:- patterns of generic thirds create chords. These come from applying patterns to scales (note-skip-note-skip-note). These generic thirds become 'proper' (M,m,d etc) chords when a 'KEY' is applied.

KEYS, scales, chords and improvisation patterns are all related. Get used to their sound and their patterns make much more sense. Apply the skills of looking and listening (singing in your head or out loud if there is no other way) to evey bit of music you encounter and you learn them pretty fast.

Practice your skill building, then it can be applied to any piece of music, or any musical situation. Just practicing one piece at a time, over and over again means you are starting from little better than scratch every time some one 'plonks' a new piece of music in front of you. Build your skills, so that any new piece of music that lands in front of you can be played as though it were second nature. With all your skills in place the music will be like a memory you haven't had yet... think about it.

Just like reading a book, sightreading music sets off great imagery in your mind. Your ability to read a book also means you can have a go at writing one. Writing music? Not much different. The Alphabet is normally (english) 26 letters. Music uses similar patterns, but the spelling can be different. It may involve # and b's in its patterns, but the 'pay-off' is every key only has 7 'letters' in its M/m scale. Thats not too tough to work on, in small bites.

Musical sounds only come to life the instant they are made and heard. This doesn't mean improvising your own music has to be all done instantly as well. Its fine to have a plan (like a table of contents in a book - a form) in mind before its time to improvise, just be flexible enough to let your skills be the vehicle when its time to really get expressive.

The FOSSICKERS rhythm section 'write' out their parts to help build their memories. The rest of the combo will pretty soon as well.

29-11-05

Still working towards having a FOSSICKERS tune performed along side the Gem-Tones this comming Friday. More details soon.

1-12-05

Good news from one of the FOSSICKERS sponsors. Macintyre High School awarded as a finalist in the 'FLAME' awards. One of the top 40 school music programs in the whole country. (more details at http://www.gem-tones-stageband.websyte.com.au/site.cfm?/gem-tones-stageband/4/   1-12-05

5-12-05

Well done to the FOSSICKERS combo that performed 'Charlie Jams Again' at the recent Gem-Tones performance in the Rotary rotunda in Campbell Park (Friday 2nd Dec.). The solos were all well crafted with a very lyrical flute melody that the microphone missed.

Well done, in particular, to the FOSSICKERS rhythm section all of whom covered the directors oversight in missing out Mr Detman's solo. A quick count-in and the reprise flowed smoothly with a quick jump to the CODA. Just like the 'pros'.

We were treated to a 'world premiere' of 'Mikaela's 3 step'. A very tidy Alto Sax duet. More to come, no doubt, as all FOSSICKERS should be inspired to begin to apply their new skills to compositions as well as solos and sight reading new charts. Mikaela is showing the way.

Charlies Fossickers 4in FOSSICKERS first public performance COMBO. (Back L-R Katherine - Cl, Matthew - Bass, Jon - Drums, Brian - Cl, Front L-R Patrick - Keys, Matthew - Keys, Mikaela - Sax. not pictured - Kymberleigh - Fl.)

Fossickers 005
Fossickers 006

All FOSSICKERS benefit from the performance of the combo because 'Charlie Jams Again' now moves to 'repertoire', ready to be further polished for future performances. This means its time for a new chart - 'My Last Nickel' joins 'Swing Town' in development. As a chart is moved through a new one is introduced so we will always have 2 contrasting pieces in development.

'Untalkative Bunny' and 'La Ti Do Re' serve beautifully as 'chops' builders (etudes and studies in music theory and ensemble skills), but it will take some clever arranging before they see a public stage. Lets see what the FOSSICKERS themselves can develop here?

For all the families that share in the FOSSICKERS experience, more time at the end of each rehearsal will be available to help clarify any of the exercises. Please feel free to use this time to help demystify this wonderful thing called music. The more that share the learning the quicker the skills/concepts become second nature. (Program notes and CD resources are available upon request.)

mpfl website link graphic

12-12-05

The FOSSICKERS last rehearsal for 2005.

FOSSICKERS will be in recess until late January 2006, when we will recommence with some brief 'combo' placement auditions. This will help to keep the project relevant for all the differing combinations of instruments and skills levels.

Quite a number of families have taken the lead from their time with the project this year, to further explore the possibilities of learning new instruments. When parents and kids all share in the endeavour of learning instruments alongside eachother it is truly wonderfull. (Don't forget the resource CD that comes with the initial FOSSICKERS packs. It contains great drills and info on the bessential basics of music and common musical skills builders!).

I WONDER IF 'SANTA' IS WATCHING ALL THIS ACTIVITY AND ENJOYMENT. WHAT COULD THIS MEAN HE INCLUDES IN HIS SACK?

Plenty of FOSSICKERS will be out and about the town and surrounds, all busking in their smaller 'combos', until Christmas. Those that have already started have reported back, commenting on the response of the public compared to previous years, that they have had a more immediate response to their presence. The 'combo' training provides for groups to play complete, yet flexible arrangements, whereas in the past the buskers were playing selections of 'innerparts' (harmony parts with long rest periods taken from larger band works with no referance to the melody). Now they can play complete pieces and mix and match the arrangement to suit.

The audiences have responded favourably to the improvement in musical arrangement as well as the hightened and infectious energy from the improved performances.

FOSSICKERS will be performing with many other church and community based groups throughout the break from school. They also feature quite prominently in the many and varied end of year concerts. While not all these feature music in a style directly related to the repertoire of the FOSSICKERS, they all rely on the instrumental and ensemble skills that have been the main feature of the project to date. FOSSICKERS are more confident in their sightreading, their rehearsal is markedly more efficient, they listen better and the result is more pleaseing ensemble performances. Solos, when taken, are a 'buzz' for all present!

Look out for these pieces when you pass by some Buskers, and take the time to ask them about the FOSSICKERS Jazz Training Combo, it is open to all whom wish to experience it:

Charlie Jams Again; Swing Town; My Last Nickel; Untalkative Bunny; La Ti Do Re; and more...

SAFE AND HAPPY HOLIDAY SEASON TO ALL. HEAR YOU ALL EARLY IN 2006.

31-3-06

The FOSSICKERS will be performing for the first time in 2006 as part of the Music-Play For Life linked "a TASTE of MACINTYRE" tonight from 8:00pm.

Many new soloists will be taking the spotlight as we perform: Charlie Jams Again - Space Walk - My Last Nickel - Swing Town.  Inverell will be the "swing town" tonight. See you there.

1-4-06

Well done to all the FOSSICKERS at A Taste of Macintyre! the audience was truly astounded and most appreciative of the 4 pieces. Soloists all received tremendous applause, and the rhythm section 'comped beautifully. As I mentioned to the crowd in between songs - the aim is to encourage the development of 'complete musicians'. Musicians capable of performing under any circumstance, solving any problems that arise during a performance so that the audience is kept entertained. FOSSICKERS are really close to achieving this aim - if a mic falls down - pick it up and play, if the solo is long or short - follow the progression - listen to the rhythm section and pick up the feel, or return to the 'head'... easy when your confidence is as high as it was during the show. All the practice of all the 'jazz' skills can be applied to any piece as needed now.

The enjoyment transmitted from the band members through their performance, and the trust evident in each member truly had the audience captivated. (Pics in the new 'CATS' clips section)

WELL DONE. 

2-5-06

FOSSICKERS picked up a 30 minute set during a break in the Gem-Tones concert in the Marquee at the Inverell Tom Roberts Festival Street Party on the 29-4-06. This was particularly interesting as it was on the end of a school holiday and the group were expected to present their set relying only on their ensemble skills. (No rehearsals for nearly 3 weeks prior to the 'show')

Fossickers TR 2 2.5in Fossickers TR 2.5in

The 'professional' attitude and enthusiasm of the group was evident from the moment they moved to take over the stage. Each member has their position and jobs. All achieved without fuss. No nerves projected to the audience at all. A quick tuning chord - and we're away! The drummers count in and almost draw a blank, but the ensemble confidently carries the first 8 and the drums rejoin as though intended (just for added impact, and to keep the regulars in the audience on their toes...). Lead-line players take their solos without a hitch (just watch the distance from the mics!).

Another milestone for the FOSSICKERS is achieved. Now we have a task to build up the repertoire and form combos within the group. Then it'll be time to 'dove-tail' solos and begin 'trading' so members of the combo can better connect to the audience after their solos. (A quick wink or a short bow to achnowledge the genuine applause that follows each solo - as an example). Confidence is still building.

6-8-06

Yes, well, it has been a very long time since a new entry has been added to these pages. Its probably a good idea to reverse the order of the entries as well...

A lot has been developing in Inverell, musically. The FOSSICKERS along with others like the Gem-Tones Stageband have been 'linking' together to demonstrate to the wider community just how much MUSIC there is in our area. The new site LONG BLUE ROOM has been set up to collect and display info in line with the local and national MUSIC - PLAY FOR LIFE campaign. As a result the 'virtual paperwork' on the FOSSICKERS site has been lower on the proverbial list.

THIS DOESN'T MEAN THAT THE FOSSICKERS HAVE BEEN IDLE... Far from it!!

Come along to the next round of performances, starting with the Inverell Eisteddfod on Friday September 1st (evening session commences at 7:00pm) and marvel at the wonderfull results of the FOSSICKERS' own arrangements of their pieces and their inspired improvisations.

See you all there.

More details are posted on the new MPFL site the LONG BLUE ROOM.

www.long-blue-room.websyte.com.au mpfl website link graphic

4-9-06

Hello everyone. As promised here is some more detail on the recent Eisteddfod performances.

FOSS 3in Award 2006

comments 1 4in comments 2 4in

l k solos 2in

more soon - including soloists list and more pictures... "cats" page.

6-12-06

I do hope everyone has been keeping up to date with the FOSSICKERS performances. Information is found on the local MUSIC PLAY FOR LIFE website on the "linked events" page. http://www.long-blue-room.websyte.com.au/site.cfm?/long-blue-room/2/

Our last performance for 2006 will be in the Campbell Park Rotunda from 7:00pm, as part of the linked 'Growing Inverell' and MUSIC PLAY FOR LIFE initiatives. Come along with a picnic and enjoy the tunes. The solos will be quite varied as all the FOSSICKERS have been developing their own distinct styles.

Our plan for the badges is still moving forward, but the lead up to the christmas holiday season has its own pressures on many businesses and the laser cutting of the badge 'blanks' is not yet scheduled. The design is on our home page though, and the poly drafts do look great thenks to DESKLINE COMPUTERS of inverell.

FOSSICKERS will be having a short break from rehearsals until early February of 2007. Plenty of time to sort our our new repertoire and get in some maintenance on the scales and such. The website might see some changes in that time as well.

1-2-08

Don't panic! 2007 didn't dissapear!!. The FOSSICKERS have been going from strength to strength (Winning their section in the 2007 Eisteddfod - beating the Gem-Tones Stageband!! - among other events). For the most up to date info on our exploits why not drop us a line, or watch the most up to date callendar of musical events at http://www.long-blue-room.websyte.com.au .

FOSSICKERS will be going srong throughout 2008 and well into the future...

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