New horizons for Gordon Duncan Experience

Nov 11 2011 by Alison Anderson, Perthshire Advertiser Friday

HORSECROSS Arts has thrown open the audition process for its young Celtic big band The Gordon Duncan Experience to applicants from throughout Scotland.

Talented musicians aged between 14 and 18 (S2-S6), who play any instrument from trumpet to saxophone; fiddle to whistle, to an advanced standard are invited to apply for The Gordon Duncan Experience November auditions.

The 30-strong band has just finished its first two successful years playing gigs in its home venue Perth Concert Hall and a residential course and concert in Aberdeen. Plans are afoot for further exciting performance opportunities in 2012 for young musicians with a passion for playing in a big band environment on the big stage.

Named after the late Perthshire piper, Gordon Duncan, who was a hugely influential and pioneering performer and composer, The Gordon Duncan Experience focuses on playing music influenced by various genres but with its roots in Scottish traditional music.

The band plays new commissioned pieces by young contemporary composers and Gordon Duncan tunes arranged by musical directors Corrina Hewat and David Milligan, founders of highly-acclaimed folk/jazz orchestra The Unusual Suspects.

Commenting on the exciting development, Jenn Minchin, head of creative learning for Horsecross Arts, said: “We’ve got a great bunch in the band; they have really gelled as a unit both on and off stage and are growing in confidence and ability all the time.

“Opening the auditions up to applications Scotland-wide is a fantastic development that will add to the band’s skills and reputation as it continues carving out its own unique position in the world of Scottish Traditional music.”

Auditions take place next Sunday (November 20) in Perth Concert Hall.

Application forms can be downloaded from www.horsecross.co.uk or from www.gordonduncan.co.uk

For more information contact Jenn Minchin on 01738 477722, e-mail jminchin@horsecross.co.uk