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ECM Records releases entire catalogue on streaming services

By Anonymous -
Life-changing news. Last night, I stumbled across an article informing me that ECM Records has released its entire catalogue on various streaming services . ECM Records, founded in 1969 by producer Manfred Eicher, is one of the best record labels in the world for fans of jazz and classical music. ECM releases are known for their superb recording quality, fascinating artwork, and for featuring some of the most innovative music being composed and recorded. Long absent from streaming services, ECM has always maintained that physical CDs and LPs were the best way to hear their music. In a recent press release revealing this news, they reiterate this position, and point the finger squarely a music piracy for 'forcing' this move to streaming. This opens up the debate about music consumption in a digital age, but for us as consumers, it means that hundreds of outstanding recordings are now much more available. The main ECM label focusses on jazz, and releases such as Keith Jarr
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King's Singers: Gold

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These guys turn 50 this year. Obviously none of them is 50 years old, but if you don't know this group, then you should get to know them. Formed in 1968, this all six-piece male vocal ensemble have made a name for their stunning singing, ranging from Renaissance polyphony to arrangement of more current hits. For me, I have always loved going through the huge numbers of arrangements that they have made available to us. Most of them are really approachable by the amateur ensemble, and over the years, some of their arrangements have become real Vocal Ensemble favourites. I try to make a point of teaching And So it Goes  to every cohort, and this, along with Lonesome Road and She's Always a Woman  will remain very dear to past and present members' hearts. The King's Singers have recently released Gold , a three-album compilation to celebrate their 50th Anniversary. Listen to it here . Vocal Ensemble, I look forward to taking you to their concert in January. 
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Year 11: Mocks and extra-curricular clubs

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Year 11, you go on mock exam leave on Friday. During exam leave, we would like you to continue to attend clubs where possible. Attendance is compulsory for Big Band, Vocal Ensemble and Orchestra, unless you have an exam (and giving advance notice for missed rehearsals is basic manners). If you need to miss a club for revision, fine, but please remember your responsibilities as senior members of the department. We are busy preparing for a number of concerts, and rely on our senior musicians to set a good example for our younger students. The department is only as good as it is thanks to the continued commitment of our amazing students (you lot). Also, music is a brilliant way to relax, and take your mind off exams during mocks. You are expected to attend your instrumental lessons as usual.  If there is a clash with an exam, please sort it out with your teacher. Missed lessons for no reason will be charged. Good luck, go and smash your mocks. D&G x
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Student Bibles: A History of Western Music

By Anonymous -
I just found a short documentary on BBC Radio 4 Extra from 1999. It concerns Grout's 'A History a Western Music', a book every music student will know VERY well. Worth a listen for students past, present and future! Student Bibles: The History of Western Music
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A Short History of the Metronome

By Anonymous -
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Interesting read - inner pulse guys, inner pulse! The Beat Goes On: A Short History of the Metronome From the WQXR Blog
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John Rutter on the importance of singing and music in general in our daily lives.

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"A church or school without a choir is like a body without a soul." John Rutter delivers a very important statement about music in our lives.  I truly feel passionate about every word he says. Please watch, it is so important.
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The Rabbit of Seville

By Anonymous -
This 1950 cartoon by Looney Tunes is Bugs Bunny at his operatic finest.  Bugs escapes the obsessed Elmer Fudd and they find themselves in a production of  Il Barbiere di Siviglia  at (presumably) the Hollywood Bowl. Obligatory antics ensue, and we go all in on a creatively animated scalp massage. Rabbit Of Seville from Wet The Face on Vimeo .
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