UNIVERSITY OF YORK

DEPARTMENT OF MUSIC

RECORD OF ENSEMBLE PARTICIPATION

NAME: Oliver Pickup

ENTRY YEAR: 2013

Please state the repertoire and concerts you have performed this year with all Departmental and
Registered Ensembles. If you have performed with Society Ensembles as well (Concert Band etc.),
please list these as well. You may also like to reflect on new approaches and techniques learnt and
how your performance skills have been enhanced (max. 250 words).

Symphony Orchestra
Autumn Concert (Bray, Verdi, Forsyth)
Spring Concert (Mahler 2)
Summer Concert (Britten)

Jazz Orchestra
Autumn Concert (Illes, Schnider)
Spring Concert (Silver)
Summer Concert (Dedication Orchestra)

Chimera
Autumn Concert (Composer)
Spring Concert (Jarventausta, Tinnoco)
Spring Festival Concert (Barratt)

Big Band (Current Chair)

Jazz Dance (joint event with MEG)
Set at GoodFest (upcoming)

Sam Johnson Big Band

Lord Mayors Charity Gala at the Barbican (Johnson, Bassie, Emerald)
Alumni Weekend upcoming (Johnson, Dylan, McGrail)

CHMS
Witches of Eastwick Spring term
Summer Showcase (Assistant MD and rehearsal pianist)

Gilbert & Sullivan Society

Spring Show Princess Ida

Music Society
I have not performed in any MusicSoc lunchtime concerts this year but I have been heavily
involved with doing the lighting and recording of the concerts. This role has taught me how
different styles of lighting can influence a show and either make a really good show or
potentially ruin a show.

YoCoCo
Spring Concert (Composer)
Summer Concert (Composer)

Dysfunktion and TOPQ

I have performed at various events both on and off campus with my own function band and
jazz quartet.

The biggest improvement to my playing this year has come about after gaining an appreciation
for contemporary classical music and performing with the Chimera Ensemble. I have learned
new techniques (including using a bottle of Prosecco as a mute) to create and change the timbre
of my instrument. I have also learned that there is more to be gained from music than sitting in
front of a score. Playing in a new work by Richard Barratt with a text score has given me
experience in having to make on the spot musical choices, i.e. which instrument to use with
what mutes and when. This is something that I found very difficult and would like to improve
on next year as I also feel that it will help improve the musical choices that I make with Jazz
Improvisation.