SCHOOL CONCERTS
A premiere musical event for schools
Duo Jackson
Violin & Guitar
A thirty five year legacy of Duo Jackson concert performances stands behind the evolution of Strings Fiesta – a tour-de-force of creative music making which has delighted audiences in over 1000 Australian and New Zealand schools.
Miles and Margaret Jackson’s special ability to relate to young people opens up new possibilities of performance and enjoyment for students, many of whom will not have heard violin and guitar played in such a varied range of styles – classical, folk, ragtime, Flamenco, contemporary, gypsy, blues and jazz.
Strings Fiesta aims to dispel some of the myths many young people have about classical music with a view to rekindling the idea that all music can be fun !
The highest standards of musicality are exemplified in the performance which includes a question period and an explanation of the musical instruments.
Repertoire Includes
| La Fiesta | Chic Corea |
| Romance | Traditional |
| Paganini | Sonata Nos 1&3 |
| Orange Blossom Special | Traditional Bluegrass |
| The Bear dance | Traditional Bulgarian |
| The Entertainer | Scott Joplin |
| Flamenco Guitar | Traditional Spanish |
| The Lazy Gypsy | Traditional Rumanian |
| The Canary Polka | Poliakin |
| The Country Express | Irish Country Style |
| Classical Gas | Mason Williams |
| Blues | Improvisation |
| Lord of the Dance | from Lord of the Dance |
Amaryllis’ Dream
Duo Jackson
Amaryllis’ Dream is a Duo Jackson composition currently enjoying spectacular success as it plays to school audiences throughout New Zealand. Perhaps best described as a “spellbinding musical sound poem,” Amaryllis’ Dream establishes an immediate and lasting rapport between the musicians and their audience. Based on a fanciful interpretation of a 9 year old’s dream, a delightful procession of creative instrumental effects reward the attentive listener with the sounds of a frog, blackbird, water droplets, wind chimes, knocking on a door, creaking hinges, toy soldiers, jet, plane, Barbi Doll, bumble bee, fire engine, mechanical monkey, cackling witch, teddy bear, clucking hen, rocking horse, grandfather clock, even a train !
Destruction
Duo Jackson
An excerpt from the composition ‘Tarariki’ by Miles and Margaret Jackson – a stunningly original work which received thunderous applause following its premiere performance in June 1993 at the Nelson School of Music. This haunting portrayal in sound symbolises the destruction of native New Zealand forests, culminating in the final movement as a mighty forest giant crashes to the ground yielding life and limb to the power of man and machine.
SPECIAL EFFECTSAdding to the variety and excitement of Strings Fiesta are the many special instrumental effects employed by Miles and Margaret in their music. Pizzicato, tremelo, sul tasto, ponticello, harmonics, rasgueados, drum and fingernail induced sounds are among the effects to be heard on the guitar, with pizzicato, glissando, double stopping, muting, harmonics, tremelo, col legno, ponticello, vibrato and other effects on the violin. TEACHER IMPRESSIONS“A first class musical presentation. Warmly presented with an understanding of children’s levels of comprehension. One of the best cultural visits to come to the school…” ” The programme was superbly presented… very lively and informatively pitched at good levels… held the children’s interest and attention… distinctive and superbly sensitive… it was a deeply evocative experience…” ” The girls returned to school glowing about the interest and quality of the programme.. the best they’d had…” Singapore American School Miles and Margaret Jackson performed for students aged 8 -10 at the Singapore American School in september 2002. their professionalism and creativity came through in their music and students enjoyed every moment. As a music department, we are often hesitant to bring in groups if we haven’t heard them before. We have experienced groups who come and speak / perform above or below the level of the students. The Jackson’s had a wonderful rapport with the students and used language that was easy for this age to understand. we would highly recommend Duo jackson for any school music assemblies, especially for the ages 4 -12. Singapore American School Elementary Music Department Overseas Family School Duo Jackson came to Overseas Family School in September 2002 and gave a series of recital / demonstrations that the kids are still talking about. Whether in front of an audience of 400 11 -16 year olds or before more intimate groups of around 100 primary students, they demonstrated a natural ease of communication, total professionalism and, above all, a love and absolute command of their instruments. A variety of musical styles, an ideal mix of dazzling display and practical information, a relaxed and warm podium manner: all these elements added up to a thoroughly enjoyable and instructive experience for the kids and their teachers. It was also a nice touch to have their teenage daughter perform some items with them….this too helped create the bond with the audience. These concerts by Duo Jackson were amongst the most enriching and memorable events we have been able to arrange for our students here. Being a multi – cultural, multi – ethnic school it is sometimes difficult to find a common denominator and find material that strikes a common chord : Duo Jackson, with their versatility and all-embracing music tastes, certainly acheived this. Tim Bridgewater Dean of Performing Arts Overseas Family School STUDENT COMMENTS
” I’ve never been a fan of classical music but I’m sure you’ve changed my mind… some of the notes send shivers down your spine…” ” It’s all so wonderful ! I never knew music could talk… I wanted to clap forever…” THE ARTISTS
Margaret began her violin studies in Dunedin at the age of seven. In the early 1970’s she studied with Glynne Adams at Auckland University and the renowned Czech teacher Jan Sedivka at the Tasmanian Conservatory of Music . Later followed four years of intensive study at Canterbury University under Polish Master Jan Tawroszewicz. As adept with the subtleties of the classics as she is with gypsy music, Margaret has an astonishingly creative flair for Jazz improvisation as well. BOOKING DETAILSThe programmes are tailored to suit primary, intermediate, or secondary grades and last approximately 50 minutes. Information And Conditions Programme Costs The cost of each programme is $3 50 per student. Minimum fee $420. Discounts Families only pay for a maximum of two children, extra siblings are free of charge. Special fees may be arranged by negotiation. Teachers and adults are free. Payment Conditions Payment is to be made by cheque to M Jackson at the completion of the performance. Payment must be based on a head count of students in attendance, not on monies collected. A GST tax invoice will be issued to schools on receipt of payment. BOOKING FORM
SIGNED ____________________________________ DATE _________ I will confirm date and time by return. Please post to Miles Jackson :
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” I didn’t want to hear it, but boy oh boy, was I wrong ! They really put heart and soul into it. I felt like the music was saying things to me…”
Miles started in music with the violin, changing to classic guitar in 1965. Intensive studies with the great Czech guitarist Vladimir Mikulka, study and concert performances with the English master guitarist John Mills and periods of Flamenco guitar study in Spain have equipped Miles with a formidable technique and an inspired passion for the music.