Grade-a-thon progress!
Since launching our very first Grade-a-thon in partnership with the Saffron Walden Symphony Orchestra, participants have been making fantastic progress — turning first notes into recognisable tunes, building confidence, and in many cases surprising themselves with just how far they’ve come in a short space of time.
From complete beginners to those rediscovering instruments after years away, this growing community of players is embracing the challenge with energy, humour and determination. Practice sessions are underway, nerves are turning into excitement, and the journey towards Grade 1 is moving at a pace - all in support of greater access to music for young people across Essex.
A Grade-a-thon is a creative, hands-on challenge that invites adults of all abilities to learn a new instrument — from scratch — and work towards a Grade 1 exam (or equivalent) within a set period.
Diana - Clarinet
I was shocked to find the fingering is different to my recorder so had to relearn. We have done A to G in the Abracadabra Clarinet book. Sometimes I don't remember the fingering from the note on the page.
He has just taught me to tongue.....which is a whole new ball game cos it changes my embouchure....but he assures me practice will help!! He tells me 'keep lower lip pressure up for pitch and tone'
We have recorded No27 in the book Shanty Tune.
Rachel - Double Bass
I can’t believe that I can already play a short piece on the double bass. I play it alongside a recording of an orchestra, so it feels as though I’m a real musician! I love the low tones of the bass and I’m looking forward to learning some more tunes. Practising isn’t a chore like it was when I learned an instrument as a child. I’m so grateful that I’ve been able to borrow a bass from a member of SWSO - I love it!
Cristin - Drums
Taking part in the Saffron Walden Grade-a-thon has been a brilliant way to stay focused and work towards a clear goal. One of the main challenges in learning drum kit has been developing coordination between hands and feet, but steady practice is building confidence and control. Great progress has been made with stick grip, posture, basic rhythms and producing clean, consistent first sounds. Next steps include improving tempo control and tackling more complex patterns. Most importantly, the experience has been hugely enjoyable — every session feels like real progress.
Pat - Saxophone
I have always wanted to play the saxophone and about 35 years ago I tried my friend’s sax and decided this was the instrument for me. However, we had a Clarinet at home so learnt that in stead. I have always yearned for a sax but have never got round to it. The Grade-a-thon will make me do it
I admit that because I play the Clarinet it is easier for me to move through the first steps of playing the sax. Also, it is an easier instrument in many ways. HOWEVER, I notice that the sounds I make are flat and the embouchure, the way you shape your mouth, is different so difficult to get low notes. The answer of course, is to practise. Focussed practice, not just playing a nice tune. I can be lazy!
I am spurred on by fear of the June exam and also by meeting the other people learning instruments
It’s a great chance to do something new, and, in the fullness of time hopefully to play together with others. What could be better?
Thank you Saffron Hall
Alex - Clarinet
I’m learning the clarinet. I learned the piano at school which I enjoyed but have always slightly regretted not learning an instrument that would enable me to be part of a band or orchestra. The grade-a-thon spurred me on to give it a go all these years later!
I’ve found a great teacher locally I’m having weekly lessons with. I’m really enjoying it so far and am relieved to be more consistently getting a sound out of it! The current challenge is keeping the embouchure and managing the slight frustration of it feeling effortless one minute to really tricky the next, and also I never knew reeds seem to have a character all of their own….!