Musicians of any standard asked to send video performance of Bowie song to saxophone star who will create a virtual mix
The award-winning saxophonist Jess Gillam is asking musicians of any standard to join her Virtual Scratch Orchestra for a special performance.
Contributors are invited to record their part, using a click track to keep to the same tempo, and email their video contribution to Gillam at info@jessgillamsax.co.uk.
Virtual orchestra debut
The Brit award-winner will mix the submissions together and play her lead saxophone part over the top, in the first online performance of the Jess Gillam Virtual Scratch Orchestra.
The song will be played out via Gillam’s Instagram, at 6pm on April 17.
Gillam told i: “Music is about bringing people together, so at this time when it’s not possible to be physically together to make music, we can create a piece from afar.”
The presenter of Radio 3’s This Classical Life set out her challenge for i readers.
“I will upload parts for different pieces, you video yourself playing the part that suits you most, send it in and then I’ll collate all of the videos to make a Virtual Orchestra and I’ll play along live.”
Bowie song ‘reflective’
Where Are We Now? marked Bowie’s return to music in 2013. “It’s one of my favourite songs. It’s melancholy, reflective but hopeful,” said the Cumbrian musician.
“Wherever we are in the world, we are all in the same situation now. It also ended a long period of silence from Bowie.”
Gillam said she was taken aback by the “huge reaction from around the world” since posting her challenge on social media.
“People will see their contribution in tiles on screen in the final performance like a big Zoom House Party Orchestra,” Gillam promised.
The orchestra will reconvene for further performances of jazz and classical pieces, chosen by Gillam.
“But when this is all over it would be great to get the virtual orchestra to meet each other and play the song in person,” she said.
