The History of NEKC

NEKC was formed in 2005. It was awarded a two-year sponsorship from the ABRSM and ran two national summer schools, in 2006 and in 2007. Roland UK and the chain of Allegro Music Shops in Essex provided a generous amount of equipment.

Most participants were residential, benefiting from the excellent facilities at New Hall School, Chelmsford. The players were aged between 9 and 17 and represented ten different counties. The director, Nancy Litten, had previously founded and directed many keyboard courses in Kent, beginning in 1999. The aim was to provide ensemble experience for keyboard players and to highlight several different approaches, such as ABRSM Music Medals for keyboard, Keyboard Orchestra, Keybands, and jazz improvisation.

Forums for keyboard teachers were held during both courses, jointly presented by NEKC and the ABRSM. They highlighted Music Medals, Roland electric pianos and NEKC's work, and delegates stayed on to listen to the large ensemble in rehearsal.

It is interesting to note the responses of the players, combined from the two questionnaires sent out after the summer schools.

The top four reasons for enjoying themselves were, in order:

• Made new friends
• Had fun
• Improved musical prowess
• Liked the repertoire; enjoyed playing with others/improvising/performing in the concerts

The quality of the teaching and supervising proved key to their enjoyment, 90% considering it excellent. In the small group sessions (up to 10 in each group) they built up a rapport with their tutor and the others around them. They learnt their notes and how to balance their part with others, particularly in the Music Medals pieces. In the large rehearsals they either played as a full orchestra with a conductor; or improvised as a jazz band, under direction. For the final concert in 2007 every child was connected to one of the five magnificent Roland KC550 speakers; the balance was adjusted for each piece to allow the correct texture to emerge. Without this, players with small, quiet keyboards are unlikely to feel that their contribution matters.

Leisure activities included rounders, tennis, swimming and films. One evening was given over to a talent show, "Music at Night". It was an opportunity for players to perform to each other, either solo or in a group, on the keyboard or on some other instrument.

At the end of the course, prizes were awarded to the players who had impressed the staff the most: a new keyboard, keyboard stands, books of music, headphones etc. They were donated by Allegro Music.

Although most respondents did not have a least favourite aspect, of those who did, what featured most was:

• Didn"t like the food
• Wanted more different activities/less rehearsal time/more freedom to form their own bands
• Wanted more rehearsal time/less free time

..which all goes to prove that you can't please everyone!

Now you know about the history of NEKC, find out more about the People of NEKC >>

Free downloads

Take a look at the things you can download for free:

• Compendium of keyboard chords
• Rhythm sheets
• Key charts
• Practice charts
• Blank chord diagrams
• Note-rows

Downloads >>