Celebrating our Fellows: a Christmas catch up with Meggie Murphy and Holly Clark
Meggie Murphy (trombone) and Holly Clark (trumpet) are both alumni of the Philharmonia Instrumental Fellowship Programme. This year, they perform as part of the Philharmonia Brass Ensemble across the country at our Philharmonia Brass at Christmas concerts. We caught up with them ahead of their UK tour about their musical journeys, experiences as Philharmonia Fellows, and the joys of playing in a brass ensemble.
Can you tell us a bit more about your journey with your instruments?
Meggie: I started playing the trombone when I was nine. My dad just asked me if I wanted to and I said yes without knowing anything! I was actually expecting to see a valved instrument when I walked in, so got such a fright when it was a slide! I played with the National Children’s Orchestra (NCO) under 12s and that’s when I fell properly in love with orchestral music and the trombone. I think it was having people who were like you and just as excited about it.
Holly: I began cornet lessons in primary school at the age of nine. I have such fond memories of learning as my first teacher was so generous and inspiring. After months of persuasion, he encouraged me to go along to the local brass band and this is when I really started to love the instrument. Growing up in a musical family, I always appreciated music, however it wasn’t until I began to play myself, especially in group scenarios that I realised how much I enjoyed it. I immediately fell in love with the sound of the brass band and this sparked a curiosity to learn more about the instrument. I was never sure whether I wanted to play professionally or just as a hobby, but I think always playing to enjoy it opened up a lot of opportunities to me. After taking part in groups such as National Youth Band of Great Britain and the National Youth Orchestra, I really became inspired by others to improve and continue my musical journey.
You were both Instrumental Fellows with the Philharmonia Orchestra. What was the highlight of the programme for you?
Holly: the highlight would be having the opportunity to have one to one time with the amazing tutors. Jason [Evans] and Robin [Totterdell] were so generous with the time and energy that he put into the lessons. I had the opportunity to have section playing sessions with Jason, Robin and Christian [Barraclough]. I learnt so much from playing beside the trumpet section and having such thoughtful, varied feedback from each player.
Meggie: the highlight of the programme for me was probably having lessons with Byron Fulcher [former Principal Trombone of the Philharmonia Orchestra] and sitting in on some rehearsals.
What do you enjoy about performing in a smaller chamber ensemble such as this one? Do you have to prepare differently to when you’re sitting in the orchestra?
Meggie: the thing I love most about performing in chamber groups and ensembles is the connection. I find it easier to connect to everyone in the group and then you find these lines that interact and intertwine, then you can create some beautiful and exciting music!
Holly: firstly, I love the sound of a brass ensemble. As well as the fun, flashy repertoire, the warm sounds that a brass ensemble can create are special to me. I also enjoy the challenge of learning the difficult repertoire that comes with playing chamber music. Often in a chamber ensemble, the parts are slightly more intricate than brass parts you’d expect to see in an orchestral setting. There is a huge sense of teamwork in this kind of ensemble; melodic lines being passed throughout the group, players taking turns to lead, and each person having the opportunity to input musical ideas in rehearsals.
Do you have any advice for a young instrumentalist starting out on a brass instrument?
Meggie: it’s a classic but just do it. Jump in headfirst. You often start young and that doesn’t mean it has to be your life. I think it’s important to try lots of things when you’re younger because you never know what you’re going to connect with.
Holly: I would advise to start making music with other people as soon as possible. Not only is this a friendly environment to be in, but it is also where you can become inspired, learn new skills and immerse yourself into real music making. Whether this is playing in a wind band, brass band, orchestra or chamber group. The key is to enjoy it.
What’s your favourite Christmas carol?
Holly: In the Bleak Midwinter – it’s a beautiful tune!
Meggie: O Holy Night!
