About Us : The ESME e.V. Orchestra
The TT Orchestra was formed during the Summer of 2008 from members of the Ex-pat community living and working in München. From humble beginnings (well, an evening in a biergarten with 5 people), to the first public performance, in July 2009, with 22 musicians and 16 singers (on the hottest night of that year) is a remarkable achievement and we hope to keep developing and growing.
It is especially impressive given that most members had not picked up their instruments or sung in a group in many, many years and can only spare a very small amount of time to attend rehearsals. Fitting in rehearsals around a busy working, family and social schedule is tricky enough - but adding the pressure of performing an ambitious reportoire, especially so. The reward is that we really seem to enjoy playing and whilst it can be a little stressful in the buildup to a concert, looking back on your achievements is a wonderful feeling and makes it all worthwhile!
When we had our first public concert, a very hot Thusday night in July 2009, we were 'unique' in not having a 'full' orchestral compliment. We did not have any 'Cellos, Basses, Trombones or even any percussion. We did have 6 flutes, 4 clarinets and 1 viola amongst the throng though! Looking back now, at the beginning of our 2011 season, with a sucessful debut at the Carl-Orff-Saal (almost a year to the day from our first concert) in 2010 plus a two great Christmas Concerts in 2009 and 2010, we have more than surpassed even our wildest expectations. So too in our ranks: as we have 'Cellos, 'Basses, Trombones, 2 bassoons, horns, saxophones, a complete Woodwind Section, a growing String section AND percussion! We continue to have lots of enthusiasm and patience as we knew one day we would have all the instruments we need - but never too many not to have more!
This is one reason why we are here: to encourage music making in general, to encourage YOU to join us - or at least mention us to your friends who might be interested such that we can build a group that can tackle a little of that wonderful list of music we all love to hear.
One thing that helps us a lot is that we arrange almost all of our music to accommodate the instruments available - from Recorders to Saxophones. Also, everyone is encouraged to try something new - whether it's conducting, arranging or behind the scenes. You may discover additional talents you never knew you had by getting involved!
About Us : The ESME e.V. Singers
The TT Singers were formed in November 2008 to sing some Carols at the TT Christmas Party in December 2008. However a core group wanted to continue and as a result of their enthusiasm we have developed into a Chamber Choir! Having tackled SATB works from Tallis to The Beatles and Queen we have shown we are a flexible and adaptable group.
Having achieved much in the way of choral singing, we hope to work on larger and more demanding works from 2011 on. This however depends on numbers and we hope that we can attract you too!
About Us : The ESME e.V. Big Band
The Big Band was formed in 2011 as a result of increased interest from our members for more playing opportunity!Playing Jazz Big Band/Dance Band standards and offering an even more relaxed and chilled environment, the band is continually growing and this year sees it performing in its first major solo gig! The "Pad" has over 75 numbers and this is ever increasing. As time goes by we intend to offer the Band to local Dance Studios for regular Ballroom Dancing events but mainly the Band plays for concerts, balls and primarily personal pleasure!
About Us : Mark Davey - Musical Director, Arranger & Principal Conductor
Mark started playing the Clarinet at 7 - because his Dad thought 'it would be a good idea'... and this was followed by the piano (his Mum's idea). Encouraged to take up the Tenor Saxophone (Head of Music's idea), to play in a Dance Band, Mark's formative years were spent playing Rugby (Mark's idea), leading a Concert Wind Band and a Dance Band. At University, undergraduate studies in Computer Science competed with a Rhythm 'n' Blues band and a Jazz Quartet plus the formation and directing of a full 28 piece Big Band that is still going to this day! Mark took arranging and conducting lessons from William McVicker and assisted conducting the University of Portsmouth Orchestra. As light relief Mark also sang 1st Bass in the Portsmouth Choral Union under Jonathan Willcocks.
Mark won the "ICL Best Project" Prize for his undergraduate thesis "Computer System for Harmonisation of Melodies", and followed it with research into 'Simulation of Concert Hall Reverberation' for his MSc in Music Technology at York alongside arranging and electro-accoustic composition studies under Tony Myatt, Richard Orton and Trevor Wishart. After leaving University, he started working in the Broadcast Industry, designing Digital Audio systems for Broadcast Mixing Consoles before designing the first multi-channel Voice over IP Broadcast Communications system in 1996. Having designed the world's (then) largest digital communications matrix for the BBC in 1997, Mark moved into High Definition Video Processing for Sony Broadcast in 2000.
Since returning to Munich in late 2007, Mark has been intent on reviving his musical interests and when the opportunity to form a music group for ex-pats arose, in the summer of 2008, he offered his services, and no-one apparently (has so far) objected! The TT Orchestra was born and since then, he has been 'instrumental' in forming the TT Singers too. He lives with his very patient and long-suffering partner Belinda.
