Sören Sieg: Usiogope (Don't be afraid), 1st movement of Wakati njema. Performed by REC Tsubetsu

Описание: This video was among the 12 best in the Sören Sieg Music Video Competition 2020!

The recorder orchestra REC Tsubetsu from Hokkaido, Japan, performed USIOGOPE, the first movement of my African Suite No. 15, WAKATI NJEMA. A heart-warming opening-sequence, recorders which are decorated with leaves, a self-made arrangement of the piece which includes very low recorders (the score only uses SATB), a smoothly added groovy percussion part, wonderful images of the Hokkaido landscape - the Jury thinks that this is in many aspects a truly remarkable video. There is - as typically for Japan - a great love for every detail. The video transports even in difficult times perfectly the the message of the music: don't be afraid!

The ensemble writes about the video:

"Inspiration/Theme: Don’t be afraid! Blast your music from Hokkaido to Africa!

With the stunning nature of Tsubetsu Town, we’ll express the joy of life through the music of our

recorders!

Details of Recording and Video Shoot

Recorded: September 19th, 2020 at the Tsubetsu-cho Community Center, Abashiri, Hokkaido
Video Shoot: September 20th, 2020 at Tsubetsu-cho Nonno no Mori, Abashiri, Hokkaido

Photography: Tsubetsu-cho resident and amateur photographer Mr. Sadaichi Nomiya

Editor: Tsubetsu-cho resident and Doutou TV member Mr. Akira Tachikawa

Performers (members with their names in parenthesis were recorded but did not participate in the video shoot)

S: Kii Ishihara, Ryoko Mukaihira, (Akari Nakano)

A: Tomoko Asano, Taeko Nakagawa, Yu Ishihara

T: Kayoko Higuchi, Miwa Chimura, (Michiko Arai), (Yukie Nakano)

B: Kyouka Nakagawa, (Kayano Arai) G.B.: Tamaki Yamada

C.B.: Masayuki Chimura, Hitomi Sasaki S.G.B.: Masami Ishihara Per.: Yusuke Oyabu (Total 18)

(Video Shooting Total 14)"
Conductor: Mami Oota

The ensemble writes about itself:

REC Tsubetsu comes from “Recorder・Enjoy・Circle.”

It began in 2008 with the 1st Tsubetsu Recorder Seminar, and the recorder ensemble quickly attracted the attention of many adults. This year marks the 12th consecutive year of activity. What began as a group of 10 members has grown to include 2 elementary school students, 4 junior high school students, 2 high school students, one university student, and 20 adults for a grand total of 29 members. Ranging from children to adults, parents and children, brothers and sisters, our members enjoy bonding over recorders to create a welcoming atmosphere. We participate in local events as well as conducting concerts for the residents of the senior retirement home.

From 2013, we began to recruit members interested in contests. Our members represented Hokkaido for 6 years running, and finally, two years ago, we got first place, hanamurasho, at the Japan Recorder Seminar.

In addition, we were selected for the 7th consecutive year to represent Hokkaido at the Japan Recorder Seminar, to be held on March 29th, 2020, but it was cancelled due to concerns over the novel Coronavirus. Our members were filled with disappointment at the missed opportunity to perform African Suite No. 15 as planned.

While our members and society at large were sheltering in place from the end of February until July, we decided to use this time to set our sights on this competition by recruiting new members. From August, we started practicing as a group, and recorded and shot photos and video as listed below."

The Jury wishes to thank REC Tsubetsu for this wonderful contribution!

You can find out more about the Sören Sieg Music Video Competition 2020 or buy this score at
www.soerensieg.de