"When does rehearsal start?" Zhou Yan asked.
Now that he has decided to take on this job, Zhou Yan is concerned about rehearsals. It is best to arrange his time well to avoid conflicts with his other work.
In fact, apart from rehearsals, the time for general rehearsals is relatively easy to adjust.
Yang Dongsheng smiled and said, "If there is no problem with you, I will take you to meet with the folk band. Rehearsal will start at any time."
"This show, who is the folk band?" Responsible?”
"He Jianguo conducts."
Hearing that He Jianguo was in charge, Zhou Yan smiled and said, "Oh, it's Senior Brother He."
Many of the Chinese orchestras graduated from Yangyin University from top to bottom. Yes, so did He Jianguo. He graduated from the Folk Music Department in 1977. Although Zhou Yan was not familiar with him, he had met him several times.
He Jianguo first entered the Department of Folk Music to study Chinese and Western percussion, and later studied conducting with Wu Lingfen. After graduation, he went directly to the folk orchestra and has been a veteran of the folk orchestra for more than ten years.
“There are many people in the folk orchestra who came from Yangyin, and you should be familiar with them in the past.”
In fact, not only the folk orchestra, but also most of the music-related units in Yanjing have many alumni of Zhou Yan.
Zhou Yan nodded, "Okay, I'll go to the folk band later."
"It would definitely be the best if you can connect directly." Yang Dongsheng said.
"Well, I'll go take a look first. By the way, what's the structure of this year's program? What's the ratio between language and singing and dancing? Are there any other performance programs?"
Yang Dongsheng He smiled and said, "I'm sorry, Director Zhou, it's really inconvenient to disclose this information now, but you will be able to see it later in the show."
"Understood." Zhou Yan also expressed understanding.
"By the way, Director Zhou, I have to sign a confidentiality agreement later."
"No problem."
......
The next day In the morning, Zhou Yan went to the Central Chinese Orchestra.
He went to find He Jianguo first.
He Jianguo had received the news from Yang Dongsheng in advance, and naturally knew what Zhou Yan was here for. The two exchanged a few words, and He Jianguo took Zhou Yan to meet the members of the folk music orchestra.
He Jianguo told Zhou Yan on the way, "Many of the orchestra members are from our school. You may know Tang Feng and Wang Ciheng, they are very close to you."
"Tang Feng I know him. He is one year above me. He majors in erhu."
"As for Wang Ciheng, although we have no relationship, I have heard of his name."
He Jianguo nodded, "Yes, you also learned the bamboo flute, following the same path as Wang Ciheng."
Wang Ciheng is still somewhat famous in the bamboo flute world. He seems to have studied with Lu Chunling for a while.
“Well, Senior Brother Wang is quite active.”
The two quickly walked to the concert hall. Today’s folk orchestra concert hall is not only dilapidated, but also very small. Compared with the music of Yangyin There is a gap between the halls, let alone compared with other formal concert halls.
You know, the concert hall of the folk orchestra is open to the public, and there are usually performances, but in such an environment, it is really difficult to do anything. There is a performance in a place like this, and people buy tickets to come in, which makes them feel uncomfortable.
It is easy to renovate this concert hall. Spending one or two million can give the concert hall a new look. However, the Chinese orchestra itself is not as valued as the ballet company, so it will definitely not be able to apply for funds.
It is also difficult for them to raise their own funds. The audience for traditional music performances is small, and most of them are more willing to listen to Western symphonies and are less willing to spend money on folk music performances.
Therefore, it is difficult for the folk orchestra to perform commercially. Let alone making money, it is impossible to keep the salaries of the performers. They themselves are a loss-making unit.
He Jianguo also knew that his group's concert hall could not be purchased, so he smiled and said, "We are already submitting an application to renovate the concert hall."
Zhou Yan shook his head secretly and applied. It is one thing, whether the higher authorities approve it is another matter entirely. Even if there is funding from the higher authorities, other units must be given first, and the folk orchestra can be thought of last.
The renovation of the concert hall of their folk orchestra may not be something that can be completed in the next few years. Perhaps when the country's economic conditions improve and folk music becomes more popular in the country, there will be hope for renovation.
At the same time, he also sighed. The most nourishing group in China now is the folk band of the Piano Youth Orchestra.
The folk band of the Piano Youth Orchestra can at least guarantee stable performances. Now their personnel allowances can basically be covered by performance income, and Zhou Yan will not have to pay them.
"Everything will get better and better."
Zhou Yan comforted, and then followed He Jianguo into the concert hall.
The folk band is not rehearsing at the moment, and a group of people are gathering together to discuss something.
He Jianguo coughed lightly, "Everyone welcome Director Zhou."
Others looked over one after another. Tang Feng, who had been in contact with Zhou Yan more often, smiled and said, "Hey, Junior Brother Zhou Yan is here. La."
Zhou Yan also smiled and replied, "Senior Brother Tang, long time no see."
"Yes, we only met once after I graduated."
"It seems so."
"You guys can reminisce about old times later." He Jianguo smiled, "Zhou Yan, let me introduce you to the members of our folk band. I won't talk about Tang Feng. You know them." , this is Wang Ciheng, the bamboo flute soloist in the band."
Zhou Yan smiled and greeted, "Hello, Senior Brother Wang."
"Hello, hello."
"This is Wei Yuru, played by Sizhong Ruan."
...
There were more than a dozen people present, and He Jianguo did not mind the trouble and introduced them one by one to Zhou Yan.
After introducing them all, He Jianguo said, "I have told you the general situation before. We will rehearse "Memory of the Forbidden City" together for a while. Zhou Yan is the composer of this song. The author, his participation will definitely be of great benefit to our rehearsals. If you have any questions, you can ask Zhou Yan for advice."
Zhou Yan waved his hand, "It's not appropriate to ask for advice. Learn from each other. Although I wrote the music, you are the experts in terms of performance. Director Yang called me and told me to collaborate with our group on a show. I was personally honored and scared. Some friends may not. You know, I have been learning the bamboo flute since I was a child, and it has been my goal to enter a folk orchestra since I was a child. However, I later entered the composition department, and this dream was no longer possible. This time, I was able to join a folk orchestra. Another form of dream come true.”
“How about you come to our band to be a composer?” Tang Feng joked.
He Jianguo rolled his eyes at Tang Feng, "Zhou Yan is staying in the school to teach and educate people. Aren't you trying to poach the school?"
"That's not a dare, that's not a dare."
He Jianguo Looking at Zhou Yan again, "The score has not been finalized yet, but the orchestra has arranged a version of "Memory of the Forbidden City" before. My idea is to just follow that version, so that everyone is familiar with it and there is no need to do more. What do you think of the adjustment?"
Zhou Yan said with a smile, "I don't have any problem. I'm just a performer in this show, so I still have to worry about the music and orchestration."
Although Zhou Yan is the original author, there is no need to try to steal He Jianguo's work. He himself is not very familiar with the people in the orchestra. If he interferes too much, he will definitely be annoyed.
He Jianguo nodded, "You still have to look at the layout of the Spring Festival Gala studio to determine your standing position."
"No problem."
"Today is your first time here, so we won't It’s time to rehearse. Let’s get familiar with each other first. In fact, many of your songs are very popular in our group. I won’t mention “Memory of the Forbidden City”. They have basically practiced all the songs in “Mysterious Country”. "
At this time Wang Ciheng said with a smile, "Not only that, I also practiced "Dark Fragrance Floating" by Junior Brother Zhou, which is very interesting to play. "
The "Dark Fragrance Floating" suite is. Zhou Yan’s previous semester work was a bamboo flute concerto, which required very high bamboo flute skills and was very difficult to complete even for those with low level skills.
"I'm really flattered."
"I was thinking that if you could write this piece and play it, it means your bamboo flute level is already very high."
"Senior Brother Wang That’s great. Compared with you, I still have a lot to learn.”
Zhou Yan is really not being humble this time. Although he is very talented and has been learning the bamboo flute since he was a child, he has not mastered the bamboo flute since college. I have relaxed a lot in my training.
As a student of the composition department, he has a wide range of interests and it is difficult for him to master one instrument. He is certainly not comparable to someone like Wang Ciheng who has been immersed in bamboo flute for many years.
"Zhou Yan, you are still too modest." He Jianguo smiled, "Since we are all practicing, let's stop chatting and play and sing. Do you want me to prepare one for you? Bamboo flute? "No, I brought it myself."
Zhou Yan came with a bag containing two bamboo flutes.
He didn’t know what the situation was going to be like when he came here today, so he must have something to do with him.
After taking out a bamboo flute, everyone began to play a piece on their own instruments.
Everyone present was also very considerate, and all the songs played were Zhou Yan's songs.
Both Zhou Yan and Wang Ciheng played a piece of "Secret Fragrance Floating". Facts have proved that Zhou Yan is indeed not as good as Wang Ciheng, not by a little bit, but by a level.
Zhou Yan was very calm about this. He never thought that he could compare with Wang Ciheng.
After Wang Ciheng finished playing, he couldn't help but applaud, "Although I wrote this piece of music, today Senior Brother Wang made me recognize it again."
This This song was written by Zhou Yan to show off his skills, but to be honest, Zhou Yan himself did not tap the full potential of this song.
And Wang Ciheng is by far the person with the highest level of performance of this piece.
That’s why Zhou Yan felt so emotional.
Hearing Zhou Yan's words, He Jianguo couldn't help but nod.
He was not familiar with Zhou Yan, having only met him a few times, but after getting in touch with him this time, he found that Zhou Yan was a man with a broad mind, and he was very calm in his dealings with others, neither ostentatious nor deliberate at all.
Faced with Zhou Yan's praise, Wang Ciheng was also very happy. Although Zhou Yan was younger than him and still his junior brother, the song "Secret Fragrance Floating" was written by Zhou Yan. As a performer, he could get the song Such recognition by the author is a matter of pride.
"Junior brother Zhou is overly praised."
Zhou Yan waved his hand, "Not overly praised at all. After listening to your performance, I even had a bold idea."
"A bold idea?" Wang Ciheng was stunned for a moment.
"In December, the Piano Youth Orchestra plans to have two performances in the United States. I would like to borrow Senior Brother Wang to perform the song "Secret Fragrance Floating"."
Not only Wang Ciheng was stunned at this time They were stunned, and everyone else present was also stunned. This was the first time they met, and Zhou Yan actually started asking them about the person they wanted to borrow.
But this loan is a good opportunity for their band.
In recent years, there have been basically no opportunities for folk bands to perform abroad. Although the band has always had this idea, it is difficult to implement it.
Wang Ciheng was naturally very surprised. After all, being able to perform abroad was a good opportunity for him.
"Secret Fragrance Floating" is a bamboo flute concerto. He is the protagonist. He showed his face during the performance, but he did not show the surprise.
On the one hand, he is relatively reserved, and on the other hand, as a member of the band, work matters are not something he can decide by himself.
It was He Jianguo who helped him speak, "This is a good thing, but you still have to apply with the group."
Zhou Yan nodded, "I know this, if the group doesn't have any performances in December If there is a task, I will apply to the group. After all, I can’t delay your own work.”
“Except for the rehearsal of the Spring Festival Gala, there will be no other special work.”
“ Okay, I understand." Zhou Yan smiled, looked at Wei Yuru next to him, and said, "I was also very surprised by the "Missing Through Time" played by Sister Yuru just now.
Faced with Zhou Yan's praise, Wei Yuru leaned forward while holding her pipa, and said with a smile: "You're too complimentary."
Seeing Wei Yuru's frown and smile, Zhou Yan couldn't help but sigh, this pipa player's temperament is really extraordinary.
When we were chatting just now, Wei Yuru said that she joined the folk band at the age of 21, and it has been fourteen years now.
In other words, she is thirty-five years old this year, but she looks less than thirty and looks very young. Moreover, her facial features are very regular, and she looks like an ancient beauty while holding the pipa.
Of course, good-looking is secondary. Wei Yuru’s Zhongruan level is very high. It can be said that she is the highest-level pipa player Zhou Yan has ever come across in real life.
"Missing Through Time and Space" was played by her in zhongruan, and the atmosphere came out immediately.
In addition to Wang Ciheng, Zhou Yan also had an idea for Wei Yuru. Borrowing one is also borrowing, and borrowing two is also borrowing. If Wei Yuru is also borrowed to participate in the concert in the United States, it will also be a highlight of the concert.
However, Zhou Yan didn’t mention it on the spot. He just praised it and said nothing more.
After that, Zhou Yan asked a lot of things from the musicians at the scene. With so many masters present, wouldn’t it be a waste of opportunity if he didn’t take the opportunity to learn something?
And because of his asking for advice, everyone at the scene also discovered that Zhou Yan had such a wide range of interests, and he knew every musical instrument at the scene.
He is not simply someone who can make music, but can actually play music, which can at least be said to be a beginner.
Zhou Yan definitely doesn't have much time to spend on these instruments, so it means that Zhou Yan is extremely talented in musical instruments and can become familiar with an instrument in only a short time.
They also sighed in their hearts, as expected, talented composers like Zhou Yan have special abilities.
If Zhou Yan did not pursue the path of composition, he would have a future even as a performer.
Of course, between composers and performers, most people are still more inclined to be composers. Many performers will also try to compose by themselves in the middle and later stages.
After all, everyone knows that a composer's works are expected to be immortalized throughout the ages, but it is difficult for a simple performer to leave his name in history.
Talents have emerged from generation to generation, and performers have changed one after another, but the classic compositions have remained the same.
Therefore, no one felt it was a pity that Zhou Yan did not continue to move forward in the music field.
......
After communicating with the orchestra members for nearly two hours, Zhou Yan stood up and left.
However, he did not leave the folk orchestra, but followed He Jianguo to find the leader Yu Songlin. After sending Zhou Yan to him, He Jianguo didn't stay and left directly.
Zhou Yan exchanged a few pleasantries with Yu Songlin, and then directly proposed that he wanted to borrow Wang Ciheng and Wei Yuru.
Hearing that Zhou Yan wanted to borrow someone, Yu Songlin was very happy. He just asked about the approximate time and made a decision directly.
“Borrow, let alone two, you can borrow all of our group.”
Zhou Yan smiled and said, “I definitely don’t need to borrow so many people this time.”< br>
Yu Songlin immediately heard the implication of Zhou Yan’s words, “You mean, we need to borrow it later?”
"I will definitely borrow more, but how much and how to borrow, I am not sure now."
Yu Songlin narrowed his eyes, "No problem, if you want to borrow someone, just tell me in advance. Don't catch us off guard."
"Don't worry about this, captain."
The two chatted for a while, and Yu Songlin suddenly said, "Yu Jia is in your group, give it to you. You're causing trouble."
"Yu Jia?" Zhou Yan was stunned for a moment and did not react immediately.
Yu Songlin smiled and said, "Yu Jia is my daughter."
Zhou Yan was very surprised to hear that Yu Jia was Yu Songlin's daughter, because he didn't know about it at all.
Yu Jia is a member of the piano orchestra and the folk band. She has just entered her junior year this year and is also the backbone of the folk band.
This Yu Jia is too low-key. His father is the leader of a folk band, but he doesn't show any signs of it.
“No wonder Yu Jia’s Zhongruan level is so high, it turns out he has a family education.”
Yu Songlin waved his hand, "She still has a lot to learn. I hope Teacher Zhou will encourage her more."
"Yu Jia performed very well and is already the chief pipa player of the band."
Hear Yu Songlin was quite happy when Zhou Yan praised his daughter. He said with a smile, "If Yu Jia had not become the chief, I would be embarrassed to tell you this."
Zhou Yan nodded, if Yu Jia is not the chief pipa player. Now that Yu Songlin has revealed their relationship, Zhou Yan will start to wonder if Yu Songlin has any ideas.
Now that Yu Jia is already the chief, Zhou Yan has no way to give higher "care", so it becomes much normal for Yu Songlin to break up the relationship. (End of chapter)