Drummer boy
THIS week reporter Katy Whitelaw speaks to Calum Huggan (18), a member of the National Youth Orchestra of Scotland.
Calum lives with mum Carole, dad Andy, twin brother Andrew, pet dog Monty and pet cat Cheeky in Lenzie.
What instruments do you play?
I am studying percussion at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Dance (RSAMD) but I also play piano and the accordion.
Do you come from a musical family?
My family is originally from Skye and is part of the musical tradition there. Mum and dad both play the piano and my brother Andrew plays the cello and piano, and is in first year at the RSAMD. I started learning percussion instruments when I was 11.
Does it get quite noisy when you are all practicing?
We stay in a detached house so thankfully the noise isn't too bad for the neighbours .
I practise almost every day and am usually at the RSAMD from around 8am-9pm. You need to be dedicated to do well in classical music.
What course are you studying?
A Bachelor of Music with Honours.
What is your ambition?
I would love to be part of an orchestra or play solo timpani or marimba. I would love to move to the continent, preferably Germany, and play there.
What is a marimba?
It is wooden, around 6ft long and looks like a xylophone but it is laid out like a keyboard.
What is your favourite instrument?
Timpani drums but marimba a close second.
Has the NYOS opened up other opportunities for you?
Yes, I have been really lucky - it has led to me joining Camerata Scotland, a pre-professional chamber ensemble and more elite version of the NYOS.
I am also part of NYOS Futures, which aims to give audiences a taster of late 20th and early 21st century classical music.
I recently did a one-day apprenticeship with the Royal Scottish
National Orchestra which was phenomenal.
How long have you been a member of the National Youth Orchestra of Scotland (NYOS)?
For around five years. There are around 100 people in the orchestra and there is tough competition for each section so I feel quite privileged to be part of it.
It is great fun and I have loved every minute of it.
Was music your favourite subject when you were a pupil at Lenzie Academy?
Music and art were my favourites. I love art and was considering going to art school but decided to study music.
I was head boy at school so was always busy with activities and I was involved with the school orchestra.
Do you only listen to classical music?
No, I am a normal teenager and I enjoy going out clubbing and taking a day off from classical music - I like listening to chart music and R and B on my iPod when I'm relaxing.
Favourite composer?
Edward Elgar
Do you find it hard to go to a gig without criticising the drummer?
That is one of the down sides. You focus in on them when you go to a gig and are more aware if they make mistakes.
Getting to know you
First car: Honda Jazz
First record: One of the 'Now' compilation albums
Favourite TV programme: 10 Years Younger
Favourite holiday destination: Germany
Book currently reading: A History of Western Music by Peter Burkholder
Famous person most like to meet: Beethoven
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Weather for Kirkintilloch
Wednesday 30 May 2012
Today
Light showers
Temperature: 11 C to 17 C
Wind Speed: 9 mph
Wind direction: South east
Tomorrow
Cloudy
Temperature: 10 C to 17 C
Wind Speed: 14 mph
Wind direction: West
