Big band theory
Ten Strings and a Goat Skin excited and daunted to perform with the P.E.I. Symphony Orchestra on Sunday at Zion Presbyterian Church in Charlottetown
I’ve watched P.E.I.’s Ten Strings and a Goat Skin grow in skill level and performance style over the past seven years.
The band has been fun to watch.
Starting out in P.E.I.’s small halls, the bilingual folk/fusion trio, consisting of Caleb Gallant, Jesse Périard and Rowen Gallant, quickly graduated to larger venues, both in Canada and around the world.
“It’s been another hectic year, playing in the States, France, Western Canada, and Scotland,” says Périard.
(This past February they even played for the king and queen of Sweden, at the Vasa Museum in Stockholm, as part of Canada 150 celebrations.)
Along the way they’ve received numerous ECMA awards and nominations, including a Canadian Folk Music nod.
I also know they’ve faced numerous challenges as they’ve travelled the world.
Whether it’s dealing with missed flights, lost luggage or lost product or just plain jetlag, they’ve met every obstacle head on.
Périard tells me that the band will face its biggest challenge yet on Sunday, Oct. 15 as the invited guest of the P.E.I. Symphony Orchestra during the first concert of the season at Zion Presbyterian Church in Charlottetown at 2:30 p.m.
“This will be our very first time playing with a symphony. And we’re both excited and nervous. It’s an incredible concept of blending two very different (musical) styles together to make something new,” says the band member, during an Internet interview.
But, after witnessing the positive experience of other bands, he feels encouraged.
“If our performance goes even half as well as the Vishtèn show, we’ll be very happy,” says Périard.
However, playing traditional music as a trio allows for mistakes and improvisation to be made. “We can communicate with each other on stage and change the music on the fly if we see fit.”
But, playing with over 40 other players, all with sheet music illustrating exactly what has to be played and at what time eliminates flexibility and any room for mistakes.
“This will add a little stress but I think will be incredibly rewarding when it all works out,” says Périard.
Music director Mark Shapiro says it will be a positive experience for the band.
“I’ve heard the band’s name for years and I’m excited for (band members). One of the missions of the P.E.I. Symphony is to create opportunities for groups to develop new artistic venues for themselves and experiences,” he says.
When I asked Périard about the songs the audience will experience, he is mysterious.
“We don’t want to give too much away. But, if everything goes as planned the band will play one song from ‘Corbeau’ and five from ‘Auprès du poêle’. We’re so fortunate to have the incredible Natalie Williams Calhoun take our tunes and arrange them to fit with the symphony.
“She is such a creative mind and we’re so happy with what she’s done with them,” says Périard, adding he’s excited about an opportunity to play with the PEISO.
“This show is a big deal for us, it’s something we’ve never done, and to do it in P.E.I. makes this even more special.”