Kirsten pours her whole being into her playing
FULL time clarinettist Kirsten Sayers will be performing in Platform Jazz’s Swingtime at the 23rd Hilton Arts Festival September 17- 20. A member of the KZN Philharmonic Orchestra (KZNPO) since 2005, the 32year-old Morningside resident started playing the clarinet when she was 8 years old.
Where you were born and raised and what school did you you attend?
I was born in Pietermaritzburg. I went to The Wykeham Collegiate and studied music at the University of Pretoria. Why the clarinet? I was taken by the sound of the clarinet. It has many different capabilities, ranging from warm and sonorous to bright and cheerful. The instrument allows for the musician to play in a diverse setting from classical, chamber music to jazz. Also, it had many shiny silver keys which really appealed to me!
You became a member of KZNPO in 2005. What has the journey been like?
Being full time… has been fulfilling and satisfying. We play a varied programme, from serious classical symphony concerts to ballets, musical theatre and school concerts to encourage young people to learn instruments. We also tour regularly.
What has been your secret to success?
Hard work and passion really do pay off !
How many hours do you spend practising?
When I was younger I spent two to three hours a day, five days a week practising. The time escalated as I got older and was split between scales, studies and repertoire. The skill required to learn an instrument is an all-encompassing thing. One literally has to put one’s whole being into the art. Without a stable technique, one cannot perform convincingly.
Are you your biggest critic and how do you improve your playing, so to speak ?
I rely on the opinion of my colleagues for everything. Music, and its performance, is a group activity. One does not play for oneself; others listen. I work hard to be happy with what I do on stage, but ideas
from others help a lot
What other genres of music do you enjoy?
I listen to all types of music. Classical music feeds my soul. Jazz freshens my senses so my ideas don’t become stale. I also listen to the radio to hear what’s current and popular. Personally, I don’t think that any type of music is “bad”. If I don’t like it, that doesn’t mean that others shouldn’t or don’t.
What can audiences expect at the Hilton Arts Festival?
From Platform Jazz, they can expect good old school swing and Dixie music. Our music is finger-clicking good!
Tell us a little about your family.
My parents are Claude and Sharon Sayers.
My mother is a music librarian and I have a younger brother, Grant, who is an accountant. He plays the saxophone. They’ve been great in the supporting me throughout my career. Hobbies? Exercise. Performing is physically demanding. Looking after oneself ensures proper mental focus and can prevent injuries.
Yes, musicians can get instrument-related injuries!
I also love cooking and I’m always with a book nearby – I enjoy historical fiction.
I enjoy fashion too and am always on the lookout for new evening dresses for performances.