An interview between two sport mad musicians
Toby Mackean is a talented horn player and singer.
He is also captain of the First XV rugby team at Sherborne School for Boys in Dorset. Here he speaks to Harry Fielder dead keen electric violin player, leader of the school symphony orchestra and also a member of the First XV about how he runs his life.
T: I know that I am music and sport mad but how
on earth did you get to be a rugby/violin player?
Isn't it a bit of a weird combination?
H: I don't think so. As you know we have four music scholars in the rugby team. I think they both require many of the same skills.
T: Such as what?
H: The ability to work on your own and as a team. You have to be committed to get anywhere in both disciplines and be prepared to give up your own free time to practice, train and rehearse.
T: I know that I found the juggling very difficult at times. Didn't you ever resent this?
H: Of course I did at times but I have had so many great experiences doing both things. I have toured abroad with both the rugby team and orchestra and got to enter national competitions in both. I have also made so many new friends through these interests; particularly as both our symphony orchestras contain girls from other local schools!
T: Why did you want to play the electric violin?
H: My teacher Sarah Drury was lucky enough to get a donation from our Sherborne Foundation to get an electric string quintet for our school. She also got us arrangements so that we could play with some of the rock bands and I just loved the feeling of freedom the electric violin gives you. It was brilliant standing on stage as part of the outdoor rock concert last year.
T: Are there any difficulties playing an electric violin?
H: You have to get used to the fact that the sound does not come out from under the ear and unfortunately they don't make you play any better in tune, so I have to carry on with those scales!
T: When did you get your own electric violin?
H: I decided to ask for one for my 18th birthday. My teacher had done some work with the Bridge electric violin company and I decided to get a similar one as I liked the sound so much.
T: Where else have you used it?
H: I have combined it with guitars and percussion and done some Latin American stuff. We have also done some quartets outside for family and friends social events. It is great using the electric instruments outside as you can always be heard!
T: So what are you hoping to do when you leave?
H: Eventually I want to run my own business. I feel I have already learnt a lot of stuff about leadership and communication through leading the joint schools orchestra and our quartet. These groups have really showed me how to get the most out of working with and leading a team.
T: Good luck with the next gig. //