Young musicians keep Olympic dream alive with special virtual performance

When Coronavirus forced young musicians from Derby’s Hot House Music to cancel the performance of a lifetime at the Tokyo Olympics, the talented instrumentalists were determined the show must go on!

Hot House’s lively saxophone band ‘Saxophonix’ are keeping their dreams of Japan alive ahead of the start of the Olympic Games, with a special online Zoom performance on Saturday 17th July arranged with their Japanese contemporaries; The  Toyota Junior Marching Band. The marching band hail from Derby’s Japanese twin town of Toyota City.

With the help of interpreters, the bands will make their introductions, then let the international language of music take centre stage. Hot House’s musicians will perform their favourite pieces – Bruno Mars’ Runaway Baby, Take on Me by A-ha, Firework by Katy Perry and Dynamite by Taio Cruz – and look forward to hearing what their contemporaries have chosen to play for them.

In the spirit of true sportsmanship, the groups will also send their best wishes all the Japanese and British athletes competing in the Olympics this year.

This virtual performance marks the beginning of a special new relationship between Hot House Music and the Toyota Junior Marching Band, with members ranging in age from 10 – 22 years of age. The bands are making plans to meet in-person when restrictions allow, with Saxophonix hoping to visit Toyota City in 2022 and play host to the Orchestra back in Derby during 2023.

Jon Eno BEM, CEO of Hot House Music said:

“Music is the universal language that binds communities and makes the world a smaller place. It has the ability to nurture empathy, joy and more importantly tolerance of different cultures and ethnicities. Our relationship with Derby’s Japanese envoy Koichiro San and Toyota City is inspiring, and we are looking forward to developing a long standing special connection with the staff and students in our sister city. Hot House believes that every child deserves access to inspirational music education and we are hoping to launch an international franchise option for Japan and Singapore over the next few years.”

Saxophonist Mack Franklin added:

“We are all super excited to keep our Japanese tour dream alive by taking part in this online event. We can’t wait to play for the Marching Band and hear what they have prepared for us. Being part of Hot House is so much more than being in a band; taking part in events such as these and going on international tours always gives us something to look forward to. It will be great to get over to Japan some time soon to play together in person.”  

For more information about Hot House Music’s lessons and bands, please contact support@hhmusic.co.uk or call 03303 200 880.

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