The word tranquillo is an Italian musical expression meaning calm and peaceful. The society’s name was chosen to reflect the atmosphere that it aims to create: a tranquil space where people can make music together for fun, without pressure or extensive rehearsals. The group meets once every Thursday from 5pm to 8pm in the MacRobert Building room 051 as their ‘home base’ and the Annexe ensemble space for drummers and louder musical projects. Together, members play music, chat, and eat snacks.
Who can attend Tranquillo meetings? Anyone! Tranquillo welcomes all instruments (including singers!) and encourages all genres of music-making. If you can’t play an instrument yet, Tranquillo offers guitar tutoring from 6pm and hopes to expand its teaching to other instruments over time. Guitars are available for members to practise on during sessions.
The ensemble’s mantra is that Tranquillo is what its members make it. People can come and go as they please, and if someone doesn’t fancy playing music during a particular session, they are free to come along, listen to the other musicians and enjoy the snacks… as I said, no pressure! Members can work on projects of their choosing in the sessions and decide whether they want to perform them at the society’s gigs. These are optional for members, and there is a channel in the WhatsApp community dedicated to gigging. To reiterate, there is absolutely no pressure or requirement to take part!
Tranquillo picks a charity each semester that the money from their gigs will go towards. This semester, they have selected two: SAMH and UNICEF’s Children in Gaza Crisis Appeal, which members are looking forward to supporting throughout the semester. Tranquillo’s gigs provide a great opportunity for members to develop their confidence in performing and gain experience playing at venues across the city. On Friday 30 October, musicians from Tranquillo will be performing at Union Brew from 10am to 1pm, supporting the university’s Movember Ambassadors in raising money for men’s mental health.
“Tranquillo is a great way for people to connect through music in a laid-back way. It’s been so nice seeing the wee community forming each week!” – Emma Swinscoe, Secretary of Tranquillo
So, if you want to join the society, what are your next steps? Tranquillo’s memberships cost £5 for the whole year and are available on the AUSA website. Membership includes coming to sessions, performing in gigs, guitar tutoring, and of course, snacks!
Tranquillo is also sponsored by the Bobbin, meaning members can obtain QR codes providing discounts on some yummy food and drinks. The society is always ready to welcome new members, and committee members are always happy to answer any questions via email or Instagram!
Tranquillo’s Instagram: tranquillo.uoa
Tranquillo’s email: tranquillo@ausa.org.uk