Hello Everyone, this is Ai from Japan, Zsuzsi from Hungary, Rosanne, Fiona and Lisette from the Netherlands. Today we had a very CONTEMPORARY programme – ROBERT DIIIICCCCCKKK.:-) After the daily warm up with Wieke we started the masterclass with the living legend of contemporary music. (10.15-13.00). We began with his studies “Flying lessons” and the piece “Lookout”. Actually we have to admit we were scared at first but he said: “I am here to help you not to judge you!” and it worked because he kept his word. He amazed us with all sorts of fantastic approaches towards extended techniques. Also he taught us how to produce a beautiful, resonating, in tune sound – mainly by singing in the right way. Another major subject was multiphonics so finally we realised how to find them correctly. YAY!!! We tried to make notes so that we will remember all of it back at home, too. At the NTK masterclass with Emily (14.00-15.15) we played!!!( Rosanne and Lisette) Emily also used some of Robert Dick’s techniques today! She made Lisette sing in order to use her body resonance. At the afternoon session (15.30-18.30) YIP-ers performed contemporary pieces to our special guest. We learned how to grunt and how to sound like a ghost. :-) Among many other things the most important was that also in contemporary pieces music comes first! (When we start to learn a piece we all should begin with making music right away, not just focusing on new techniques without any musical sence.) After a quick dinner we had a general rehearsal in the church in Rheden where we are going to play our evening concert tomorrow. We are going to sleep now because we are REALLY tired! Has been a long and intence day!