NEW COURSES for 2010
The new 2010 'Wind Serenades' courses aim to provide good opportunities for you to enjoy great chamber music with players of roughly the same level as you, with world-class tuition to help you develop your musical and technical skills in your ensemble-playing, either in chamber groups or in an orchestral section. Players under the age of 18 may apply – a consent form must be signed by a parent or guardian before an application is accepted. COURSE FEES are indicated on the relevant page for each course.
- Music sent out 3-4 weeks in advance for you to practice
- Expert professional tuition on the day
- Informal performance at the end of each course
Bookings are on a first-come first-served basis. Places on each course are reserved on receipt of an on-line Application Form. For on-line applications, click here. The full course fee is payable within four weeks of acceptance onto the course – your place will be confirmed once this payment has been received. The course offers tutored sessions, but not meals or accommodation. Course details may be changed without notice. Please see Terms and Conditions on the on-line Application Form for details.
'New Horizons'
A new addition to the 'Wind Serenades' programme, this one-day workshop is specifically for elementary-standard players (approximately grades 3-5 - click here for playing standard details) who are new to ensemble playing. Specially selected music and helpful, supportive tuition provide valuable experience and an enjoyable day of music-making. Depending on the number of players applying there may be several players per part, and there is no concert performance as such, though friends and family are welcome to attend and observe (free of charge) tutored sessions at any time and/or a final run-through. The location of this one-day course in Manchester (by the M60 motorway and near a Metro train station) makes it possible for players from further afield to take part. Players under the age of 16 are most welcome, but should be accompanied throughout the day by a parent or adult guardian.
'New Horizons' course:
Saturday 13 November 2010 in Manchester (Stretford)
Click on date (blue text) for further details
Also, elementary standard players can take part in the two-day ‘Birnam Experience!’ course in Perthshire on 10/11 July 2010 – places are limited and are on a first come, first served basis. Click on course title in blue for details.
'Voyages of discovery'
These are one-day courses for players of approximately grades 6-8 standard (click here for playing standard details) who are interested in sessions with expert tuition exploring some of the more substantial chamber repertoire (original works and arrangements) for the first time. They are located in attractive areas, so you can make the course part of a great weekend away! All music is performed one-player-to-a-part, and there will be an informal run-through performance at the end of each course.
'Voyages of discovery' courses:
Saturday 5 June 2010 in Church Stretton, Shropshire
Saturday 9 October 2010 in Caldbeck, Cumbria
Click on dates (blue text) for further details
'Windsurfers'
If you are a diploma standard player (i.e. well above grade 8 standard - click here for playing standard details) 'Windsurfers' courses provide outstanding opportunities for you to tackle some of the exciting and challenging works in the advanced wind chamber repertoire, with the help of expert tuition. All music is played one-to-a-part, and there will be an informal performance at the end of each course. Like the 'Voyages of discovery' courses, the attractive locations enable you to make the course part of a great weekend away!
'Windsurfers' courses:
Sunday 6 June 2010 in Church Stretton, Shropshire
Sunday 10 October 2010 in Caldbeck, Cumbria
Click on dates (blue text) for further details
'The Birnam Experience!'
A hugely popular two-day weekend course for elementary, intermediate and advanced players, - two tutors, larger and smaller graded groups, a great concert on Sunday afternoon, and the legendary musical 'fun' pub session on Saturday night!
Saturday 10 / Sunday 11 July 2010 in Birnam, Perthshire
Click on dates (blue text) for further details