Autumn Ensemble 2017
Monday 30th October – Thursday 2nd November 2017
Halsway Manor, Crowcombe, Somerset, TA4 4BD
Tutor Pam Smith.
Printable Brochure (PDF) Enrolment Form (PDF) Online Application Form (pay by cheque or BACS)
About the course
The Autumn Recorder Course this year will have the same format as in previous years but is aimed at a slightly more advanced level of playing. In particular we will be focusing on modern music written specifically for recorders, which is often challenging, particularly in terms of rhythm. All course participants must therefore have a very good sense of rhythm and be experienced ensemble players. Ideally you should also play both F and C instruments, including tenor AND bass.
One of the pieces we will be looking at is Matthias Maute’s Praeludium & Fuge (AATB) and there will be works by many of the composers currently writing for recorder ensemble both in the UK and abroad. All of the music will be for ensemble rather than full (11-part) recorder orchestra but please bring a great bass or contrabass if you have one and would like to play it.
The course runs from Monday afternoon until Thursday lunchtime and all of the sessions will be in one group. There will be a free session after lunch each day should you wish to enjoy the beautiful countryside or take a rest from the busy schedule but music will be available and organised by Jan should you wish to carry on playing.
All music will be provided; you just need to bring your recorders, a music stand (which you can easily identify as your own!) and a pencil to mark your music. If you are unsure about whether this course is at the right level for you or have any questions, please contact Jan:
Email: moc.liamgnull@75sppe.naj Telephone: 01752 481193
About the Venue
Halsway Manor is a beautiful Grade 2* listed manor house, nestling on the slopes of the Quantock Hills. It boasts a history going back over a thousand years and was mentioned in the Doomsday book. The manor house is stunning with ornate paneling, ceilings and gargoyles. The grounds are equally impressive and well worth a wander around during the course.
Despite having a long history, Halsway Manor has been sympathetically renovated for contemporary living. It is well heated, supplemented by welcoming log fires in the hall and lounge. All the bedrooms have washbasins and tea and coffee making facilities; many bedrooms have en-suite facilities. There is a well-stocked bar in the lounge, open before lunch and dinner and throughout the evening. The food at Halsway Manor is excellent.
Halsway Manor is England’s National Centre for Traditional Music, Dance and Song. The Library, accessed through a secret door in the Lounge, houses a fascinating collection of folk-related material.
Further information about Halsway Manor can be found on its website: www.halswaymanor.org.uk
Enrolling for the course
Please complete the enrollment form in block capitals, detach from the brochure and send with your fee to:
Jan Epps, 3 Morrish Park, Plymouth, PL9 9HF
Payment can be by cheque made out to ‘RECORDERS FOR ALL ‘ or by BACS with your name as the reference.
BACS details:
Bank : HSBC
Account name: Recorders for All
Sort code: 40-17-10
Account number: 02369214
Your fee for the course will depend on the package you choose:
Residential for the course (includes tuition, music, all meals and accommodation):
Single occupancy with en-suite: £305
Single occupancy no en-suite: £285
Sharing a twin or double room with en-suite: £285 each
Sharing a twin or double room no en-suite: £265 each
Non-residential for the course includes tuition, music, morning coffee and afternoon tea, lunches and dinners: £235
Closing date: 22 September 2017
NB Priority will be given to applications from those who attended last year until 1 July 2017
Schedule for the course
Monday 30 October
4.30pm onward Arrival and Registration
6.00pm Dinner
7.30pm – 9.00pm Playing Session with Pam
Tuesday and Wednesday 31 October and 1 November
8.30 Breakfast
9.30 Playing Session with Pam
11.00 Morning Coffee
11.30 – 12.30 Playing Session with Pam
1.00 Lunch
2.00 Free time or informal playing
3.30 Afternoon Tea
4.00 – 5.30 Playing Session with Pam
6.00 Dinner
7.30 – 9.00 Playing Session with Pam
Thursday 2 November
8.30 Breakfast
9.30 Playing session with Pam
11.00 Morning Coffee
11.30 – 12.30 Playing session with Pam
1.00 Lunch then depart