CHAMBER MUSIC SUMMER SCHOOL
Course: 14th to 19th July 2011
for all chamber music enthusiasts
Organisation by English Camerata Soloists
Musical Director: Elizabeth Altman
Shrewsbury School, Shrops SY3 7BA, England
Five days of coaching (part course by arrangement)
14th to 19th July 2011
This is the chamber music course that really makes a difference!
STOP PRESS:2010 was another great year with a large increase in the numbers attending and overall a grest success. We are looking forward to seeing many of our regulars again next year. Thanks to all who made it such a fine musical experience and the wonderful support from all our tutors and our Adminstrator.
Solo Instuments
Coaches are present on our chamber music course for piano, harpsichord, violin, , cello, viola, clarinet, oboe, cor anglais, flute, trumpet, French horn and trombone)
Course Basics:
- English Camerata offers an exciting classical music summer course open to all classical music instrumentalists. We offer extensive top quality music coaching to enthusiasts of all ages and levels. Both ensembles and individuals are welcome.
- Among the instrumentalists we cater for are keyboard; (piano and harpsichord); string players (including violin, cello, viola); wind players (including clarinet, oboe, cor anglais, flute); brass instrument players (including trumpet, trombone).
- The residential (non-residential places available) summer music course enjoys an encouraging, friendly atmosphere. We will be creating chamber music at famous Shrewsbury School in the school's 110-acre site that stretches down to the River Severn overlooking the historic town of Shrewsbury.
- Instrumentalists will be inspired by coaching in classical and baroque styles from dedicated teachers who this year will again include Elizabeth Altman, (piano); the leader of the Allegri Quartet, Ofer Falk and the cellist Pal Banda; Charlotte Wilson (harpsichord); wind players from the Halle; Edwina Smith, baroque and modern flute; and other baroque specialists.
- Thanks to the intensity of the course participants coming as individuals as well as those in pre-formed ensembles enjoy the opportunities to forge both musical and social relationships.
- These commonly persist beyond the Course as a result of the pleasure and good social ‘feel’ of sharing with like-minded folk our interesting and stimulating environment.
The aims of the course:
Our Chamber Music Summer School is both educative and social. It provides a dynamic opportunity to explore new repertoire and re-visit already known pieces, to build on individual skill, deepen individual understanding and practical ability whilst extending playing range and the techniques of playing with others.
We invite applications from adult and able young musicians (minimum age 13), enthusiasts from all walks of life who are passionate about music and want to come together to create chamber music.
We have been continually refining the format and content and 14 years on from our beginnings in Haworth, Yorkshire home of 'the Brontes', we present what has become one of the foremost opportunities for music-making available for enthusiasts in England. There's little advertising as participants learn of us by word of mouth generally from the very positive experience of those who, so impressed by both the high quality and extensive availablility of coaching, have already participated. They look forward to the forthcoming Course and spread the word that here is a 'jewel'.
Participants say it is the best Residential Chamber Music Course they know. Precious holiday entitlement is gladly taken for it and quite a few people have participated for several years running
“Instruction and guidance that really helps! Considered a treat!”
M. S., London
For participants who want to ‘air’ their work, the Course is a natural platform. Both ensembles and those who bring solo repertoire including concertos are given every encouragement with informal performances that are woven into the framework of the day.
Music Course Design
- The Chamber Music Course lasts for five days but participants may attend according to their availability. We invite applications from adult and young music enthusiasts (minimum age 13) from all walks of life who are passionate about music and want to come together to create chamber music.
- Repertoire discussed and arranged in advance includes 18th,19th,and 20th century classics, charming varied baroque music and also the larger scale classic ensemble masterpieces.
Typical ensembles are:
- Those for piano and strings:-the duos, piano trios, quartets and quintets; piano and wind chamber music and mixed string/wind/piano ensembles.
- Baroque ensembles for strings and wind.
- Wind ensembles: small and larger scale wind chamber music with its wide and varied repertoire
Performance Opportunities
Away from the teaching schedule, the Course provides unrivalled opportunities for spontaneous music making when participants can get together in repertoire requiring unusual combinations of instruments or simply to play the standard pieces beloved of all musicians. These unscheduled sessions often bring up fresh pieces for the teaching sessions in the ensuing days.
Coaching
- Ensembles - duos, trios, quartets, quintets as well as larger scale groups - are individually coached, occasionally by two coaches at a time if the ensemble has reached a point where that may be helpful.
- Individual lessons may also be made available as are master-classes where two ensembles with the same repertoire may want to hear each others’ approach to problems in common.
So as to get the most from the coaching, we invite you to consider suggestions from the coaches and to bring repertoire items that you particularly want to explore and these pre-arranged pieces would be concentrated on during the formal coaching time.
PROPOSED TIMETABLE
- All music facilities are available from 8.00 am – 10.00 pm
THURSDAY 14th July 2011
7.00 pm 'welcome' drink, introductions
7.30 pm Dinner followed by playing as desired
FRIDAY 15th to MONDAY 18th July
9.30 to 10.15 am Coaching 1
10.15-11.00 am Coaching 2
11.00-11.20 am Coffee
11.20-12.20 Coaching 3
12.20-1.15 pm Coaching 4
2.30-3.30 pm Coaching 5
3.30-4.15 pm Final ensemble-based Coaching 6
4.45-5.45 pm Instrumental Workshop
5.45-7.15 Free time (private swim facility)
7.15 Dinner followed by playing and performances as desired
(FOR MONDAY SEE STOP PRESS ABOVE)
TUESDAY 19th July
7.30 to 9.00 am Breakfast
9.30 to 10.15 am Coaching 1
10.15-11.00 am Coaching 2
11.00-11.20 am Coffee
11.20-12.20 Coaching 3
12.20-1.15 pm Coaching4 1.15-2.30 pm Lunch
2.30-3.30 pm Coaching 5
3.30 Participants Performance
Pleasant rooms, individual occupancy (unless otherwise requested)
Professional catering. Meals,coffes, teas, taken together in nice school dining room nearby the music centre.Kitchenette in the boarding house for personal casual snacks.Social
- The Chamber Music Course is inclusive and non-judgmental; no-one is there to make qualitative assessments, neither coaches nor participants. Everyone is far too busy enjoying the music.
Musical provision includes an excellent new music centre which was opened about 18 months ago by HRH Prince Charles. There is a wide range of instruments for the pianists with a Steinway grand in the Auditorium, other grands and first class upright pianos.
- The Chamber Music Course is inclusive and non-judgmental; no-one is there to make qualitative assessments, neither coaches nor participants. Everyone is far too busy enjoying the music.
Musical provision includes an excellent new music centre which was opened about 18 months ago by HRH Prince Charles. There is a wide range of instruments for the pianists with a Steinway grand in the Auditorium, other grands and first class upright pianos.
Each day, after coaching has ended and before dinner, all gather for a glass of wine or fruit juice and a sociable chat; the intensity of the musical activity gives way to a party atmosphere and an attractive ’feel-good’ factor that carries through into dinner and beyond.
After dinner and the informal playing, forays to the local characterful hostelries are not unknown! One evening there is a special 'after-dinner entertainment', something on the lighter side, often vocal; you may wish to invite friends (supplementary contribution £10). More information will be available nearer the date.
FINAL THOUGHTS
If you are thinking about coming, tempted but not convinced, we are very flexible and invite you to come as an observer and then you can evaluate for yourself whether or how the Course might be of benefit to you.
Last year, for example, a lawyer who had not played her flute in decades came for an afternoon to watch and listen; having brought her flute despite herself, she joined in and, encouraged, is planning to come to participate fully this time.
We take much trouble to offer a very worthwhile experience and set a high standard. Inspirational coaching from friendly and encouraging teachers, together with the genuine interest of the enthusiastic folk who find their way to us, engender a vibrant atmosphere.
The days are filled with playing, the thrill of achievement and the particular pleasure of enjoying a glass - or 3 - of wine over a good meal with those with whom one has shared so much.
The 2010 registration is open! First come first served!You can also call the Administrator on 01923 853309 for more information or speak to Elizabeth to discuss repertoire possibilities on 07711 037907. Email: summercourse@englishcamerata.org.uk
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