Detailed Course Description
CHAMBER MUSIC SUMMER SCHOOL
14th to 19th July 2011
Shrewsbury School, Shrewsbury, SY3 7BA
This is the chamber music course that really makes a difference!
for all Chamber Music Ensembles and Individuals
(Music from 18th to 21st century)
organisation by English Camerata Soloists
Musical Director: Elizabeth Altman
Five days of coaching Friday to Tuesday (part course by arrangement)
Specialists will be on hand to coach in the following instruments:
piano, harpsichord, strings (violin, cello, viola), wind (clarinet, oboe, cor anglais, flute) and brass instruments (trumpet, French horn, trombone)
Course Speciality
Our Music Course is distinguished by the very high number of hours of coaching afforded by an exceptional teaching commitment from dedicated, internationally renowned tutors. We aim to cater for a limited number of participants at any one time in order to keep the intimate atmosphere whilst at the same time optimising the make-up and coaching of the ensembles.
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.
Thanks to the intensity of the experience, individual participants as well as 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 musical experiences with like-minded folk.
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 13 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 Music Course they know. Precious holiday entitlement is gladly taken for it and devotees return regularly.
Course Design
All rehearsal facilities are available from 8.00 am – 10.00 pm enabling individual or ensemble practice before the first coaching at 9.30 am and/or after dinner.Our expected program is as follows:Typically, ensembles will alternate coaching sessions with periods of private practice.
THURSDAY 14th JULY
2.00 pm Doors open
4.00 pm onwards; registration and assembly of groups; playing as desired.
7.00 pm a 'welcome' drink, introductions
7.30 pm Dinner followed by playing as desired
FRIDAY 15th to MONDAY 18th JULY
7.30-9.00 am Breakfast
9.30 -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
1.15-2.30 pm Lunch plus free time including discussion with Liz for next day
2.30-3.30 pm Coaching 5
3.30-4.15 pm Final ensemble-based Coaching 6
4.15-4.45 pm Tea
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 - 9.00 am Breakfast
9.30 -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
1.15-2.30 pm Lunch
2.30-3.30 pm Coaching 5
3.30 pm PARTICIPANTS PERFORMANCE
Repertoire and Standard
People come both in pre-formed ensembles and as individuals, who, by means of prior exploratory discussions with Elizabeth, are matched with other players who would seem to be of similar standard having pieces in common they would like to play and who are likely to get on reasonably well as personalities. In fact, two permanent ensembles have been so formed and meet together away from the Course and two participants have married! The Chamber Music Course is inclusive and non-judgmental; neither coaches nor participants are there to make qualitative assessments. Everyone is far too busy enjoying the music!
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 that you 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 . Elizabeth can discuss these with you in advance and then agree the way for the coaches to prioritise them.
- Away from the teaching schedule, the Course provides a matchless opportunity 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.
Performance Opportunities 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. From time to time the coaches play informally.
Extra individual lessons
Just ask.
Social
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.Swimming available by arrangement.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 Note
- 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.
- We have had, for example, a lawyer who had not played her flute in decades come for an afternoon to watch and listen; having brought her flute despite herself, she joined in and, encouraged, decided to come back for the full course the following year.
- The days are filled with playing, the thrill of achievement and the particular pleasure of enjoying a glass - or three - of wine over a good meal with those with whom one has shared so much.
- The Chamber Music Course lasts for five days but participants may attend according to their availability.
For more information or to discuss repertoire possibilities speak to Elizabeth on 01923 853309 or 07711 037907.
SUMMER CHAMBER MUSIC COURSE-Introduction