This course provides an opportunity for individual string players of modest ability to enjoy playing together as a string orchestra.
STANDARD: IMPROVER, CONFIDENT.
Resident: £572 Non-Resident: £435 (25% off for under 27s) Code: 25/348
Booking for Members opens at 9am on Wednesday 27 November 2024
Non-Member and online booking opens at 9am on Monday 16 December 2024
For details on how to become a Member to take advantage of early booking, see here
What is the course about?
This course takes the form of a string orchestra (which can include double bass) and is designed for string players of an intermediate standard to gain experience and confidence in a string ensemble. The repertoire will comprise string music and arrangements for strings in a variety of styles, and in keys which could range from four sharps to four flats. The repertoire is determined about six weeks in advance, and will be available on the website for download and practice prior to the course. The tutors are pleased to help with technical issues as they arise during the course.
What will we cover?
We will play string music of several genres and practise the technical and musical issues required to improve its performance.
What will we accomplish? By the end of this course you will be able to…
You should have enjoyed being part of a satisfying musical experience.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
Lower/Upper Intermediate, a minimum Grade 3 standard is recommended.
How will the course be taught, and will any preparation be required?
We generally work in one group with the option of a sectional rehearsal if and when appropriate. Preparation of the particular repertoire is an advantage but not essential.
Will music be provided in advance of the course?
Yes, it will be available on this website from approximately six weeks before the course.
Is there anything I need to bring?
Instrument and rehearsal pencil and rubber.
Tutor biographies
Janet Hicks Janet has been playing the violin since the age of nine. Her teachers included Anne Macnaghten and Ernest Element. She read music at the University of Birmingham where she subsequently won the Hayward Scholarship for instrumental studies. Having moved to Hertfordshire in the late 60s she joined the Macnaghten String Quartet, which was initially employed by the local authority to teach and perform in the local schools. This set a precedent for performing groups throughout the county, and Janet subsequently played with the Mid-Herts and Pheonix Quartets, both of which took live music into the schools of Hertfordshire. As a teacher working for the local authority (latterly the Hertfordshire Music Service), Janet resigned after completing 51 years of service; this included chamber music coaching at North Herts College. Janet has been a tutor at Benslow since the late 70s. Today she continues to run courses for string players as well as leading the Hitchin Symphony Orchestra and Letchworth Sinfonia.
Willie Hicks Willie (Janet's daughter) started playing piano at the age of three, cello at the age of five, including lessons from Arnold Ashby, and trumpet at the age of nine. She gained a music scholarship to attend Oakham School, and became a member of the National Youth and European Youth Orchestras. Following a sixth-form music course at North Herts College she entered the Guildhall School of Music and Drama where she studied trumpet and cello, graduating in GGSM. Currently her musical activities include teaching brass at Abbot's Hill School, freelancing in the West End, and tutoring at Benslow.
What previous participants said about this course…
“An excellent way of stretching ones playing within a safe and supportive environment.”
“Very friendly and caring group, nice accommodation, good food and relaxing.”
“The tutors were very thorough and encouraging. Very clear instruction, good atmosphere and company.”