Join clarinettists David Campbell, Margaret Archibald and Ian Scott with pianist John Flinders on their long-established clarinet course. Sessions include clarinet choirs, small ensembles, masterclasses and individual piano rehearsals for every player.
STANDARD: IMPROVER, CONFIDENT, SKILFUL
Resident: £412 Non-Resident: £302 (25% off for under 27s) Code: 24/256
Booking for Members opens at 11am on Wednesday 28 February 2024
Non-Member and online booking opens at 11am on Wednesday 20 March 2024
For details on how to become a Member to take advantage of early booking, see here.
What is the course about?
Clarinettists David Campbell, Margaret Archibald and Ian Scott explore clarinet music of many kinds, joined by collaborative pianist John Flinders.
Varied sessions include:
clarinet choir - players will be allocated places - please let us know in advance if you can bring Eb, alto, bass etc;
small ensembles - players will be allocated places and tutors share their time between groups. Pre-formed ensembles can be accommodated. It may be possible to arrange for one larger group to be fully directed if players would find it helpful to have a generous level of tutor support;
a short private piano rehearsal with John Flinders, especially renowned for his interpretation of the clarinet and piano repertoire, will be scheduled for all course members. Players must bring piano parts for John to play - music will not be provided;
a masterclass with David and John on Saturday afternoon will give course members a platform to share study of their chosen works;
a parallel performance workshop with Margaret and Ian will offer less confident performers the chance to share repertoire in open forum;
the tutors’ concert on Saturday evening gives players a chance to relax!
at an informal concert on the final afternoon the groups all perform to one another, followed by a massed choir play-out.
Tutors Websites:
https://www.campbelldavid.com/ https://www.margaretarchibald.com / https://www.ianscottclarinet.co.uk
What will we cover?
By the end of the weekend all course members will have rehearsed in quartets or other small ensembles, worked at a piece with piano including in a masterclass or workshop situation, attended the tutors’ recital and played in clarinet choir, with an optional late-night session choosing to play music either for Eb or for bass clarinets or to discuss period style in relation to performance on historical instruments.
What will we accomplish? By the end of this course you will be able to…
Emphasis throughout the weekend is on the sheer joy of taking part in music-making with others of like mind. Tutors will help with note accuracy and counting, intonation, tone quality, interpretation and period style and above all with collaborative awareness in rehearsal and performance.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
Players of intermediate and advanced level will enjoy sight-reading the range of works on offer with secure counting particularly important. Less confident players are also welcome and when applying should request to be included in ensembles with a high level of tutor support.
How will the course be taught, and will any preparation be required?
Participants should prepare at least one piece with piano accompaniment to play during their short private rehearsal with John. This could be a piece they would like to perform with John in David’s Saturday afternoon masterclass, or with Margaret and Ian in their parallel performance workshop. Players should provide complete copies and be sure to bring both clarinet and piano parts with them to the course.
Will music be provided in advance of the course?
Tutors provide music for the choir and bring their own private collections of small ensemble music. Course members should provide their own music if they wish to take part in the masterclass or performance workshop. Music will not be provided by tutors in advance. IMSLP has a wide range of parts and scores. Benslow Music members may be able to hire the music from our library.
Is there anything I need to bring?
Players should bring their Bb clarinet and any other clarinets such as Eb, C, A, alto, basset horn, bass or contrabass that they would like to play. They should ensure that they have several reeds that they know work, cleaning cloths, cork grease, a peg and a music stand.
What previous participants said about this course…
“The tutors were very engaged with the needs of the course members, their methods were very motivating. I especially enjoyed being able to choose music to work on in smaller groups from the wide range of scores the tutors brought with them.”
“Fun, just the right amount of playing, supportive, caters for all abilities.”
“A really good way to get back into playing or focus on what you need as an individual to improve your playing and have fun doing it.”