A weekend course focusing solely on the bass clarinet with knowledgeable, enthusiastic and inspiring tutors.
Resident: £365 Non-Resident: £265 (25% off for under 27s) Code: 24/218
Booking for Members opens at 11am on Tuesday 29 August 2023.
Non-Member and online booking opens at 11am on Monday 18 September 2023.
For details on how to become a Member to take advantage of early booking, see here.
What is the course about?
A weekend course focusing solely on the bass clarinet. There will be a bass clarinet choir that includes all, and small ensembles – quartets and trios. There will be an opportunity to play a solo, either unaccompanied or with piano (repertoire suggestions provided if you wish). Participants should have reasonable competence and confidence – able to play at least up to C above the stave - on the bass clarinet (sorry, no beginners), and there could be the odd challenge. There just may be a little bass clef to tackle, plus some (intentional, we hope) high notes floating around. Whilst low C instruments would be very nice indeed, we would not dream of excluding shorter colleagues. There will be a short tutor recital during the course and we look forward to sharing our bass knowledge with you in a relaxed but intensive bass clarinet weekend. The course ends with an informal play through of the weekend’s work. All repertoire will be supplied for preparation at least two weeks prior to the course.
What will we cover?
Bass clarinet choir and chamber music (quartets and trio) repertoire
What will we accomplish? By the end of this course you will be able to…
... perform the repertoire in an informal presentation to each other and further develop skills on the instrument.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
Sorry, no bass clarinet beginners. You need reasonable proficiency on the bass clarinet up to C 2 ledger lines.
Standard: Confident, Skilful
How will the course be taught, and will any preparation be required?
Tutors coach small groups and conduct the choir giving real time feedback and support.
Music is supplied in good time to enable preparation well before the course begins.
Will music be provided in advance of the course?
Yes, sent out by tutor at least 2 weeks before the course to ensure adequate time for preparation.
Is there anything I need to bring?
Spare reeds.
What previous participants said about this course…
“The musical content and tutors were superb and very encouraging which motivated and built confidence.”
"Helen and Steve had gone to enormous lengths to find suitable music for each group and the whole ensemble and to choose things suited our various abilities."
"Both tutors were always supportive and encouraging. A good range of music was presented and everyone felt that their playing skills had been improved."