An opportunity to arrange and play folk tunes and songs at a steady ’intermediate’ pace with a group of enthusiasts and many different instruments.
STANDARD: IMPROVER, CONFIDENT, SKILFUL.
Resident: £402 Non-Resident: £292 (25% off for under 27s) Code: 25/258
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?
A weekend workshop for instrumentalists from classical and folk circles. Whatever acoustic instrument you play (fiddle, fretted instruments, whistles/flute, squeeze boxes, etc) you are welcome! The two tutors specialise in fretted instruments, whistles, cello, fiddle and singing but we'll have parts for anything you bring. We'll work through about 10 tunes and songs with arrangements, occasionally splitting into smaller groups. We’ll also look at some theory and improvisation. In the evenings we’ll have a relaxing “session” where you play your own tunes and songs, if you wish. You don't need to read music, but no absolute beginners, please. To see the kind of music we play, go to www.moonrakers.net.
What will we cover?
Folk tunes (all with melody, second part, bass and chords).
How to interpret and arrange the songs/tunes as a group.
Performance techniques.
One-to-one tuition as required.
What will we accomplish? By the end of this course you will be able to…
Play up to 10 pieces in a small (max 20) ensemble with arrangements that we’ve worked on over the weekend.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
The course is aimed at intermediate level players, not absolute beginners. If you are ‘lower intermediate’, we’ll ensure that you have an appropriate part to play. Although reading music is a bonus, it is not 100% necessary – most of the tunes are simple and can be learned by ear (especially since a recording of them will be sent out in advance to participants). For those playing strumming instruments (ukulele, guitar, etc) chords are provided for all the tunes.
Standard: Improver, Confident
How will the course be taught, and will any preparation be required?
The music will be sent out in advance, along with a recording (on YouTube) so that you see and hear it at least three weeks beforehand. For most of the weekend we will remain in one large group, but there will also be opportunities for splitting occasionally into smaller or even one-to-one sessions, if requested.
Will music be provided in advance of the course?
The written music will be sent to you in advance along with links to the recordings (also made by the tutors) available on YouTube.
Is there anything I need to bring?
Those who play more than one instrument are welcome to bring them. Bring a note book; music stands provided.
What previous participants said about this course…
“Supportive tutors who drew out strengths of each delegate.”
“Inspiring and informative, and inclusive of all levels of ability in the group. The tutors are superb, encouraging and helping, with loads of material, gauged just right! A perfect balance of different and contrasting styles of folk music, giving the widest possible experience in the time available.”
“Great tutors and a very nice atmosphere.”
“Great fun! Fabulous immersing myself in the music! Tuition, encouragement, inspiration! I learned a lot!”
Tutor biographies
Jon Bennett Jon has performed at festivals, arts centres and clubs across the UK since the 1980s. He has published children's songs commissioned by the National Cooperative Movement and the BBC and, with arrangements by Jacqui, has two books of original and traditional tunes published by Mel Bay. He's a previous winner BBC-radio/Folkwrite Magazine songwriting competition and a finalist of the International Songsearch competition. Jon's music has featured on the BBC's award-winning Global Echoes programme, and on BBC TV (Beyond Paradise) and on Radio 4 (Poetry Please). Every year, with Jacqui, he manages and teaches Folk Orchestra, Songwriting and Ukulele courses at the National Centre for the Folk Arts (Halsway Manor) and Benslow Music, and has also run courses at festivals such as Common Ground (Scotland), Broadstairs Folk Week, BunkFest and the Ukulele Festival of Great Britain. He has written more than 80 reviews for Shire Folk magazine and is a staff/contributing writer for RnR Magazine. He founded Moonrakers in 1998.
Jacqui Johnson Jacqui graduated from the Victorian College of the Arts in Melbourne, Australia. She subsequently became a full time member of the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, and later played with the Australian Opera and Ballet companies. She broadcasted and recorded recitals for the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, gave many solo and chamber recitals throughout Australia, and toured China and Hong Kong. On moving to Oxford, Jacqui became a freelance musician, combining teaching, chamber music and solo performances with orchestras such as Milton Keynes Sinfonia, Oxford Symphony Orchestra, John Radcliffe Orchestra and Didcot Concert Orchestra. She plays an 18th century Italian baroque cello as well as a modern cello. She joined Moonrakers in late 2018 and from 2019 joined Jon as a tutor at the Folk Orchestra events.