A weekend of chamber orchestra music-making led by a professional ensemble.
STANDARD: IMPROVER, CONFIDENT
Resident: £572 Non-Resident: £435 (25% off for under 27s) Code: 25/334
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 is a 3-day intermediate level chamber orchestra course. Tutors are Uchenna Ngwe (wind), Dave Oxley (brass and percussion), Nathan Knight (strings) from Decus Ensemble.
Each section of the orchestra (strings, wind, and combined brass and percussion) has a dedicated tutor who will lead group sectionals and support players in full rehearsals throughout the course. Participants will be coached on musicianship, technical aspects, style, orchestral etiquette and ensemble playing. During group tutorials, there will be opportunities to focus on more specific areas relevant to individual players and technique.
Tutor website: The Musicians - Decus Ensemble
What will we cover?
Repertoire will cover a range of musical genres. This might include music from the Classical era to Romantic and more modern styles.
What will we accomplish? By the end of this course you will be able to…
Improve ensemble playing
Explore different practice and rehearsal methods
Develop your individual and group playing technique
Improve your music reading skills
Learn how to work effectively as members of an orchestral section
Perform at least three orchestral pieces from diverse styles.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
This course is for intermediate players, of around Grade 5-7 standard. Although you have support from a tutor, you will need to be confident with your playing in solo or small group situations. You should also have some awareness of technical aspects such intonation and reading music independently.
How will the course be taught?
Each group will have a dedicated tutor who will lead their sectionals, and be available during full rehearsals. Conducting the full orchestra will be rotated between tutors. A coaching timetable will be provided at the start of the course.
Will music be provided in advance of the course?
A list of repertoire and excerpts of some music will be sent out in advance.
Is there anything I need to bring?
Instruments! Pencils and erasers. Folding stands if you prefer not to use the large orchestral ones.
Brass - valve oil, slide grease, mutes
Oboe, clarinets and bassoons - spare reeds and tuners
Strings - rosin, spare strings, mutes if you have them.
Percussionists - sticks and mallets if you prefer to use your own.