Bassoon Weekend: From Reed to Recital

• Primarily the chance of meeting up with people who are full of enthusiasm, whatever their playing standard. It is good to meet old friends but just as relevant and important to encounter new ones, even if they have “ only recently started” or did Grade 8 45 years ago! The value of having someone like this on a course is invaluable. Each session has to be tailored to the needs of the assembled company and, since we do different things each course, aspects such as double and triple tonguing, muted fingerings or dealing with C20th techniques, place us all in the same boat,- experienced players, beginners and tutors! An enormous amount can be learned from helping someone who is encountering a new idea for the first time.
• Discovering unfamiliar pieces and getting them to work. Traditional bassoon music, especially for ensembles, is very limited. Most of the material we use is brand new, in the form of arrangements-composers turning in their graves!- or pieces specially written for the occasion using the forces available. We usually have too much music and there are always pieces that are suitable for those who are not so advanced. ie all comers are welcome!
• Working in a very pleasant environment with superb food and a very friendly and supportive staff. These are rare treats for an orchestral player!

Without a doubt the three things I hope that participants get from the course are:

1. a chance to work with like-minded players on music they enjoy playing. ( Nothing too dull, challenging yet playable. )
2. To feel they have had supportive, encouraging and useful tuition and that they have been “ stretched” -but not too much! They have learned many things and encouraged to “keep going”.
3. To enjoy the company, the rest/break, the whole atmosphere.

“My hobbies outside music are hill walking, bird watching, learning languages. I find that many players have very similar interests. One “ hobby” which is practised very regularly is looking after grandchildren. Not sure if this qualifies for a “fun” activity!  it can be very enjoyable!”