Musical Activities

Singers, string players, wind players and listeners are all welcome and musical activities take up about half our time. We enjoy singing and playing a wide variety of music; from chamber music to choral works with orchestra and from the serious to the light-hearted. During the course we put on two main concerts; at the end of the first week we perform in the village church and in week two we put on a lighter music concert in the Singer Hotel. At the concerts each group, that is choir, strings and wind, perform on their own and we then join together for a large work such as a Mass in the church concert and some Gilbert and Sullivan in the Hotel Concert. To add to the fun we also have some informal concerts during the fortnight and a cabaret at the end of the course. At these concerts we perform to each other, either as individuals or in groups. There are also opportunities for people for people to get together during their free time to do some more music making. When we are not involved in musical activities there is plenty of time to relax or take part in the holiday activities.

During the course musicians are divided into three sections:

String players will play in small ensembles, quartets, trios etc as well as in the string chamber orchestra.

Wind players will also play in various sized ensembles, and there may be some opportunities for recorder playing.

String and wind players will also have the chance to play in mixed wind and string ensembles, and will combine to play in the chamber orchestra.

Singers will form a choir for formal concerts, and will have opportunities for small group and solo singing, especially in the informal concerts. If possible, some master classes will be held for individual tuition.

Listeners are welcome to sit in on the various music sessions, attend the concerts and take part in the social life of the course. 

All standards are welcome, but to get the most out of the course you need to be about Associated Board Grade 5 or above. Indeed some people on the course have diplomas and there is plenty to interest players and singers of all levels. Individuals and pre-arranged groups are both welcome. Musicians are invited to bring music of their own choice, although all music for formal concerts will be provided.