Workshops
Upcoming workshops in and around Oxfordshire.
- Details
- Written by: David Rogers
Moonrakers each year run a series of Folk Orchestra and Composition workshops across the country. They are for instrumentalists who wish to develop skills in arranging and playing traditional and contemporary tunes in an ensemble. Jon Bennett (guitar, ukulele, bouzouki, whistles), Jacqui Johnson (cello, fiddle, keyboard) and Becki Luff (harp, keyboard) have many years’ experience conducting workshops at Benslow Music, Halsway Manor and at several festivals. They work through a number of tunes drawn mainly from the folk idiom, inviting you to suggest arrangement ideas yourself. Music (with chords, melody, countermelody and bass) will be sent out in advance along with a video of each tune played at medium pace for those who learn by ear. Above all, it’s a rare opportunity to play with a multi-instrumental and welcoming group. For more information, go to www.moonrakers.net and www.facebook.com/Moonrakersfolkorchestra. If you want to discuss any aspect of the courses, call 01865 769206 or email
- Details
- Written by: David Rogers
If the question “what actually is folk dance?” stokes your fire, sign up now for our new online folk dance library course, led by Mike Heaney and Chloe Middleton-Metcalfe.
It presents a unique opportunity to delve into the history and development of folk dance in an English context and to debate and discuss key issues.The seven evening sessions are led by two experts in the field of folk dance. Mike is the premier researcher of the morris dance, while Chloe completed her PhD on the development of barn dances and ceilidhs.
Further details: https://www.efdss.org/whats-on/61-conferences/15513-folk-uncovered-online-course-exploring-english-folk-dance
These will run on Thursday evenings 7:30-9:00pm between Feb 19th and Apr 2nd.
- Details
- Written by: Jon Bennett
Moonrakers Folk Orchestra Workshops
Moonrakers (www.moonrakers.net) each year run a series of Folk Orchestra and Composition workshops across the country. They are for instrumentalists who wish to develop skills in arranging and playing traditional and contemporary tunes in an ensemble. Jon Bennett (guitar, ukulele, bouzouki, whistles), Jacqui Johnson (cello, fiddle, keyboard) and Becki Luff (harp, keyboard) have many years’ experience conducting workshops at Benslow Music, Halsway Manor and at several festivals. They work through a number of tunes drawn mainly from the folk idiom, inviting you to suggest arrangement ideas yourself. Music (with chords, melody, countermelody and bass) will be sent out in advance along with a video of each tune played at medium pace for those who learn by ear. Above all, it’s a rare opportunity to play with a multi-instrumental and welcoming group. For more information, go to www.moonrakers.net and www.facebook.com/Moonrakersfolkorchestra. If you want to discuss any aspect of the courses, call 01865 769206 or email
5-7 June Folk Orchestra Workshop/Course. Benslow Music, HITCHIN, Hertfordshire, SG4 9RB. The first of our annual residential weekend workshops at Benslow Music. Intermediate standard, all instruments welcome. Music and videos sent in advance. Book early! www.benslowmusic.org 01462 459446.
11-13 Sep Folk Orchestra Workshop/Course Benslow Music, HITCHIN, Hertfordshire, SG4 9RB. The second of our annual residential weekend workshops at Benslow Music. Intermediate standard, all instruments welcome. Music and videos sent in advance. Book early! www.benslowmusic.org 01462 459446.
Sat 17 Oct 10:30am - 4:00pm. Folk Orchestra Workshop run by Jon, Jacqui & Becki. All instruments welcome; intermediate standard (no absolute beginners). Music and videos sent in advance. Limited to 20. Book early because it's always sold out! £60 (including ticket for evening concert). St Symphorians Church Hall, Durrington, WORTHING, BN13 3HU. Booking and information:
Fr 11 - Sun 13 Dec Folk Orchestra, Halsway Manor, TAUNTON, Somerset, TA4 4BD. Residential Folk Orchestra Workshop run by Jon & Jacqui. All instruments welcome; intermediate standard (no absolute beginners). Music and videos sent in advance. Limited to 12. Book early because it's always sold out! halswaymanor.org.uk/ Any questions, call 01865 769206.
2027
22-26 Feb Folk Orchestra, Halsway Manor, TAUNTON, Somerset, TA4 4BD. A three day (4 nights) residential Folk Orchestra Workshop run by Jon & Jacqui. All instruments welcome; intermediate standard (no absolute beginners). Music and videos sent in advance. Limited to 20. Book early because it's always sold out! halswaymanor.org.uk/ Any questions, call 01865 769206.
28-30 May Ukulele Weekend, Halsway Manor, TAUNTON, Somerset, TA4 4BD. A residential weekend workshop, with tutors Jon Bennett, Sam Muir and Phil Doleman. Our annual foray into the wonderful world of ukuleles! It gets sold out very quickly, so book early. www.halswaymanor.org.uk
4 - 6 June Folk Orchestra Workshop/Course. Benslow Music, HITCHIN, Hertfordshire, SG4 9RB. The first of our annual residential weekend workshops at Benslow Music. Intermediate standard, all instruments welcome. Music and videos sent in advance. Book early! www.benslowmusic.org 01462 459446.