This weekend offers you the opportunity to play in a recorder orchestra in a relaxed, friendly and supportive environment. 

Orchestras are an increasingly popular type of recorder ensemble and it's not hard to see why. Large scale orchestration gives recorder players the opportunity to be part of exciting textures and colours that quartets and quintets simply can't achieve.  These days all genres of music from very early right through to minimalist are being explored by players with a wide range of experience. 

However, not everyone lives near to an established recorder orchestra, or is able to commit to attending regular rehearsals with an orchestra.  This weekend course offers the opportunity to experience playing in an orchestra in a beautiful location with one of the very best conductors in the UK today.  Equally, if you are an experienced recorder orchestra player you may welcome the opportunity to play in a different section or to hone your orchestral skills.

The recorder orchestra will consist of eleven sections: Sopranino, Descant 1 and 2, Treble 1 and 2, Tenor 1 and 2, Bass 1 and 2, Great Bass and Contra Bass.  You will be asked for your choice of insrtuments for the orchestral sessions. You will also need to list the recorders you will be bringing to the course. Priority will be given to applicants from members of Recorders at Plymouth and those who have previuosly attended the weekend. In order to get a balanced orchestra, consideration will be given to the instruments you play. The number of players in each section will be much smaller in 2022 to allow for social distancing.

 

During the weekend players remain within their elected orchestral section for all the orchestral playing sessions with Helen Hooker. Many players particularly enjoy this aspect of the weekend as it allows them to grow in confidence in encouraging surroundings.  Steve Marshall's sessions provide a contrast to Helen's orchestral sessions and players are free to choose to play different recorders in Steve's sessions.

Closing date for enrolments (11th December). Shortly before the course, applicants will be sent further details about the weekend including a covid safety risk assessment, map to find the venue and confirmation of the orchestral section in which they will be playing.    All music will be provided for the weekend.  

About the Conductors