Recorder Consorts

The focus of this course will be on intimate ensemble playing, with one and two to a part groups coached on an exciting mix of repertoire explored as the weekend progresses. Whether you are an experienced one-to-a-part player, or would like the chance to try it out for the first time in a supported setting, this course is ideal for everyone of an intermediate playing level and above. 

Your tutors, all members of world-class recorder quartet Palisander, blend their extensive performance experience with varied teaching practice, from adult playing courses to conservatoire, to create bespoke masterclasses, recorder orchestra, and coaching sessions. As a participant on this course you can also enjoy intimate performances from Palisander dotted throughout the weekend.

By the end of the course, you will be able to: 

• approach one-to-a-part consort playing with increased confidence.
• play stylistically across multiple genres of music.
• develop ensemble playing techniques as an individual and part of a group.

• learn rehearsal strategies for approaching ensemble playing.

   

The course will use instruments at A=440 pitch and will follow the standard Benslow Music timetable. There will be a rotation of groups in a chamber ensemble setting throughout the course. 

Both those who are attending with a preformed group, and as individuals, will have the opportunity to try some flexible performance settings, which will range in size from trio to quartet to dectets, all in a one or two to-a-part setting. The music will predominantly be new pieces each session, but there will be some opportunity for repeat rehearsals on more intricate works. The groups will be coached by individual members of Palisander on strategies for approaching small ensemble playing, rehearsal techniques and stylistic performance practises. 

There will be an opportunity to take part in an informal ‘sharing’ of pieces in the final session, to round off the the course.

Improver to Skilful players will be supported and have the chance to experience a variety of consort settings. Some comfort with sight reading at improver standard is essential. Participants are encouraged to bring as many sizes of instruments they are comfortable playing, from the Descant to the Contrabass and everything in between. 

Both preformed groups and individual participants are welcome to attend, with individuals assigned to groups of similar playing level and experience, in a few different sized ensembles across the weekend. 

Preformed groups are welcome to suggest their preferred repertoire and encouraged to attend different sized ensemble sessions alongside their own. The groupings will vary from small ensembles (trios, quartets) to much larger textures (octets and dectets).

Select repertoire will be shared with you in advance of the course, to be arranged according to participants needs and the groupings of those coming as individuals.

When you receive it, please prepare your part so you are comfortable performing in a one to a part setting.

Participants should bring all their recorders, a music stand and pencil.

When booking, please let us know what recorders you are happy to bring and play (descant – contrabass), your playing standard according to the Benslow ability levels, your previous experience of one to a part playing (if any). If you are coming as part of a preformed group, please give us the details.