Anna and Anthea invite you to join them for a relaxed weekend of double reed ensembles covering a wide range of repertoire from Dvořák to Elmer Bernstein. This will suit players from grade 5 standard upwards.
ABILITY: IMPROVER, CONFIDENT, SKILFUL
Resident: £402 Non-Resident: £292 (25% off for under 27s) Code: 26/241
Members priority booking opens at 9am on Tuesday 17 June.
General booking opens at 9am on Friday 11 July.
For details on how to become a Member to take advantage of early booking, see here.
This course runs from 5.30pm on Friday 13 February to 4pm on Sunday 15 February 2026.
What is the course about?
The weekend is tailored to gain ensemble experience in a supportive and relaxed atmosphere, with helpful tricks and tips to enhance and improve your playing skills. This will focus on a mixed double reed ensemble and single instrument groups. An optional reed adjustment advice session is also available.
Players of oboe, cor anglais, bassoon and contrabassoon are warmly welcomed. Please feel free to bring more than one instrument if you would like to.
Anna Cooper studied at Chetham's School of Music and continued her studies at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama with James Brown and Jane Marshall. Shortly after leaving Guildhall, Anna was appointed Principal Cor Anglais with the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra. In 1998 Anna left the RLPO to pursue a freelance career and has since played with many of the UK's orchestras and chamber ensembles.
Originally from Derbyshire, Anthea took up the bassoon at the age of 14 and studied joint Performance and Composition at Huddersfield University, before crossing the Pennines to the RNCM in Manchester for two further years of study for her Diploma in Advanced Performance. During this time, she was privileged to have lessons with the esteemed British Bassoonist and Academic William Waterhouse.
Post-college, she has since worked the length and breadth of the country with Orchestras, Opera/ Ballet companies and Chamber groups, most recently the Orchestra of the Royal Opera House.
What will we cover?
The course is designed to improve sightreading, listening skills and playing with others, and build confidence in chamber groups.
Repertoire will include double reed ensembles to include The Magnificent Seven, Dvořák Slavonic Dance No 8, Shostakovich Waltz from the Jazz Suite No 2, Fauré Masques et Bergamasques, Suite from Oliver! and more.
What will we accomplish? By the end of this course you will be able to…
Feel confident playing in a chamber music setting and engaging in different genres and styles. There will be an informal play-through of the pieces in the last session.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
Grade 5 and above - improver, confident and skilful players are all welcome.
How will the course be taught, and will any preparation be required?
You will explore wide-ranging repertoire in large and small ensembles. Some music will be provided in advance to aid preparation.
Will music be provided in advance of the course?
Yes. Some will be provided. You are very welcome to bring your own music for informal music making.
Is there anything I need to bring?
Any double reed instrument, any reed making equipment if you have it.