Big Band

The WMA Big Band repertoire consists of a mixture of classic Big Band pieces and specially arranged numbers with a World Music edge. You don't have to be a jazz student to join in. The standard line up is rhythm section, five saxes (two alto, two tenor, baritone), two trumpets and two trombones, but we can and do accommodate other instruments that are keen to try it.

Brass Workshop

Music to be studied at SS 2016 will range from renaissance to present day in all styles. Small group and brass band arrangements by Alan Fernie and Robert Ramskill amongst others.

Ceilidh Instrumental work

This session is for those instrumentalists who wish to prepare for the playing in the social evening Ceilidh sessions. You do not have to be on the folk course, and music and advice will be provided, although this currently an untutored course.

Chamber Music

Composition course.

There will be just one composition course, but it will last for two sessions each day. If possible, students should attend both sessions; but I realise that some students will only manage the first or second sessions.

Folk Course

This year’s course will focus on Industrial Folk Song.

Industrial folk song emerged in Britain in the 18th century, as workers and their families moved from rural and agricultural society to an increasingly urban and industrial one. Songs which they were familiar with including ballads and agricultural work songs were adapted to their new experiences and circumstances. The tunes and music often reflected work actions and the jobs they were doing. This was evident in the songs of the textile, steel, shipbuilding, mining and other industries.

Once again the group will learn a series of songs with a view to developing a performance piece for concert at the end of the week.

Jazz - (Modern)

We will be examining & playing music from the broad range covered by the term 'Jazz', including soloing, composed music and listening to recordings. Theory and technique will also be covered as required, and there will be opportunities for ad hoc performance.

Jazz - Traditional

Trad jazz is really a form of American folk music and is based on aural traditions. The course will try to use traditional transcription of standard trad tunes to ensure those who are unfamiliar with trad to try their hand. All the tunes will be printed for concert treble, bass clef, Bb, and Eb instruments plus chord charts for rhythm section players. Those who wish will have an opportunity (and be encouraged) to improvise on the tunes and against the chord sequences. The main emphasis will be for students to experiment, make mistakes (!) and most importantly have fun.

Jazz from Scratch

This course is for people who would like to try playing jazz for the first time.

You  are expected to have reasonable fluency on your instrument and some sight reading. Any knowledge of scales and harmony will be helpful, but is not essential as these will be covered on the course.

Improvisation is a central feature of jazz and is neither as difficult nor as scary as you might think. The course will concentrate on providing a repertoire of available notes for every tune that we play. This choice of notes,usually part of a scale, allows solos to be improvised without too much hassle.

While Jazz is a serious art form for most of us it is both fun and creative. I hope this week will be an introduction to a journey which may well last a lifetime.

Jazz Vocal

The course is run for the most part on a `Masterclass' basis – students will sing songs they have prepared using 'Band in a Box' software to provide the backing. You will be asked to provide a short list of songs that you know well before the course starts (though there is the flexibility to run with new and interesting trains of thought while you are at the school!).There may also be some choral work - singing Jazz as a group is an interesting and challenging exercise. The hope is that the course culminates in singing with real instrumentalists, although this isn't a compulsory part of the course, if that makes you feel nervous.

Orchestra (With strings Tutor)

The orchestra will cover a wide range of repertoire and periods over the week from classical to modern and  serious and light, in an informal and friendly atmosphere. There will be two sessions every day and players will be encouraged to swap parts to give everyone who wishes a chance of leading or playing solos and help will be on hand from string, wind and brass tutors and the course is open to all players.
 

Opera

The choice for this year’s course is Smetana’s colourful comic opera ‘The Bartered Bride’. It has some lively choruses based on Czech folk music as well as solo and ensemble numbers which cover varying degrees of difficulty ranging from the simple to the more vocally demanding. Recordings of the opera are readily available to support learning of the music prior to the start of the school.

All are welcome to join this course, from experienced soloists to those who have never performed in an opera before and prefer to focus on singing in the chorus.

Sight reading course.

Singing at Sight.

 If you sing with other singers or players, you will get more out of it you can sing at sight. If you cannot, then you have to pick up music by ear, which can take time and may be inaccurate. Unlike last year, there will be a lot of actual singing, as well as learning of essential theory. This will include intervals, keys, rhythms and time signatures.

Public Singing for the Terrified (Singing performance class)

This class is to provide an opportunity for singers of all abilities to perform for each other in a friendly environment and to have a forum for (positive!) comments from fellow singers. As the emphasis is on performance, songs must be sung from MEMORY. Learning by heart is the starting point, not the finish.

Recorder group

If you enjoy playing a recorder (or more than one), join the group that meets just after breakfast, for some ad hoc and informal blowing. If you have a favourite score, bring that along for us to share. Always fun, suits beginners and those who just love playing. Gives a chance to re-learn a rusty skill.

Solo Singing

The Solo Singing course will provide an opportunity for singers to perform and discuss repertoire in an informal workshop and masterclass type of atmosphere.

String Orchestra

Open to all players of violin, viola, cello and double bass. A chance to experience some of the great works in the repertoire. We will work on Bach's Brandenburg Concerto No. 3 and more modern works for Strings. There will also be an opportunity for violinists and cellists to try their hand as soloist if they opt to as we will play through a Baroque Concerto Grosso.

Summer School Chorus

This is an inclusive session which welcomes students from all courses and is intended to allow those with different musical interests to sing together. No previous singing experience is necessary and the Summer School Chorus provides a good opportunity for students whose main focus is on instrumental music to join in some group singing, along with those whose course choices have a singing focus.

The repertoire includes a wide range of material from madrigals to musicals and songs which reflect the aims of the WMA.

Wind Ensemble

Music for groups of woodwind, saxophones, including horns, and reed instruments. The tutor will provide a wide variety of music.