Woodwind

(Flute, Oboe, Clarinet and Bassoon only)

Standard ‘Sight-Reading’ Workshops

Most Blow & Blast workshops involve sight-reading a variety of not-too-stressful pieces on the day, to help players develop the confident reading skills needed to participate comfortably in a band or orchestra.

Currently, there are three levels of our standard ‘sight-reading’-type woodwind workshops:

Also available at Birnam is Very Easy Puff-Along, which can include saxophones and brass as well as orchestral woodwind.

Prepare-in-Advance Events

Not sure about sight-reading? Or perhaps you are looking for something easier, with the reassurance of having the music to practice in advance?

Blow & Blast holds occasional ‘Prepare-in-Advance’ events for different instrument combinations and ability levels. Details of forthcoming short courses can be found on the Short Courses page.

More about our Standard Sight-Reading Workshops

Easy/Improvers’ Woodwind (Sight-Reading)

An entry-level ensemble workshop designed for players of around Grade 1 – Grade 3 level, with music tailored to ability. You should be reasonably comfortable about sight-reading basic notes and rhythm patterns, although occasional memory lapses, squeaks and ‘bum notes’ will definitely be forgiven! Whether you’re just starting out on your musical journey or are looking for a low-stress return to playing after a long gap, come and enjoy making music with others of a similar standard in a friendly, supportive environment.

Interested? Check our Info, Dates & Venues page to find the next suitable workshop. Parts are specially arranged to suit the confidence and ability level of participants, so it is important that you book in advance, letting us know your instrument and a little about your approximate standard and previous musical experience. Our contact e-mail address can be found at the foot of the page.

Bring a Buddy! Are you keen in principle, but a bit daunted by the thought of attending on your own? Our ‘Bring a Buddy’ scheme allows you to bring a more-experienced, woodwind-playing chum at a discount rate.

Improvers’/Intermediate Woodwind (Sight-reading)

Ideal for those who are comfortably underway on their instrument, sight-reading basic note and rhythm patterns confidently and perhaps playing at around Grade 3 – 4 level or above.  This is an opportunity to acquire or extend ensemble skills in a friendly, supportive environment.

The improver/intermediate group appeals to a range of players, including:

  • Those who have already ‘outgrown’ the easier-level workshops
  • Rusty ‘returners’ who want a gentle, but not too basic, reintroduction to playing
  • Those at – or above – the top end of the guide ability level but who nonetheless prefer to play repertoire well within their comfort zone, allowing them to focus on polishing their skills
  • Experienced musicians who have only recently taken up their woodwind instrument but can read music fluently and play up-to-pitch

Our music consists of a mixture of light classical, traditional and original pieces, specifically designed to strengthen sight-reading skills and build confidence.  Learn some of the techniques and terminology used in ensemble, band and orchestral contexts while having fun making music with others.

This group often uses similar repertoire to the Intermediate level, but approached more gradually. Players generally feel more comfortable asking for clarification, or if we can repeat certain parts of a piece.

Interested? Check our Info, Dates & Venues page to find the next suitable workshop. Parts are specially arranged to suit the confidence and ability level of participants, so it is important that you book in advance, letting us know your instrument and a little about your approximate standard and previous musical experience. Our contact e-mail address can be found at the foot of the page.

Intermediate Woodwind (Sight-reading)

Added to our programme by popular request.  You should be reasonably familiar with the working range of the instrument, have quite a bit of previous ensemble experience and be comfortable about sight-reading in a variety of not-too-intimidating key and time signatures – so a confident Grade 5+

Repertoire consists of a mixture of classical, traditional and original pieces, designed to:

  • Strengthen sight-reading skills and build confidence
  • Increase awareness of intonation, phrasing and balance
  • Increase awareness of the role of your part within the ensemble
  • Produce a satisfying musical result

Interested? Check our Info, Dates & Venues page to find the next suitable workshop. Places are limited, so please book in advance, letting us know your instrument, approximate standard and a little about your previous ensemble experience. Our contact e-mail address can be found at the foot of the page.

Very Easy Puff-Along (Sight-reading)

The idea behind the Very Easy Puff-Along is to provide comparative beginners with a low-stress opportunity to make music with other enthusiastic but not-yet-competent late-starter musicians! Ideally, you should be able to manage a range of about 8 notes or more.

Music will include simple tunes and rhythm exercises which we will play through in unison, or in very straightforward two-part arrangements. We’ll be aiming for a nice pedantic speed and plenty of repetition!

Great for motivation, as well as introducing basic ensemble skills, such as tuning up, keeping in time and not stopping or going back if you make a mistake.

Space permitting, saxophones, brass, recorders and even non-puffing instruments like bowed strings are welcome to join the Very Easy Puff-Along. Please be aware, however, that keys and note ranges will be chosen primarily to suit beginners on orchestral woodwind instruments.

Interested? Check our Info, Dates & Venues page to find the next suitable workshop. Remember to sign up in advance (the e-mail address is at the foot of the page), giving details of your instrument and standard, to ensure that appropriate music is available. With sufficient notice, it may be possible to send out one or two parts to practise beforehand.