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.

For autumn 2025, there will be three levels of our standard ‘sight-reading’-type woodwind workshops:

Also continuing is the comparatively new Puffalong Session (Callander only).  Although this 45 minute workshop will involve sight-reading, most participants will be doubling the melody line, so there should be safety in numbers!  Find out more

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? Several Easy-Level Prepare-in-Advance workshops are planned for Autumn 2025. Find out more

Our popular ‘Breeze’ workshops for Improver and Intermediate woodwind should be returning in 2026.

More about our Standard Sight-Reading Workshops

Easy/Improvers’ Woodwind

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.

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.

Puffalong Session

A sort of wind equivalent of a traditional music ‘session’, except that players will be given sheet music and not expected to pick things up by ear!  In this 45-minute workshop, we will romp through a collection of pieces, with most participants playing the melody line and without worrying too much about the finer musical details.  Intended primarily as an incentive to take your instrument out and play, this should also be great for building stamina and consolidating sight-reading skills.

Note and key ranges for the melody line tend to be around Grade 1 -3 standard, although the actual level of challenge will depend on the speed at which we take the pieces.

Interested? Check our Info, Dates & Venues page to find the next workshop, then get in touch to book your place – our contact e-mail address can be found at the foot of the page.