‘Breeze’ Ensembles

‘Breeze’ Prepare-in-Advance Woodwind Ensemble Workshops

Dates for the next Breeze Woodwind Ensembles have yet to be decided. Listings for the recent workshops have been left here meantime for information purposes.

A new development, at a new venue! These prepare-in-advance ensemble workshops are named after levels on the Beaufort scale of wind strengths.

If you’d prefer the reassurance of having practised the music in advance, perhaps one of these is the workshop for you!

Gentle Breeze Ensemble (Improver Woodwind)

When and where?

Sunday 21st July, 10:30am – 1pm

Mariposa Studios, West Lodge, Bridgend Farm, Linlithgow EH49 6ND

(There will be a coffee/comfort break part-way through, offering a chance to ask questions, share information with fellow participants and give your mouth time to recover!)

Would it suit me?

This workshop caters for adult learners or rusty ‘returners’ who play flute, oboe, clarinet in B-flat, or bassoon.  Music is aimed primarily at players of ABRSM Grade 2 – 3 standard.  Perhaps you’ve never played in any kind of group before, or you’ve tried an amateur band or orchestra, only to find yourself overwhelmed – so are looking for something slower-paced, with easier music and more individual attention and support.

Music will include a mix of light classical and traditional pieces, plus a few exercises. These are specially selected/arranged to suit the combination of players taking part and to introduce particular ensemble skills. Practice copies of the principal pieces will be e-mailed out to participants 10 days or so in advance, so you’ll have time to practice your parts beforehand.

What will we cover?

General playing skills: Holding an independent musical line, maintaining a steady pulse, rhythmic accuracy, dynamics, articulation, etc.

Ensemble skills: Tuning up, following a conductor, understanding musical jargon, coping with rests, balance, ensemble etiquette.

By the end of the workshop, you should have a better understanding of the skills and terminology involved in playing with others.  More importantly, we hope you will have had fun making music with others of a similar standard and will leave with a real sense of achievement! Group music-making is very motivating, as well as providing excellent reinforcement of individual learning.  This can be invaluable for adult learners who spend much of their time practising in isolation.

Do I get music in advance? 

Practice parts for some of the pieces will be e-mailed out in PDF form about 10 days beforehand.  Please give details of your ‘comfort’ range of notes, plus any previous musical experience when booking, so that we can aim to give you appropriate music.  If in doubt, err on the side of caution.  Until you are used to it, playing in a group can prove quite distracting. It helps if the notes are relatively straightforward, so that you can give more of your attention to staying in the correct place! 

What do I need to bring?

  • Yourself
  • Your instrument, plus any relevant accessories (e.g. strap/harness, spare reed)
  • Your practice copies – especially if you have covered these in helpful annotations
  • Soft pencil and eraser
  • Music stand (if possible)
  • Reading glasses (if required)

What does it cost?

The fee for this workshop is £45

How do I book?

Just e-mail info@blowandblast.co.uk putting ‘Gentle Breeze’ in the subject line.  Please let us know your name and some information about your instrument and standard – e.g. the range of notes with which you are comfortable, particular problem areas, any previous musical experience. 

As this workshop is tailored to those taking part, payment will be required to confirm your booking – we will send you out a link (or BACS details) to enable you to do this online.

Closing date for bookings:

Closing date for bookings is Friday 21st June. Please be aware that numbers are strictly limited, to allow for plenty of individual help and support. So, if you are keen to attend, don’t leave it too long to book!

Cancellations

In the event of the workshop being cancelled (with or without notice), any fees paid would be refunded in full.  However, Blow & Blast accepts no liability for other costs incurred.  Players should be aware that they make their applications on this basis.

Should you be obliged to cancel after making your booking, please let us know as soon as possible.  If your place can be filled by someone on a waiting list, we would then refund the fee, less an administration charge of £10

Moderate Breeze Ensemble (Intermediate Woodwind)

When and where?

Sunday 21st July, 2 – 5pm

Mariposa Studios, West Lodge, Bridgend Farm, Linlithgow EH49 6ND

(There will be a coffee/comfort break part-way through, offering a chance to ask questions, share information with fellow participants and give your mouth time to recover!)

Would it suit me?

This workshop caters for adult learners or rusty ‘returners’ who play flute, oboe, clarinet in B-flat, or bassoon.  Music is aimed primarily at players of ABRSM Grade 4 – 6 standard and, even though you will have the opportunity to practise the music in advance, some previous ensemble experience is recommended.

Moderate Breeze is ideal for those whose work, family or caring responsibilities prevent them from practising as much as they might like, or from participating regularly in a community wind band or orchestra. The workshop offers an opportunity to play a mixture of light classical and traditional chamber-style repertoire in a small ensemble.

Music will be specially selected/arranged to suit the combination of players taking part, but is also designed to consolidate various ensemble skills. Practice copies of the principal pieces will be e-mailed out to participants 10 days or so in advance, so you’ll have time to practice your parts beforehand.

Bookings are on a first-come, first-served basis, so don’t necessarily expect a balanced ensemble…just a friendly and enthusiastic one!

What will we cover?

General playing skills: Holding an independent musical line, maintaining a steady pulse, rhythmic accuracy, appropriate use of dynamics, articulation, phrasing to add polish to a performance.

Ensemble skills: Ensemble etiquette, following a conductor, intonation, balance, awareness of the interplay between parts.

By the end of the workshop, you should have a better understanding of the skills and terminology involved in playing effectively in a small group.  More importantly, we hope you will have had fun making music with others, working together to polish the ensemble’s overall performance, and that you will leave with a real sense of achievement! Group music-making is both therapeutic and motivating, as well as providing excellent reinforcement of individual learning.

Do I get music in advance? 

Practice parts for some of the pieces will be e-mailed out in PDF form about 10 days beforehand.  Please give details of your approximate standard, plus any previous musical experience when booking, so that I can aim to give you appropriate music. 

What do I need to bring?

  • Yourself
  • Your instrument, plus any relevant accessories (e.g. strap/harness, spare reed)
  • Your practice copies – especially if you have covered these in helpful annotations
  • Soft pencil and eraser
  • Music stand (if possible)
  • Reading glasses (if required)

What does it cost?

The fee for this workshop is £50

How do I book?

Just e-mail info@blowandblast.co.uk putting ‘Moderate Breeze’ in the subject line.  Please give your name and some information about your instrument and standard – e.g. the range of notes/keys with which you are comfortable, particular problem areas, any previous musical experience. 

As this workshop is tailored to those taking part, payment will be required to confirm your booking – we will send you out a link (or BACS details) to enable you to do this online.

Closing date for bookings:

Closing date for bookings is Friday 21st June. Please be aware that numbers are strictly limited so, if you are keen to attend, don’t leave it too long to book!

Cancellations

In the event of the workshop being cancelled (with or without notice), any fees paid would be refunded in full.  However, Blow & Blast accepts no liability for other costs incurred.  Players should be aware that they make their applications on this basis.

Should you be obliged to cancel after making your booking, please let us know as soon as possible.  If your place can be filled by someone on a waiting list, we we would then refund the fee, less an administration charge of £10