Reviews
British BMG Federation Summer School 2014
Reflections on Come & Try Sessions for Classic Banjo, Celtic, Choro and Conducting
Audrey Todd: “I went to Elias’
session as I was intrigued to see
how banjo playing compared
with mandolin and to get a bit
closer to the unusual timbre of
the instrument. To supplement
Elias’ supply of 5-string banjos,
Tom Ryan had again come up with
the goods by providing 4 for this
session and Elias encouraged us
through a couple of exercises and
studies, reading tablature,
a new experience for me.
I was impressed by how
quickly we produced a
reasonable tune even
though that pesky 5th string
seemed put there to get in
the way! If I had had a pair
of scissors… The instrument
EVENING
ON SATURDAY
was heavier than I expected and
the long stretch of the left arm,
compared to playing mandolin, was
surprisingly tiring. It was certainly
fun and an interesting experience.”
Dave Wilson: “Nigel’s excursions
into identifying a Celtic Music type
formula, and then using it as a
composing tool was fascinating and
all 4
classes came together for
the Joint Class Session
in which each tutor had
arranged a piece of music
for the gathered ensemble
to play as a whole unit.
Sumer Is Icumen In was
played as a ‘Round’ led
by Travis; Man The Guns
written for BMG orchestra
by Sanders Papworth
was led by Elias; Nigel
taught us to play Little Diamond without music by
breaking it down into memorable parts – very cleverly
done; Ainda me Recordo (in 4 flats!) was led by a
nervous (so he said!) Gaio who kept us in time with his
amazing talent on the Pandeiro (Brazilian tambourine).
The tutors joined in playing too and all in all it was a
very rewarding and fun session.
After Sunday lunch, each class gave a short musical
performance in an informal concert which brought the
whole weekend of tuition to a close. Throughout the
weekend Knuston Hall kitchen staff provided us with
wonderful meals, culminating in afternoon cream tea
before our departure.
I hope the above reviews have whetted your
appetite for either a return visit to the Summer School
or to try it for the first time. All will be made very
welcome – just read these comments:
satisfying – excellent work!”
Tracey Cool: “I did the Choro
session and it was great! I’d signed
up for it well in advance and when
Sandra sent the music out my eyes
nearly popped out of my head at the
combination of key signature and
rhythm. But Gaio was extremely
welcoming and made it seem so
simple, yet still left us with a lasting
sense of having achieved
something really special.”
Freda Thornhill: “I went
to the conducting class
and now have even more
admiration for conductors!
An enjoyable and
worthwhile session.”
Greg Willmott: “The weekend was well organised
and represented good value for money in terms
of quality of tuition and accommodation. As a
newcomer I was impressed by the warmth of the
reception from everybody I met.”
Jeremy Hoyland: “It was a great experience and
the big surprise was how friendly and welcoming
everyone was to someone who had just come along
to give it a go.”
Dave Wilson: “The annual BMG Federation
Summer School has been well developed over the
years into a winning formula which appears to run
like clockwork. However, I am sure this as a result of
dedication of those behind the scene, from researching
excellent venues
to finding tutors
at the top of
their game and
organising the
programme.”
Next year’s Summer School will be held June
19th – 21st in Alston Hall College, Longridge,
Preston, Lancashire PR3 3BP. There will be 3
courses:
• Classic Banjo with Elias Sibley
• Baroque Mandolin with Guitar
Accompaniment with Frances Taylor
• Long Ridge Ramblers String Band with Nigel
Gatherer
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