Jackdaws are pleased to announce the return of their ever popular One Day Courses this autumn, an ideal way for singers and musicians to try something new or to polish skills with the help of the team of talented tutors.
In a supportive and friendly environment, you can choose to be introduced to the benefits of the Alexander Technique for musicians or work on improving your singing voice. Maybe you’d like to take the opportunity of playing Jazz or would like to sing opera for a day. There is something for everyone at Jackdaws this autumn.
Courses are open to all singers and musicians and will take place at Jackdaws in Great Elm, just three miles from Frome. All courses run from 11.00am to 3.00pm, and the fee of £35 includes a delicious home cooked lunch.
On Saturday 15th November, Ann Hetherington introduces the Alexander Technique for Musicians. The morning session will include some experiments on everyday movements to see the activity and influence of the mind in/on action, and some tips – whilst lying on the floor – on how to shed extra effort, offering a little ‘hands on’ work. Then in the afternoon there will be a master class session where Ann will work with individuals ‘on the platform’, demonstrating the application of the technique as a learning experience for the whole group.
Voice teacher, Penny Jenkins makes a welcome return on Sunday 30th November with a Jackdaws favourite ‘Singing for the over 50’s’, with accompanist – Colin Hunt.
The course is aimed at singers of any ability and there is no age limit! Come and discover that the singing voice can go on forever. This is a fun course for the ‘over 50s’ (or thereabouts), who are young at heart, and Penny will show you how to use the singing voice in a safe and nurturing way. Rediscover your voice and the joy that singing can bring, and it will enable you to make music for many years to come. Singing is a brilliant therapy that has been medically proven to improve happiness, health and general well-being. Find the thrill of setting your voice free!
Jazz Day this year is Saturday 6th December with tutor Ralf Dorrell. If you have ever had a yearning to try your hand at playing jazz, then this is the course for you! In a supportive environment, beginner and ‘had a go and would like to try more’ jazzers are invited to have fun exploring all of the musical areas and skills required to play Jazz, including – basic rhythms, melodies, harmony and improvisation. By the end of the afternoon a jazz ensemble will have been created! Usual jazz instruments welcome and more unusual ones, too.
Jessica Walker encourages you to Sing with Confidence on Sunday 7th December. Think you can’t sing a note? Scared to sing on your own? Always hiding at the back of the choir? Jessica Walker will show you how, in the space of a day, you can start to become a more confident singer through the use of key breathing and vocal exercises. Gain a firmer foundation for your singing and the confidence to take the next step! Colin Hunt will be on hand as accompanist.
Have you always wanted to have a go at singing an aria, duet or trio from an opera?
Join the Come and Sing Opera Day and let William Carslake guide you through Mozart’s magical masterpiece ‘The Magic Flute’ on Sunday 14th December. Sing some of the choruses and have a go at the solos and ensembles. Jackdaws can send out music in advance or you can let them know what you would like to sing! William will lead in his usual fun, yet informative style.
Visit www.jackdaws.org. uk, email music@jackdaws.org, or call 01373 812383 for further details, or to book a place.
