Ninety one people of all ages joined in one of our three summer courses this year, including our orchestra of 45 young people. Musical challenges were met and new friends were made.
“I just wanted to say how much I enjoyed the Macclesfield Music Centre course this week… The folk on it are so lovely, and it was so well arranged too! I felt very welcome!”
Next summer’s courses will be 26-30 July adult jazz, 2-6 August youth ensembles and 9-13 August adult classical (strings and winds).
Adult Jazz:
The adult jazzers tackled a range of pieces in different jazz styles for both small ensembles and Big Band. All 18 participants enjoyed improvisation sessions and various classes, tutored by Kyran, Tom and Johnny.
“Kyran and his team offered a great programme of big band and ensemble pieces (all with good range of playing abilities considered). I particularly like the themed lectures (there were a couple every day) which were very professionally delivered…”
Youth Ensembles:
Hoedown from Aaron Copland’s Rodeo was the piece our orchestra of 45 young people aced. Ages 8-18 and grades 1-8+ joined together for a spectacular performance for parents and friends at the end of the course. They also performed a body percussion piece and lots of pieces in their smaller ensemble from Telemann to Freddie Mercury.
“[X] really enjoyed the course again this year. Thanks to you and all of the tutors for making it happen.”
“General thanks for last week. [Y] loved it. She got on really well with [Z] and hopefully that will ease transition for her in September. So many advantages to music school!”
“Can I also thank you and the team for this week, the children have really enjoyed themselves. [G] went from not really wanting to go to not stopping talking about all the things he’d learned and the pieces he was playing! It’s a real testament to the teaching and the welcome they get from you all.”
Adult Classical:
The focus of the adult strings was British strings music including works by Britten, Delius, Holst and Elgar, whilst the winds worked at a variety of pieces in different small ensembles including duets through to a piano sextet. The strings and winds joined together, as 28 players, to play the first movement of Bruch’s double concerto for clarinet (Amanda Lyons) and viola (Jayne Walker-Delargy), and an arrangement by Adrienne Spilsbury of Youman’s Tea for Two.
“Just to say I really really enjoyed the course - really fantastic music, great teaching from Louise as always, and lovely people.”