Traditional Song weekend, Somerset

Subject: Traditional Song weekend, Somerset, late Nov.
From: Brian Peters
Date: 24 Oct 13 - 11:43 AM

Just five weeks to go until Halsway Manor in Somerset hosts a weekend of workshops on traditional song led jointly by yours truly, and Martin & Shan Graebe. We'll be helping singers with all aspects of performing the old songs, from simply getting inside them and interpreting them, to learning new repertoire - both from the archives and from material we'll be providing.

Martin will be giving tours of the library housed in the building, which holds the late Peter Kennedy's collection, and advising on researching songs, while Shan will be using her expertise as a voice coach to lead sessions on vocal health, warm-ups, coping with nerves, etc. I'll be joining Martin and Shan for some sessions, also offering my knowledge of Child Ballads and instrumental accompaniments for those who are interested. There'll be opportunities to pick and choose from various options, and to sing informally as a group, so I hope there'll be something for everyone.

And on the Saturday night, the three of us will join Vikki Swan and Jonny Dyer for a concert that is also open to people not attending the workshops.

Halsway Manor, I'm reliably informed, is North-West of Taunton and a mere 20 minutes from the M5.

Hoping to see some of you there!

Subject: RE: Traditional Song weekend, Somerset
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 24 Oct 13 - 11:44 AM

Ooooh! That sounds fun!

Subject: RE: Traditional Song weekend, Somerset
From: Girl Friday
Date: 24 Oct 13 - 12:06 PM

It does but it is near Minehead. We should alert rafflesbear.

Subject: RE: Traditional Song weekend, Somerset
From: Brian Peters
Date: 25 Oct 13 - 12:30 PM

Duh! Forgot to provide either the dates or a link.

Singing the folk tradition

It starts on the evening of Friday November 29th with a welcome session, introduction to the course, and a bar singaround, and finishes on Sunday Dec 1st around 5 pm.

Subject: RE: Traditional Song weekend, Somerset
From: G-Force
Date: 28 Oct 13 - 12:30 PM

From the M5 you've either got to go through Taunton or over the top of the Quantocks. Either way, it's a bit more than 20 minutes.

Never mind, Halsway Manor is lovely and should be an eminently suitable venue for what you're doing (there's even an ancient gargoyle over the front door with a finger in each ear!).

Subject: RE: Traditional Song weekend, Somerset
From: GUEST
Date: 03 Nov 13 - 06:15 AM

Brian, Shan and I are now putting the finishing touches to the 'Singing the Folk Tradition' weekend. We are pleased to hear that we have a goodly number of folks comng along and we hope to get a more detailed programme on the Halsway Manor website by the end of the week(link in Brian's message above.)

Be assured, there will be lots of singing as well as useful chat and practical stuff. There will be also be a great concert on the Saturday evening (open to all) featuring Brian Peters, Vicki Swan and Jonny Dyer, and Martin and Shan Graebe.

There are still places available for the weekend - booking instructions on the Halsway Manor website

m

Subject: RE: Traditional Song weekend, Somerset
From: Martin Graebe
Date: 03 Nov 13 - 06:30 AM

Apologies - 'Guest' was me without my cookie.

m

Subject: RE: Traditional Song weekend, Somerset
From: 4ADiva
Date: 03 Nov 13 - 08:40 AM

Oh, this sounds like such a great weekend. I wish I wasn't on the other side of the globe in western Canada.

Have a fun time!

Subject: RE: Traditional Song weekend, Somerset
From: Richard Spencer
Date: 04 Nov 13 - 07:27 AM

ReallY looking forward to the weekend. I've just chickened out of bringing the campervan though! Should we be thinking of a song to work on?

Subject: RE: Traditional Song weekend, Somerset
From: GUEST,OldNicKilby
Date: 05 Nov 13 - 06:50 AM

This has all the makings of a fantastic week-end, three excellent "Leaders / Teachers / Gurus /Inspirers" We need more of this sort of event for those of us who are passionate about OUR songs.

Subject: RE: Traditional Song weekend, Somerset
From: Martin Graebe
Date: 05 Nov 13 - 09:54 AM

Hi Richard

If you would like to bring a song with you, we are planning a 'bring and sing' session near the end of the weekend for people to share something they have been working on - or just something they like. And if you want to work on a song during the weekend there should be an opportunity.

We'll look forward to seeing you again on the 29th November