Calendar of Courses
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1 event,
JAZZ PLAYERS’ SUMMER SCHOOL FEATURING ALAN BARNES (SAX)
A serious yet relaxed week for jazz musicians who are able to play and read music to rehearsal band standard. Play a range of material from Swing to Bebop in small groups under the expert guidance of three of the UK's best jazz musicians. All prospective players must contact David 07951 903230 daveblackmusic@hotmail.com before enrolling to
2 events,
JAZZ CONCERT
JAZZ CONCERT
A lively and engaging evening of mainstream jazz with David Black and players from our residential jazz course joined by very special guests saxophonist Alan Barnes and trumpeter Mark Armstrong. Tickets £10 (Bar open)
2 events,
PAINTING AND DRAWING SUMMER SCHOOL
A week of workshops, lectures and demonstrations led by four of our tutors, offering a broad mix of inspiration, approaches, techniques and styles intended to refresh and expand your painting and drawing skills. Bring your favourite media and equipment, use our beautiful setting, and devote some quality time to developing your creative practice. Residential: £640
2 events,
THE LANGUAGE OF RENAISSANCE AND BAROQUE MUSIC FOR RECORDER PLAYERS
This is a practical course examining the relationship between language and music in the renaissance and baroque. There will be a focus on approaching scores from a historical /contextual point of view and will include some history of performance practice in relation to fundamental principles of classical rhetoric and the practical application of concepts through
2 events,
EARLY MUSIC SUMMER SCHOOL 2024
For competent singers, viol and recorder players, covering music c1450-c1650. Instruction in choral/solo singing, viol and recorder playing, lute, plus vocal technique and various consorts. Plenary music-making sessions, lectures and opportunities to try something new (instrument or voice). A marvellously rich musical cocktail! There is an application process: please contact head tutor Deborah before booking
4 events,
FULLY BOOKED: PRINTMAKING WORKSHOP
Explore a wide range of techniques to produce handmade prints to your own design: woodcut (cutting on plank wood); wood engraving (using end-grain substitute or similar); drypoint (drawing on plastic or metal sheet with a needle); and etching (using copper sulphate to etch zinc plates, including hard and soft ground and aquatint). All abilities welcome.
FULLY BOOKED: CIRCLE DANCE RETREAT
An extended circle dancing retreat where we will explore music and dances from cultures and communities around the world and the pace will vary from lively to meditative. Circle dancing is an inclusive form of community dancing where no partners are required, and previous experience of circle dancing is not necessary. All welcome. A tonic
FULLY BOOKED: BOTANICAL COLOURED PENCILS: THE SUMMER SESSION
The summer session with Susan is a perfect time to complete botanical work already begun in a previous class or work that you have begun on your own. There might be a botanical subject you would like to tackle but have never got round to it… make the most of Susan’s knowledge and expertise to
4 events,
EXPLORING ANCIENT IDENTITIES TODAY: THE IRON AGE AND ROMAN PAST IN THE PRESENT
What did the Romans really do for us? And were the ‘Ancient Brits’ really a savage bunch covered in blue paint? Where do our ideas of the past originate, and how do they colour the way we think today? Recent research has highlighted the way that perceptions of the ancient past can be used in
6 events,
NUTURE THROUGH NATURE SUMMER YOGA RETREAT
Develop a sense of harmony and balance within yourself and the world in which you live. Suitable for all abilities. Using Ayurvedic wisdom, practicing ‘pranayama’ (breath control), ‘asanas’ (yoga postures) and through ‘dhyana’ (meditation) we will look to nature to nurture an inner state of peace and calm. Residential £290 Non-residential £210
WOODCARVING: CREATIVE RELIEF CARVING
Relief carving is the process of cutting a pattern or design into a flat surface. For those new to the craft, Sharon will gently guide you through the process of transforming a block of wood into a unique image in relief with generous one-to-one support, technical instruction and extensive knowledge of her subject. Bring your
5 events,
EVERY PICTURE TELLS A STORY
This course brings together aspects of creative writing and illustration to explore personal storytelling through pictures. In structured sessions, learn how to generate ideas and explore themes through playful activities and short writing exercises. Discover how to use simple and expressive watercolour techniques, and to combine them with collage and other materials. We will also
5 events,
STARTERS’ MINI-ORCHESTRA FOR WOODWIND & STRINGS (C INSTRUMENTS)
Not played with others much? Instrument been languishing in its case? Lacking confidence? This easy beginnerslevel weekend is for you! Primarily designed for musicians between Grades 1-4. For instruments in the key of C (i.e. flute, oboe, bassoon and bowed strings - sorry, no clarinets or saxophones). With relatively straightforward instrumental parts in terms of
3 events,
SUNDAY LECTURE: LOST CUMBRIA ON FILM
SUNDAY LECTURE: LOST CUMBRIA ON FILM
We will be heading back in time for a nostalgic trip to bygone Cumbria with the Cumbria Film Archive. A unique afternoon of entertainment enjoying genuinely rare and unique footage of people and places across the county - always fascinating and always something new. See www.cumbriafilmachive.com for examples of the growing collection of excellent footage
2 events,
CHAMBER MUSIC SUMMER SCHOOL
For pre-formed trios, quartets and quintets. Groups work together in the mornings at self-selected repertoire. Afternoons free to explore the beautiful surroundings. Remaining sessions for mixed ensembles. Large library of music to explore. Residential £525 Non-residential £390
2 events,
EXPRESSIVE SKETCHBOOKS
For all those wishing to loosen up working from what they see. Let Alex inspire and guide you in her own special and informed way. There may be some outside work, weather permitting.
4 events,
SING WITH OTHERS: YES YOU CAN!
If you have little experience of singing with others, believe you can’t sing or just feel a bit rusty, then this course will be a journey of discovery to find your voice and use it to join others singing beautiful music together. We take a holistic approach and have a lot of fun along the
FULLY BOOKED: RUSKIN LACE
A Lake District speciality since the late nineteenth century, Ruskin lace was made from hand-spun and woven linen produced by cottagers around Coniston. Karen is a leading exponent of this heritage craft who brings extensive knowledge to support and guide you in traditional needlepoint lace techniques, drawn thread and cut linen work to create beautiful
TRY FOR A DAY: BOTANICAL PAINTING
TRY FOR A DAY: BOTANICAL PAINTING
This informal and relaxed workshop is a gentle introduction to the delights of drawing from nature. You will spend the morning building confidence while closely observing individual flower petals, leaves and berries and practising watercolour techniques. The afternoon is spent painting flowers and plants from the beautiful gardens here at Higham. Everyone welcome, no experience