25th to the 29th October 2010
Take a week out in beautiful rural West Devon working on your voice and song development for an experience you will never forget!
Wren Music offers all who love singing the opportunity to explore a unique treasury of songs at the Baring-Gould Folk Song School, set in the picturesque village of Bridestowe, ten miles west of Okehampton. Map You will never forget the experience of being part of a passionate singing community and meeting like-minded people from across the country.
Here´s what past participants say:
"Rarity among courses, so relevant to performers or those striving to perform - folk songs are not often covered in such depth."
"Such a supportive and welcoming environment; a real nurturing feeling was set up from the beginning."
"Getting thoughtful, constructive, honest feedback is invaluable."
"Cocooned in song all week - what bliss!"
Past students include professional singers, singing tutors, people who have sung at clubs or sessions for years and people who had never plucked up the courage to sing in public before.
They have all found something to take away, and many return year after year.
You will have the opportunity to plan your own way through the week, balancing your own programme from the three main strands:
Developing Technique: warming up; finding your own voice; breathing; pitching; phrasing; ornamentation; creating your own harmonies.
Developing Repertoire: searching the archive; collation of text and tunes; putting tunes to words (and vice versa); arranging; using harmony effectively; accompaniment.
Developing Performance Skills: identifying opportunities to sing away from the clubs; using modern PA systems; building confidence; overcoming nerves; relaxation; telling the story.
some participants in a workshop with David Faulkner
Tuition is in large and small groups, as well as one-to-one. There is an extensive library of resources and materials, including copies of the full Baring-Gould folk song archive - one of the most significant collections of Westcountry vocal traditions from the Victorian era. Sabine Baring-Gould undertook the first serious attempt to collect the traditional songs of the English peasantry and workers. The full extent of his research work was only realized in 1992, when his personal manuscripts were discovered at Devon's Killerton House. Alongside the 650 songs, further finds have made the collection even more comprehensive. Wren Music is now the guardian of this amazing archive.
The Baring-Gould Folk Song School is led by Wren Music's Director
Paul Wilson - a singer, songwriter, composer, musician and educator for over thirty years (and now also helping to define national strategies in music education with the Music Manifesto), with
Brian Peters –internationally renowned as a compelling singer with a repertoire of startling variety, as well as a squeezebox ace and guitarist
Martin Graebe Baring-Gould folk song archive specialist ,
Shan Graebe researcher into physical aspects of the voice and singing,
and other visiting tutors.
We can't tell you exactly what you'll be doing each day, because it will be up to you!
On offer will be a range of sessions:
- one-to-one mentoring with any of the tutors
- large group exercises and discussions
- ad hoc small group working
- individual research work in the library
The Baring-Gould Folk Song School is supported by investment from Arts Council England South West and Devon County Council, enabling Wren Music to offer paticipation at very reasonable rates.
The fee before 31st August is only £225 standard / £205 concessions
The fee after 31st August is only £250 standard / £230 concessions
Concessions are available for full time students and people receiving income-related benefit
Please click here for a booking form in .doc format
If you would like to find out more, please contact Wren Music on 01837 53754
We can also put you in touch with past students who can tell you a whole lot more about taking part in this unique folk song school, if you would like.
Places to stay , from campsites through to luxury hotels (accommodation is not included in the Song School fee).
Participation in the Baring-Gould Folk Song School also offers you a half price Weekend pass for the Baring-Gould Folk Festival, 22nd – 24th October 2010. In the centre of the delightful Devon town of Okehampton, nestling under Dartmoor's northern hills.
Bursaries
For all artists (but not students), Arts Council England's Grants For The Arts funding scheme may provide funding for training and professional development. Applications are accepted at any time, and a decision will be made within six weeks. Guidelines and application forms are available at the Arts Council website or by phoning 0845 300 6200.