Class Descriptions

Renaissance Band

This group truly brings to life the sound of a Renaissance Band with capped reeds, harps, viols, sackbut, percussion and recorders (of course!). Any period instrument is welcome! Do you play psalter? Serpent? Dulcian? Bring it! All levels of players welcome.

Vocal Ensemble with instrumental accompaniment

Anyone who enjoys singing from the early music repertoire, is encourage to join the Vocal Ensemble!
Instrumentalists provide period accompaniment. Recorder, flute & viol welcome. Instrumentalists should be Intermediate 2 and above)

Baroque Recorder Sonatas

Telemann’s Sonatas for Recorder and Continuo (mixed). The recorder was Georg Philipp Telemann’s first instrument, and he understood and wrote for it so well that some call him our patron saint. We’ll delve into his six published recorder sonatas, and a few from manuscript sources. Play them with and for each other, and learn about Telemann’s musical signature moves and other quirks.
Open to alto recorders, plus instruments who can play a continuo line, including but not limited to recorders and gambas.
This is a survey class, not a masterclass, so there is no obligation to play solo to participate fully.
All Recorder players should be very comfortable playing a full 2 octaves on the Alto recorder, typically level 2 and above; players at level 1 will be challenged with the playing, but will still learn a lot from the class.

Baroque Trio Sonatas

Taught in a Master Class style, this class is for Alto recorder, Baroque Flute, and Viol continuo musicians comfortable playing one on a part.
Music from the standard Baroque Trio literature will be assigned and sent to you ahead of time.
Limited number of spaces available, Pre-enrollment required (Intermediate 2 and above)

English Country Dancing

Finish the evening with a dance. Of course, we have live music! Join the band or join the dancers. All dances are taught and called. If you love to dance, you must join us! If you have never gotten to try dancing before, here is your chance!
Join the band with your choice of instrument (Band musicians are most comfortable if Level 2+)

Lighten up! Playing with ease

Does your playing ever sound heavy? Does it feel effortful? Do you wish you could play with more ease and fluidity?
In this hybrid session, blending technical instruction with specially selected repertoire we'll learn, practice and apply specific techniques for increasing lightness and flow in your playing. Everything is better with ease! (all levels)

Playing your music with Harpsichord accompaniment

Your chance to play music with harpsichord accompaniment provided by our excellent staff harpsichordist.
Accompaniment available for the Ad Hoc concert.
Bring your own music and use the time to prepare for workshop performances or just to have fun playing.
Sign-up sheet for time slots posted at the workshop. (other teachers are understanding if you must miss a part of their class)

Truly Contemporary Music

Contemporary works composed especially for recorder ensemble. (Intermediate 2 and above)

Try a new instrument! (instruments generously loaned by workshop students)

Intro to Viols: Try A Viol ! Give this wonderful instrument a try under the guidance of a delightful teacher. You may fall in love. Most of the workshop viol players started with this class way back when.
Intro to Harp: Try A Harp ! Have you always wanted to try playing harp? Here is your chance!

Understanding Renaissance Dance Music

In this class we’ll talk about what makes music "danceable", We'll look at rhythms, tempi, & what the dances look & feel like in the body. Pavans, galliards, & voltas, oh, my! And yes, bring an instrument to play!

Ad hoc student concert