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.

Baroque Recorder Sonatas

Benedetto Marcello Sonatas for Recorder and Continuo (mixed). Presented with fascinating historical background as well as playing.
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

Music from the standard Baroque Trio literature will be assigned and sent to you ahead of time.
Your part is expected to be prepared to the best of your ability prior to the workshop.
Taught in a Master Class style, where one group at a time is coached, and everyone else listens and learns.
For Alto recorder, Baroque Flute, and Viol continuo musicians comfortable playing one on a part, (Intermediate 3 and above)
Limited number of spaces available, Pre-enrollment required

Byrd Watching

The English composer William Byrd was one of the most prolific- and politic- composers of his day, deftly charting a musical path through political and religious upheaval.
We’ll immerse ourselves in Byrd’s life and times through his glorious music, exploring how his work shifted over the course of his long career.
Intermediate 2 and above

Early Notation

What did "early" music look like? Can you actually play from original notation? Find out in this accessible class which will introduce the basics of notation of the 16th century and clarify much of the vocabulary you hear in other classes. No previous experience required. Bring your alto recorder or other favorite melody instrument.

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+)

Investigating the two-part fantasias of Orlando Gibbons without barlines - or - Help, where’s my tactus?!

This class will focus on the two-part fantasias of Orlando Gibbons, played without barlines. We will look at individual rhythmic groupings in order to better understand the performance of these pieces without having traditional counting as a guide.
If you’ve ever wanted to play “over the barline”, this is your chance!
Intermediate 2 and above

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!

Wednesday morning Lecture: "Continuo in a Nutshell"

What is basso continuo, & how do I play with it? This talk will be one part survey of why figured bass notation emerged in Italy around the year 1600 & how it changed over the next two hundred years,
The other part will be practical reflections on how to share a brain with your accompanist or the person you're accompanying. You’ll also meet some real characters, like Emilio de' Cavalieri, Michael Praetorius, Lorenzo Penna, & C. P. E. Bach.

Ad hoc student concert