SUFFOLK WIND ENSEMBLE

A new residential course for adult players of flute, clarinet, oboe, bassoon, French horn and sax

• Dates 1-3 April 2008

• Venue Belstead House, Ipswich

This new residential course led by Stephanie Reeve (left, conducting a Wind Band day in Norwich) launches in April 2008.

Stephanie is a clarinettist, chamber musician, and conductor of the Palace Band.

About the course
Have fun and improve your ensemble playing and sight-reading skills on this friendly course. The main focus will be on the large ensemble, using 4-part arrangements, and you'll also have a chance to play chamber music.

To get the most out of the course, you need to be minimum Grade 3-4 standard, with some sight-reading ability. Stephanie will select a range of music to suit the players who book, so whether you're just discovering the delights of course-going, or are a seasoned Grade 8 veteran, there'll be something to suit you.

Before the course, you'll have a chance to say what you'd particularly like to find on the timetable, and we'll do our best to oblige! The days will be structured around sessions in the large, tutti ensemble, where we'll work on some pieces for an informal performance at the end of the course, and play through other repertoire for fun.

You can also opt to take part in a chamber group, and these will meet at intervals during the course (we hope to have a second tutor to run some of the chamber sessions, no details as yet). There'll be free time when you can relax or get together with others to do some more playing, and in the evenings we'll arrange informal concerts and a quiz.

The idea is to have an enjoyable and relaxing time with plenty of music-making.

Accommodation and cost
All accommodation is on site. There are a few rooms in the main house, but most are in an adjacent block of individual study-bedrooms with wash basins. There are ample shared bathrooms. Belstead House has very little en suite accommodation, and these rooms are available on a first-come, first-served basis at a cost of an extra £15 per night. As of December '07 there are no en suite rooms remaing for this course.

Cost of the course is £165 (inc. deposit £20), which includes two nights B&B and all other meals. The deposit is paid when you book and is not returnable at any time. The balance of £145 will be payable by 22 February 2008, and should you need to cancel after that date this amount can be refunded.
Belstead House is a very pleasant venue - it has plenty of rooms both large and small for playing and practice, extensive gardens, good food served in a comfortable dining room, a patio with seating, a bar and lounge. It is situated on the south-west outskirts of Ipswich, just off the A14. If you travel by train, it's a 10-minute taxi ride from Ipswich station, which connects to Liverpool Street.

Booking/more information
UPDATE, 24 FEB 2008 Please note that there are now only limited places left on the course, so please email course organiser Elizabeth Martyn first to check availability before booking.

Thank you! We look forward to seeing you at the Suffolk Wind Ensemble course.