Orchestra workshop

What is the course about?

You will learn to play orchestral music from the standard repertoire in a friendly, supportive atmosphere, with a conductor and professional leader (principal violin). We will focus on following phrasing and playing effectively together as an ensemble. ** All places for clarinet and flutes hava already been filled **
Please note that you may be required to play 1st or 2nd and we will advise you on this after you have enrolled. Repertoire for this course includes:
Ralph Vaughan Williams English Folk Song Suite (arr. Gorn Jacob)
“Le Jardin féerique” from Ma mère l’Oye.

What will we cover?

- how to follow a conductor's beat
- how to play core orchestral repertoire stylishly and accurately
- how to blend your instruments together to make a pleasing orchestral sound
- awareness of balance and intonation.

What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...

- Follow a conductor
- feel more confident in playing your own part
- feel more confident playing in the ensemble
- be familiar with some core repertoire
- understand orchestral texture.

What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?

You should be at least grade 6 standard on your instrument, reading music confidently and accurately. Technical proficiency is essential as the tutors will not focus on instrumental technique in the course.
As this is an intensive workshop, you will need to learn your instrumental part in advance (unless you are a very good sight-reader!). Once you are enrolled, you will invited to the Google Classroom where all parts, scores and recordings you need to prepare for the course will be available. If you do not have access to a printer, please contact the Music office to request hard copy of your parts.

How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?

You will learn in one large group, taught by the conductor, for most of the course. There may be separate short sectional rehearsals for strings and winds, but there are no instrument-specific tutorials. You should prepare your own part in advance, as this is an intensive workshop, and the music is not suitable for sight-reading on the day.
The last part of the course will be an informal performance of all pieces.

Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?

Please bring your instrument, a hard copy of your instrumental part, and a pencil and eraser to mark up your part during rehearsal. Parts will be available in advance from your Google Classroom.
Cello & double bass City Lit has 4 cellos and 1 double bass. Please ask in advance if you wish to use one of these instruments during the course, to ensure availability.
Instruments may be stored at City Lit overnight in a locked store room, but instruments are left in college at your own risk.

When I've finished, what course can I do next?

You may attend Orchestra workshop as often as you wish: there is different repertoire each time, and works are advertised c. 3 months in advance.
Related courses throughout the year include String School (Winter / Easter / Summer), String ensemble, Chamber music: intermediate / advanced, City Lit wind ensemble: intermediate / advanced, Early music ensemble. See our Ensembles listing for details.
You may also be interested in Music history courses, which range from the general introduction Exploring Classical Music through to specialist courses on all eras and genres of western music.