Jackdaws guitar ensemble weekend, 27-29 March

It’s that time again when Chris and I direct our Jackdaws weekend ensemble course in Great Elm, just outside Frome, Somerset.  We have been giving this short course for over 10 years, and it provides a cost effective chance for classical guitar enthusiasts of any ability to get their guitar-fix at a time of year when there isn’t much else going on in the guitar world.  This year our ensemble course is a little later in the year than usual (normally either in December or January) and runs from Friday, 27th March starting at 6.30pm with supper to Sunday, 29th March finishing at 4pm with tea.

Perhaps food is an unusual place to start for describing a guitar course but it is one of its biggest selling points.  Jackdaws provides that relaxed homely atmosphere where guitarists of all abilities can learn, perform, chat, and (v. importantly), eat in an informal setting, complete with their own in-house cook who creates beautiful fresh food in the open kitchen.  It’s very easy to get distracted by the culinery activity but it really is a guitar course.

Concerntrate! The guitar course is mainly focused on ensemble works with all paticipants joining in the guitar orchestra where they work preparing items for the Sunday afternoon concert.  There is also time for some individual coaching sessions where studens can perform solo and ensemble items, and Saturday and Sunday morning start with a finger aerobics warm-up session to get those fingers moving.

Details on the course, local B&B accommodation, and an example timetable can we found at www.jackdaws.org.uk – book early! Mark