Deal Woodwind Weekend 2010, 23-25 July

A course for intermediate (Grades 3-6) adult woodwind players (flute/piccolo, oboe, clarinet, bass clarinet, sop/alto/tenor/bari saxophone, bassoon, French horn) working in a large ensemble, playing four-part "flexible" arrangements.

In 2003 Caroline and her husband Charles bought a cottage in Deal, and Caroline immediately saw Deal as the perfect place for a summer course. The first course was in 2005, and each course since then has attracted more and more players, not only from London, but from Kent and the Home Counties. The course is open to all adult woodwind players, not only Palace Band members.

Deal is a very attractive, quiet seaside town between Dover and Sandwich. Transport links are easy. There is a direct train-line from London. The course is non-residential so participants find their own accommodation in the area. A list of hotels and B&Bs can be supplied.

The ensemble rehearses in the elegant Deal Town Hall on the Saturday morning and afternoon. There is a group dinner, then another rehearsal on the Sunday morning, finishing with a short concert at lunch-time.

Tutors: Caroline Franklyn conducts the ensemble. Stephanie Reeve (clarinet) plays along with the ensemble, helps the players, and takes the sectional rehearsals.

Music: a wide variety of classical and light music is used. Many of the pieces are specially arranged by Caroline Franklyn. In 2009 the programme included The Flower Duet (Delibes), Tip Toe Through the Tulips, The Flowers That Bloom in the Spring (Sullivan), We'll Gather Lilacs in the Spring (Novello), The Hunt (Telemann), The ashington Post (Sousa) and Nimrod (Elgar). Parts can be sent out to participants in advance of the course.

There is a strong emphasis on fun as well as hard work. Many participants take the opportunity for a sea-swim between rehearsals, and some extend their stay in the area and visit local attractions. Maps of Deal, tourist information and a list of local attractions are supplied.

Participants who arrive in Deal on the Friday have the option of supper in Caroline's cottage. After the course on the Sunday, many stay on for fish and chips on the beach (weather permitting!).

For details about the tutors please go to the 'Conductors' link above. For more information, prices for the next course, and any enquiries, please contact Caroline. Email carolinefranklyn@googlemail.com or phone 07941 243996.

Quotes from participants 2009

It was truly fantastic how much I felt I gained from the weekend. The tuition was excellent.

Two great days or music.

Meticulous preparation.

Tuition was FAB!

The venue is very good and the tuition is great - encouraging while at the same time exacting.

An excellent weekend in Deal which I enjoyed immensely.

A fantastic weekend!

Quotes from participants - earlier courses

The music was just the right level, and the concert very rewarding to play in.

A wonderful weekend of melody, harmony and fun.

A really enjoyable weekend. Music that's fun to play, friendly people, and laughs.

Brilliant!!

This being the first weekend workshop I had ever attended, I was quite apprehensive - but actually there was no need to worry. Everyone was really friendly; I coped (just about) with the music, and learnt a huge amount from Caroline and Steph.

A terrific weekend - everything such fun, brilliantly organised. I love that intensity of the hard work and collaborative feeling. And such a great time to be by the sea!