Deal Woodwind Weekend 2011, 22-24 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 course takes place in the elegant Deal Town Hall, and starts with an optional session on the Friday afternoon. On the Saturday, rehearsals take place in the morning and the 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 rehearsal.

Music: a wide variety of classical and light music is used. Many of the pieces are specially arranged by Caroline Franklyn. In 2010 the programme included: An early French madrigal by Sermisy Jouissance vous Donneray, Prokofiev Gavotte from the Classical Symphony, Scott Joplin Maple Leaf Rag, Bach Sleepers Wake Chorale Prelude, ABBA Dancing Queen, Eric Coates Knightsbridge, and a suite of arrangements of songs about London: A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square, A Foggy Day in London Town, Let's All Go Down the Strand, and Down at the Old Bull and Bush.

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.

Before the course, at lunchtime on the Friday, many participants meet up in a local pub, and after the course on the Sunday, 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 - 2010 course

A great course - even better than last year!

I will come again, I so enjoyed making music with others.

I wish we could have had a whole week of this.

Thoroughly enjoyable, it was a real treat.

The choice of music was excellent; it was varied and completely held my interest.

A greatly enjoyed, intense burst. Good sense of people wanting to improve, and a very friendly atmosphere.

I definitely felt 'sharpened up' by the end.

I came away with a real 'buzz' and a sense of achievement.

We were treated as 'real' musicians.

It's inspired me to join a band near home.

The arrangement of the music, according to ability, is great, because I could keep up, and it sounded wonderful when we played together - huge satisfaction.

Another brilliantly organised weekend - the best yet!