Both musicians and listeners are welcome on the Berwang Holiday Music Course.  The photograph below shows members of the 2002 course with their tutors.  LISTENERS join in the social life of the holiday and attend the music sessions and concerts.  MUSICIANS are expected to take an active part in all rehearsals and formal concerts.  Please click on Diary to view a typical schedule of the organized music (and holiday) activities.  All standards are welcome, as individuals or in pre-arranged groups.  Musicians are invited to bring with them music of their own choice, although all music for formal concerts will be provided.  

On about half the days, depending a little on the weather and concert rehearsal requirements, musicians on the Berwang Holiday Music Course take part in the music sessions of the course.   There are three different sections: wind, strings and voice (singing).   

STRING PLAYERS will play in small ensembles, quartets, trios etc, as well as in the string chamber orchestra.

WIND PLAYERS (eg flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon and French horn) will be placed in groups according to ability.  Free time recorder groups are encouraged.

STRING and WIND PLAYERS will also have the opportunity to play in mixed wind and string ensembles, and will combine to play in the chamber orchestra.

SINGERS will form a choir for formal concerts, and will have opportunities for small group and solo singing, especially in the informal concerts.  If possible, some master classes will be held for individual tuition.

Each section prepares contributions for the formal concerts.  In addition, there are the musical entertainments, such as the informal concerts, evenings including music at the Hotel Singer, and perhaps a visit to a place of musical interest or a musical show.  Some of these activities are listed below; for more information, please click on the activity/course of interest indicated above, in the box below or the left border.

Sessions on The Theory and Rudiments of Music

From 2003, we have been delighted to offer optional  sessions on the theory and rudiments of music, which will supplement all the usual vocal and instrumental sessions.  These workshops will be held during 'free time' for any Course member interested in expanding their knowledge and understanding of this subject.  Freda Beaven, known to many past BHMC members, will be leading these workshops.  Freda is a great supporter of the BHMC, and has played a very important part in the Courses over many years.

Freda's first involvement with the BHMC was through the late Professor Henry Cummings, who founded the Course, and who was also Freda's singing teacher.  Under his tutelage, Freda gained LRAM diplomas as a performer and teacher of singing.  For many years, Freda had a busy solo and choral career, and is an experienced voice and singing teacher, as well as piano accompanist.  In addition, she has been involved in the teaching of and writing about music theory, having been in charge of the Music Theory Department at the Oldham Metropolitan Music Centre and being the author and publisher of a comprehensive book on music theory, entitled Music Theory Makes Sense.