The Summercourse
Course design
Summer Course Woudschoten is a chamber music course for musicians from 12 to about 25 years old. Each year, the course is organized in August and took place for the first time in Group accommodation Beukenhof in Biezenmortel in North Brabant in 2011.
In principle participation is o
Course design
Summer Course Woudschoten is a chamber music course for musicians from 12 to about 25 years old. Each year, the course is organized in August and took place for the first time in Group accommodation Beukenhof in Biezenmortel in North Brabant in 2011.
In principle participation is open to all instruments. However, some instruments limit the number of applications, such as piano. No high demands are made on the level of participants except for piano. Everyone who controls his instrument so well that he can independently study parties is welcome. Moreover, the ability of reading notes well is a condition.
During the course, ensembles are composed of at least three musicians. Each participant plays in different ensembles, usually about four. Each ensemble receives one lesson every two days. In addition, the ensembles must of course study themselves. At the end of the course, each ensemble has had four lessons. In addition to these chamber music formations, music is made within an orchestra. Each year, some participants of the previous year have the opportunity to study and perform a solo concert with an orchestra consisting of participants in the course. On the last day, the final performance takes place, allowing participants to perform what they have been working on in the past week.
pen to all instruments. However, some instruments limit the number of applications, such as piano. No high demands are made on the level of participants except for piano. Everyone who controls his instrument so well that he can independently study parties is welcome. Moreover, the ability of reading notes well is a condition.
During the course, ensembles are composed of at least three musicians. Each participant plays in different ensembles, usually about four. Each ensemble receives one lesson every two days. In addition, the ensembles must of course study themselves. At the end of the course, each ensemble has had four lessons. In addition to these chamber music formations, music is made within an orchestra. Each year, some participants of the previous year have the opportunity to study and perform a solo concert with an orchestra consisting of participants in the course. On the last day, the final performance takes place, allowing participants to perform what they have been working on in the past week.
On the first day the ensembles are composed. To ensure that participants within an ensemble have approximately the same musical level, all participants must perform a piece of music. This is not an official audition that can be rejected. It is only for the purpose of determining the level of the participants. Each participant is asked to prepare two pieces with different characters (for example, a faster and a slower piece). The pieces do not have to be played completely. The teachers will ask for a part of the pieces to be played. The performance takes place without piano guidance. Sonatas and concerts are also performed solo. It is wise to choose the pieces to be played in consultation with your own music teacher. In addition to playing the prepared pieces, it is also requested to tap some unprepared rhythms. In order to get an idea of the level of the requested rhythms, participants will receive examples at home. It is also possible that it is requested to play a piece presented on-site. After these performances, everyone hears in which level he / she has been classified. There are three level groups, which are marked with colours. The three colours are green, blue and red, with red being the highest level. Next, a kind of market begins, with the participants composing ensembles. Participants are asked to bring sheet music as much as possible. Again, it is advisable to consult with the own teacher which pieces are suitable for bringing along. Sheet music will also be available from which to choose. The ensembles must be composed of participants of approximately similar level. The teachers are present to assist in finding suitable pieces and suitable fellow players. Although trio’s may also be formed, the limitation goes that only one trio is allowed per participant.
07:00 Rise
07.45 Breakfast
08.30 Ensemble lessons
12.30 Bread meal / lunch
14.00 Ensemble lessons
18.00 Hot meal / dinner
19.30 Chamber Orchestra
22.00 End of the musical activities
23.30 Time for a good night’s rest
We always work based on a day of ensemble classes and half a day free for study. If necessary, changes to the above daily format can be made.
After all the ensembles are composed, a schedule is made for the lessons. Each ensemble gets a teacher who will lead the lessons of that ensemble. The lessons last three quarters. Although teachers are always willing to help with specific issues, such as fingerings, no individual lessons are given. During the lessons the emphasis is not on the technical control of the instrument but on the interplay. The study rooms can also be used for self-study. Ensembles are meant to meet each other not only during classes but also make arrangements to study. There are plenty of study rooms available to study. Of course, the bedrooms can also be used for this purpose.
Ample opportunities are present for non-musical activities. For example, one can play table tennis, soccer ball, badminton, puzzle, walking in the woods, etc. In the evening the bar is open. Here, among other things, can be darted and pooled. Only participants from 18 years of age can buy alcoholic beverages in the bar, but no more than three per night. It is not allowed to bring your own alcoholic beverages.
No later than 0.00 hours all participants are expected in their bedroom. The staff ensures that the nights are quiet.
After notification, a letter will be sent indicating what the participants should at least bring along. First of all, of course, your instrument(s). With the exception of pianists and harpsichordists, all participants are expected to bring their own instrument. Anyone who plays multiple instruments can also sign up for multiple instruments. It is highly appreciated when additional instruments such as piccolo, bass clarinet and English horn are brought along. Further, it is very important that participants bring accessories such as extra strings, reeds and dampers. Everyone brings their own desk and preferably also a large amount of sheet music.
Beukenhof
Capucijnenstraat 46
NL-5074 PJ Biezenmortel
phone: *31(0)13 511 24 99
www.beukenhof.nl
The participants are accommodated in a single or double bedroom. When giving preference for a roommate, it is taken into account as much as possible, although boys and girls are not classified together in one room. During the course, the conference rooms will be “converted” to study rooms. Meals are provided by the on-site restaurant, which of course takes into account any dietary requirements. The board nor the foundation itself is personally liable for damage to and loss of personal property and instruments of the participants.