Parkside School Recorder Workshop, 8th - 12th October 2001

[ Berkshire/Yorkshire tour ] [ Performances ] Photos © Parkside School 2001

A 5-day workshop organised by Esther Church for young recorder players belonging to Parkside School, Cullingworth near Keighley, Yorkshire took place during the above dates. The players from left to right were Zoë Seager, Melissa Kirkbright, Robyn Dixon, Alex Tidswell, Thomas Mason, Mrs Esther Church (organiser), Katie Johnson and Geoff Grainger who carried out the workshop. The workshop culminated in a lecture/recital given on the final Friday before invited parents, Dr.Tony Rickwood, the Headmaster, and class 8GL as part of their music lesson.

In his lecture, Geoff talked briefly on the workshop, the family of recorder instruments most of which being demonstrated by the workshop participants as well as the aims and objects of both the Bremen Recorder Touring Company and the International Recorder Music Webring
The recital, which Melissa opened by welcoming the parents and introducing the players, comprised the following:

• 't Hane-en't Henne- gekray by a Flemish composer only known the initials I.H from T Uitenement Kabinet III, a trio for 3 descants
• A New Dawn by Graham Prescott, a duet for 2 descants but on this occasion the 2nd descant is backed by a tenor
• Vier Branlen (Reihentanz) from Heft I Danserye by Tielman Susato , a quartet for 2 descant, tenor and bass voices

The recital was recorded with the able assistance of Thomas Mason and the items are contained in a ZIP file which can be downloaded from this website as parkside.zip (3.2 MByte). The Vier Branlen has also be selected to be included in the Recorder Music Webring CD in the aid of UNICEF "Save the Children Fund" and additionally can be heard on Internet Radio at Radio Recorder Music Webring.
The afternoon was rounded off with certificates being awarded to the participants by the Headmaster and Geoff being presented with a generous gift of Choice Yorkshire Ales by the children. Geoff was absolutely delighted! His delight was shared by the children who were allowed to go home early in appreciation of their tremendous efforts made during the week.
All in all, a wonderful and most rewarding experience which the Company would very much like to repeat.