The Recorder Group

Leader:  Joan Gibson - recorder@ashbyu3a.co.uk -

The recorder group, meet twice a month, to make music in a relaxed, fun way. I would hope that we would be able to cater for a wide range of experience and skill. We usually meet each month on the 1st and 3rd Thursdays at 10am, but occasionally it varies. Check here for up to date information.

July

At the start of July, seven of the group made our way north to York, to take part in the u3a Festival 26 at York University. It took us a while to work out where the relevant buildings on the map were, in relation to where we were!

We were due to play at 2:15 on Thursday 2nd July in the Large Lecture Theatre in the Exhibition Centre. At 9 a.m., we went to a recorder workshop, organised by Val McCarroll, the national u3a recorder advisor. She provided the music for us to play together, with some other people, including Rachel from OHMI (The One-Handed Musical Instruments Trust) who had visited us a while ago, and a few from Lichfield u3a, who were also scheduled to play later in the afternoon.

Val organised an event on recorder playing in u3a nationally at 12 noon, which we also attended. Rachel also took part in the event, talking about OHMI, and there was plenty of interest in her talk.

After lunch, we collected our instruments, and made our way to the lecture theatre, where we set up our chairs and music stands (with our smart banners: thank you!) ready for our small audience to come to enjoy our performance.

We were followed by Lichfield u3a Recorder Group, who have a conductor, which makes it easier to play together! Three (now four) of us also play in that group.

When both groups had finished their performances, most of us set off home: a few people stayed in Yorkshire for a holiday, and the Lichfield group found their minibus for the ride back to Lichfield. It was an interesting event, with a wide range of activities going on over the three days.

On 9th July, eight of us were back in the hall for another practice. We went back to a few older pieces, including some spirituals, and one two recent ones, including “Wombling”, and the Telemann Tasters, and a collection of Tudor Trios. Although it was very warm outside, conditions in the hall were comfortable.

On 16th July, ten of us had another meeting, playing some of the music we brought back from York, and more from our library. We have another meeting on 30th, but then revert to our usual pattern of meetings, starting on 6th August, when we will have a visit from our occasional conductor, Patrick.

As is usual, many of our members will be away during August, but we are continuing over the summer.

The Group ready to perform at u3a Festival 26 in York