March 2023 Lapwing Barns

Flutes at the Barns March 2023

Course Summary
Course Title:	Flutes at the Barns March 2023
Start date:	Monday 6th March (arrivals between 4 pm and 6.30 pm)
End date:	Friday 10th March, 9 am
Venue:	Lapwing Barns, Derbyshire Peak District, UK
Bookings:	SORRY, COURSE NOW FULL - please contact info@flutesatthebarns.com if you would like to be a reserve

Monday 6th March to Friday 10th March 2023

Read about this course below.

Course Description and Tutors

This Flutes at the Barns course is open to adult players of all abilities, whether new to the courses or returning FATBers. International participants welcome, as ever.

Course tutor Zoë Booth will be joined by Rachael Buxton, course accompanist, to welcome you to a very exclusive Flutes at the Barns course - strictly limited to just eight participants - in March 2023. After a tasty supper, course activities will begin with a short introductory group session. On Tuesday morning the full range of activities will commence, with up to five sessions each day featuring a varied programme including a 45-minute individual flute lesson with Zoë for every participant, a private half-hour rehearsal with Rachael (plus top-up rehearsal on the final day), group sessions including workshops on repertoire, technique, interpretation and ensemble playing, small ensemble playing (some with coaching), and the chance to perform in informal participant concerts and/or a masterclass. Zoë and Rachael will also perform in an exclusive tutor concert. The limited number of places on offer for this course allow for increased contact with the tutors throughout the duration of the course, including the longer time for individual lessons than on larger courses. On Thursday the musical activities will conclude with a friendly and supportive concert, where participants may choose to perform solos, ensemble pieces, in flute choir for the concert, or may simply enjoy supporting their fellow performers.

Flutes at the Barns is delighted to invite a visit from All Flutes Plus, a specialist flute shop based in Warren Street, London, who are friends of the courses and can provide the chance to browse music, accessories and to try headjoints and flutes of all sizes.

Flutes at the Barns has always encouraged a friendly and supportive atmosphere in which participants of any ability level can improve and make music together without pressure. Those who do choose to take advantage of the solo and/or performing opportunities will be given every encouragement from their tutors and fellow course-goers. Participants are recommended to prepare solo material as the basis for their lesson and accompanist session, and may also bring up to three other pieces which could be performed in any of the participant concerts/masterclass, if they choose to do so. All other music will be provided, so please expect sight-reading at your level. If you play piccolo, alto or bass flute please do bring them, and you will get the chance to play them in the ensemble sessions. Breaks and mealtimes are often sociable events, with much like-minded musical talk, however there are also chances for some time alone during the course, whether to rest, practise or explore the local landscape.

Venue

The course title of Flutes at the Barns suggests the history of the courses, formerly held in converted barns, but - in more recent years - often accommodated in large houses, halls and former inns. This course happily returns to its’ roots, being held at beautifully converted Lapwing Barns for Flutes at the Barns March 2023. This amazing and luxurious property - renovated into one single property only in 2015 - provides top-quality individual accommodation for just eight flute-players, housed in the main house or in the annexe a short step across the courtyard. Most bedrooms in Lapwing itself (and all in the annexe) are ensuite (participants all have private access to a bathroom), and each has a comfortable, spacious and peaceful feel, with no neighbours overlooking or overlooked by the property.

Our music-making will make use of several separated spaces at Lapwing, with the lounge-conservatory at the back of the house the main studio for group-playing, a space with lots of natural light. Hard wood floors and simple-yet-stylish decoration ensure a good acoustic for lessons, ensembles and performances. Meals and refreshments will be taken in the sociable open-plan kitchen-dining room, and there are cosy sofas and chairs in which to retire for any down-time from the music-making. As we hope the spring will be in the air, if the weather is fair, it may also be possible to occasionally walk or relax in the outside surroundings, with magnificent views across the Peak District.

Despite the feel that we are in our very own musical retreat whilst staying at this property, Lapwing Barns is only two miles from the local village of Longnor, and there are also beautiful walks - to explore the Peak District National Park - on our doorstep.

Meals and Refreshments

Whilst on Flutes at the Barns allow yourself to be taken care of, with catering supplied by the talents of David Wakefield and his team of The Dinner Party Company. Daily breakfasts will include a range of options, including cooked items. To sustain your energy levels throughout the music-filled days, morning and afternoon breaks will offer snacks as well as hot drinks, with tasty buffet choices on offer for lunch. At the end of the day enjoy being served a delicious two-course evening meal (with a special celebration banquet on Thursday evening). Special diets are accommodated.

Catering will start with supper on Monday evening (6.45 pm), finishing with breakfast on Friday morning, allowing for a leisurely end to the musical activities on Thursday evening, and a restful departure (avoiding rush hour) the following day.

There is no bar; instead, alcoholic drinks may be brought to the course for your own consumption, or to share with friends.

Other Information

Please note that submission of an application for any Flutes at the Barns course confirms your adherence to the terms and conditions. Please see the top of this page for further information and to read the Terms and Conditions.

Course fee:	£1100 (£200 deposit payable upon application, balance due by Monday 9th January 2023). The course fee is inclusive of full-board residential participation, all meals and refreshments.
How to apply:	It’s easy to apply, in just two steps: 1. Complete the online application form (see top of this page) 2. Submit your application form plus a deposit payment to the course administrator
Transport:	Nearest airports: Manchester or East Midlands (both approximately 1 hour away). Nearest train stations: Buxton (approximately 10 mins away), with Macclesfield or Chesterfield 45 mins away. There is plenty of free parking. The course administrator will provide an opportunity for participants to share lifts on the pre-course questionnaire.
Partners:	Partners are welcome to accompany flute participants and share their accommodation at a reduced cost of £395, taking full part in all except the musical activities. (Partners are welcome to attend and support their playing partner in any performances during the course.) If making an application with a non-playing partner, please note that the total deposit is £250.
Access:	If you have a particular physical need please speak to the course administrator before making your application, to ensure that the venue and activities can be happily suited to your requirements.
Contact	Correspondence is by email unless otherwise requested. 1. Upon applying for the course you will receive confirmation of your application. 2. Once the course is filled, your place on the course will be confirmed. 3. Approximately ten weeks before the course final details will be sent; at this point your final balance payment and pre-course questionnaire will be requested, to arrive no later than eight weeks before the course begins. At any other time please do not hesitate to contact the course administrator with any queries.