Every summer, Sherborne Summer School of Music runs week long residential music courses for adult singers, orchestral musicians, conductors, pianists, jazz players and composersSherborne Summer School of Music was founded in the UK in 1952 as the Canford Summer School of Music, a name it retained for 52 years before relocating to Sherborne School in the pretty market town of Sherborne in Dorset, in 2005. Sherborne School is full of musical potential with its state-of-the-art music school, a theatre, recital and concert halls and a wealth of rehearsal spaces and is the ideal venue for adult musicians to meet in a friendly, supportive atmosphere to enhance their skills through the help of dedicated, internationally celebrated teachers and performers. Singers, instrumentalists, conductors, composers and pianists all meet to participate in the luxury of one or two weeks’ dedicated musical indulgence!
This internationally recognised course is for conductors at intermediate and advanced levels with an interest in wind repertoire, or a desire to immerse themselves in issues relating to conducting wind and brass instruments. Up to twenty-five students will be accepted as “active” participants. Observers are also encouraged and will be fully involved in the course, but they will only conduct at the discretion of the tutors.
An integral feature of the week is that all active participants receive podium time with an ensemble each day and a performance opportunity at the end of the week. This year we are fortunate to have the eminent composer Stephen McNeff join us. Stephen will not only spend time with the class but will also assist in the preparation of his works for performance.
Works to be performed:
Stephen McNeff Monsters
Stephen McNeff Ghosts
Stephen McNeff Moving Parts
Monsters is currently in the final editing process and will be published in April 2025 by Maecenas Music
Ghosts Not for the squeamish! Seven celebrated spectres strikingly evoked to thrill and chill you in McNeff's blood-curdlingly entertaining theme and variations. Perfect for youth or community bands, sensible cues and doublings will suit the technique (and attendance!) of a wide range of ensembles. Ghosts is immediate but musically satisfying: movements may be played separately. https://www.maecenasmusic.co.uk/listit2productgroups/ghosts/82.html
Moving Parts Another side of McNeff's musical personality. This piece has the unbuttoned, slightly anarchic verve of an Ealing comedy: bright, breezy, zestfully scored, accessibly inventive and a gift for young bands of all ages.
https://www.maecenasmusic.co.uk/listit2productgroups/moving-parts/82.html
Both Ghosts and Moving Parts are available on the Prima Facie label and streaming here (Apple)
