Hurdy Gurdy & Bagpipes Weekend – Halsway Manor, UK; 9-11 Feb 2018

Guaranteed to be one of Halsway’s noisiest weekends, this Hurdy-Gurdy takeover is a brilliant opportunity to get together with some of the best of Europe’s players in an intensive learning weekend of masterclasses, workshops,sessions and a Saturday night concert/dance. This course runs alongside the Bagpipes Weekend, in a frenzy of reeds, drones and buzzing things!

To the hurdy gurdy team we welcome Matthias Loibner from Austria, Cecile Delrue-Birot from France, along with the inimitable UK player Joel Turk. The weekend is hosted by Claire Dugué, hurdy-gurdy maker and repairer, and she’ll be available to help people get the most out of their instruments with tips  for maintenance.

For an extra £35, participants can stay until Monday morning, including supper and B&B. Please enquire when booking.

Who’s it For?

This course will be for players of the hurdy-gurdy of all ages and abilities!

Hurdy Gurdy Weekend – Halsway Manor


BAGPIPES –

A jam-packed programme of diverse bagpipe playing styles, with some of Europe’s top players. This course runs alongside the Hurdy Gurdy Weekend, in a frenzy of reeds, drones and buzzing things!

We will be exploring traditional English and Border Music plus new and traditional music for European Dance. We will look at different and more unusual dance rhythms (for example 3/2, 9/8) and various playing styles, and explore how we can express emotion though our playing. We will learn variations and the techniques of how we can work them into our playing.  We will do most of the learning by ear but music scores will be provided during the course to support our learning. We’ll split the group into
beginners-intermediate, and intermediate and above, and you’ll spend time working with both tutors. And of course, we will have a bit of fun too!

“It’s not just the wonderful workshop sessions with an extremely patient tutor, but also the camaraderie of the whole weekend that makes the Halsway experience so brilliant” Participant

For an extra £35, participants can stay until Monday morning, including supper and B&B. Please enquire at booking.

Who’s it For?

This course will be for players of bagpipes in G, of all ages and abilities!

Bagpipe Weekend – Halsway Manor



ON FACEBOOK: Halsway Hurdy-Gurdy and Bagpipes Week-end 2018

Le Son Continu 2016, Retrospective 1 – Knut Bratfisch photos | ▶ Claire Dugue Exoskeleton played by Brian McCoy

photos courtesy Knut Bratfisch –

Le Son Continu - Château d'Ars 2016

Contributors: Knut Bratfisch (owner), Johannes Mayr and Schenk Beat

Claire Dugue Exoskeleton played by Brian McCoy –


Brian McCoy trying an exoskeleton hurdy-gurdy . Le Son Continu 2016 from Claire Dugue on Vimeo.

see also: Hurdy Gurdy Weekly • #HGWeekly: ▶ “Flatworld” A.Cutting | Alto Exoskeleton made by Claire Dugue

Facebook searches for Le Son Continu photos:

https://www.facebook.com/search/recent-photos/286828794671834/photos-in/me/friends/photos-by/intersect?__xt__=24.%7B%22event_target%22%3A%22card%22%2C%22product_name%22%3A%22feed_photo_pivots%22%2C%22callsite%22%3A%22feed%3Awww_inline_story_pivots%22%2C%22browse_id%22%3A%223474612124064531539%22%2C%22ts%22%3A1469041116.5008%7D&__tn__=e

https://www.facebook.com/search/top/?q=le%20son%20continu

▶ “Flatworld” A.Cutting | Alto Exoskeleton made by Claire Dugue

“Flatworld” A.Cutting on Vimeo
from Claire Dugue
Gregory Jolivet plays on an Alto Exoskeleton made by C.Dugue in Ramsgate. Recorded at Big Jelly Studios in Ramsgate in October 2015

GROUP PHOTO - Halsway Hurdy Gurdy and Pipes weekend 2016

courtesey Mike Smith

12-14 FEBRUARY 2016: The 5th Big Hurdy-Gurdy Workshop Weekend at Halsway Manor

ABOUT

Our popular Hurdy-Gurdy Workshop Weekend is for players of all abilities. Early booking advised.

We welcome Spain’s finest exponent of the hurdy-gurdy (zanfona) – Germán Díaz– and the return of England’s most imaginative player of the instrument, Cliff Stapleton. Both experienced teachers, they understand the history of the instrument while taking it into new territory and often surprising directions through composition, improvisation and constant experiment. Claire Dugue, hurdy-gurdy maker and repairer of the highest quality and impeccable taste,  will be there to help people get the most out of their instruments with tips for maintenance. Beginners are welcome. Mike Smith is on hand to help people who want to participate in the weekend but may not feel ready for masterclasses and technique workshops. You will need to supply your own instrument.

THE TUTORS

Germán Diaz

Germán was born in 1978 in Valladolid, Spain, where he studied classical guitar and classical philology at the University of Valladolid and postgraduate studies in cultural Tradition. He studied hurdy gurdy with the likes of Rafael Martin, Pascal Lefeuvre, Laurent Tixier, Isabelle Pignol, Gilles Chabenat, Nigel Eaton, Patrick Boufard, Laurence Bourdin, Valentin Clastrier, and many more.

He has performed all over the world (Colombia, Brazil, Algeria, Russia, France, Italy, Portugal, Spain, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Morocco, Slovenia, Finland, Switzerland, Netherlands, Norway, Moldova, Ukraine ...) in prestigious venues and festivals such as the Theatre Royal in Marrakech and the Miró Foundation -Barcelona -...

Germán has collaborated with numerous groups of artists and interpreters including Rao Trio, Viellistic Orchestra, Wafir Shekeldin Gibril, Pascal Lefeuvre, Valentin Clastrier, Joaquín Saura, Medieval Urueña Quartet and many, many more.

Cliff Stapleton

Cliff Stapleton is a prolific composer of beautiful and hypnotic music created for the hurdy-gurdy. He performs both solo and in groups, for theatre and for film. His past work ranges widely from contributions to the powerful folk dance style of Blowzabella to the electronic other worldly landscapes of Coil. For over 13 years he has been a member of Cyclobe who have recently performed several haunting and hallucinatory concerts at the invitation of both Antony Hegarty and Brian Eno.

Cliff is moved to create tunes and trance-like sounds that are unique to this ancient instrument, the hurdy-gurdy, and which bleed mercurially into the realms of magical improvisation.

Cliff will guide you, in detail, through techniques of fingering and musical expression using three simple melodies which relate to drone, no drone and with trompette rhythm. His aim will be to create a strong collective sound from all players in the class and a communal feeling of “being in the zone”. An ability to read music will help but good ears and eyes are essential. Be prepared to “be open” and to learn and enjoy his method for it is designed to enhance your music whatever your playing style

Claire Dugue

Claire will host this fantastic weekend as well as being on hand to talk about set up and instrument making. Claire spent 5 years studying musical instrument making in London. Claire set up her workshop in Ramsgate, Kent, in 2001. She specialises in making fine, hand made hurdy-gurdies.

While taking inspiration form the past, Claire's style is very individual.Using modern technologies, her instruments are reliable, responsive and easy to play. Carrying on traditional craft techniques, her hurdy-gurdies have a modern yet timeless beauty.

 

 

Halsway

ALSO (same time):
Jon Swayne Bagpipe Workshop Weekend 2016

For players of Jon Swayne border pipes and other compatible pipes in G.

Bagpipe maker and player Jon Swayne and bagpipe player Paul James have been playing pipes together all over the world for 36 years in the band Blowzabella. Jon will be tackling technique and teaching some fine English traditional tunes that work well on the pipes. Paul will be teaching techniques to help your bagpiping posture and relaxation while wringing a bit more emotion out of a tune through various fingering techniques. He will also be doing sessions for beginners who want to participate in the weekend without the pressure of being in a more advanced group.  You will need to supply your own instrument.
 

Music is not available in advance because the weekend is about styles, approach to music and techniques and tutors often change some aspects of what they will do to suit the participants on the day. Where tunes are taught there will be music provided for those who want it - or you can play by ear if you prefer... 

▶ The Ramsgate Hovercraft - album trailer - "Cinéma Vérité" | 28 FEBRUARY; Ramsgate, Kent, UK: THE RAMSGATE HOVERCRAFT with Claire Degue

The Ramsgate Hovercraft - album trailer - "Cinéma Vérité" [UK]
Published on Feb 1, 2015
Cinéma Vérité is the second album from The Ramsgate Hovercraft. Nearly 100 minutes of original, unclassifiable electronic music to fire your emotions and your motor neurons. The Hovercraft fashion their unique take on improvised experimental prog rock, krautrock, free jazz and the rest using instruments ancient and modern. 

added to the Weekly's playlist "new releases & tour promos"
youtube.com/playlist…-- and also to "contemporary"youtube.com/playlist…

– Nearly 100 minutes of original, unclassifiable electronic music to fire your emotions and your motor neurons. The Hovercraft fashion their unique take on improvised experimental prog rock, krautrock, free jazz and others using instruments ancient and modern. 

All material written and produced by Mark Bandola and Kit Jolly. Recorded in Ramsgate, UK.
credits
released 01 February 2015 

Mark Bandola: guitars, keyboards, percussion
Kit Jolly: sax, recorders, keyboards
Claire Dugué: hurdy gurdy 

http://www.theramsgatehovercraft.com
https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Ramsgate-Hovercraft/833237553357495

The Ramsgate Hovercraft - album trailer - "Cinéma Vérité" - YouTube


album release concert –

28 FEBRUARY; Ramsgate, Kent, UK: THE RAMSGATE HOVERCRAFT with Claire Degue

The Ramsgate Hovercraft will be joined at the conclusion of the programme by Claire Dugue' on Hurdy Gurdy & perform tracks from the forthcoming album 'Cinema Vérité' . It's going to be a unique and memorable night. Commit to the commit.....

wegottickets.com/event/302732

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The Hurdy Gurdy Weekly :|: #HGWeekly :|: http://tinyurl.com/HGWeekly

• FOR SALE: Student model built by Claire Dugué in 2006

Rens de Boer posted in the facebook group "Drehleier"

Student model hurdy-gurdy for sale, built by Claire Dugué in 2006. As good as new. Asking price €1200, pm me for more info.

the fb group "Drehleier"
facebook.com/groups/drehleier/

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The Hurdy Gurdy Weekly :|: #HGWeekly :|: http://tinyurl.com/HGWeekly

13-15 FEBRUARY 2015; CROWCOMBE, SOMERSET, UK: HALSWAY 4TH BIG HURDY GURDY WEEKEND

The 4th Big Hurdy-Gurdy Workshop Weekend 2015

Friday 13th February 2015  -  Sunday 15th February 2015
-- Friday evening Session; Weekend of Hurdy Gurdy Courses; Concert/Dance on Saturday eve


ABOUT
Our popular Hurdy-Gurdy Workshop Weekend is for players of all abilities. Early booking advised.

THE TUTORS
Highly influential and often inmitated, Patrick Bouffard is one of the very finest exponents of the distinctive and traditional style of hurdy-gurdy playing in central France. Patrick has played all over the world with many well known French folk bands including La Chavannee.

Gregory Jolivet is simply one of the best players of the hurdy-gurdy in the world today. He plays with the bands Blowzabella and La Machine and combines traditional techniques with new ideas and technology to push the limits of what the instrument is capable of.

Patrick and Gregory are both very popular with students as highly experienced teachers who teach people of all abilities on a regular basis.

Claire Dugue makes hurdy-gurdies of the finest quality and will be there to help out with maintenance tips and minor repairs to keep your wheel turning all weekend.

THE PROGRAMME
Arrive Friday afternoon, depart Sunday about 5pm.

Friday. Arrive from 4pm. You can arrive at any time earlier in the day but your room may not be ready before 4pm. 7pm Dinner.  8:30pm playing session. Saturday. 8:30am Breakfast. 10am-5pm Workshops (1pm lunch). 6:30pm Dinner. 8pm Concert/Dance. Sunday. 9am Breakfast. 10am-4pm Workshops (1pm lunch). 4:30pm Tea.

ENJOY THE AREA, BRING A FRIEND, SHARE A ROOM & SAVE MONEY
You can book on a course at Halsway Manor and bring a friend who can explore the area while using Halsway as a base for meals and accommodation. Please Phone for details. Halsway Manor is in the Quantock Hills (England's oldest Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty), 10 minutes from the West Somerset Railway (one of Britain's largest steam railways), 20 minutes from the fossil beaches at Kilve and 30 minutes from the Exmoor National Park.

HOW TO BOOK
To make a booking please phone Viv Butler, Events and booking Manager on 01984 618274 (+44 19 84 61 82 74) or EMAIL US with your requirements.
PRICES

Full board per person (all meals, accommodation, workshops, concert/dance):
£210- single ensuite room;
£190- single non-ensuite room.
£190- sharing an ensuite room;
£170- sharing non-ensuite room.

STAY OVER AN EXTRA NIGHT
Subject to availability and for an extra charge of £30 including supper and our famous Halsway breakfast.

AFFORDABLE OPTIONS
These are available for day visitors (workshops only), camper vans and non-participants accompanying a participant. Please phone for details.

GREAT FOOD
We get lots of plaudits for our food which is wholesome, plentiful and freshly prepared on the premises each day by our two chefs, Ian and Amy, using fresh ingredients from local suppliers wherever possible. All dietary needs are catered for, just let us know when you book.

BAR
Our reasonably priced bar stocks a great selection of Somerset ales and ciders as well as wines, spirits and non alcoholic drinks. You can pay as you go or have a bar tab and settle up by cash or card when you leave. The bar is a great place for informal music sessions in the evenings.
TRAVEL

See our travel information page. If you are coming from abroad - or from the UK by public transport - we can arrange to collect you from Taunton Railway Station. We can sometimes help with car sharing too. Phone for details.


HALSWAY 4TH BIG HURDY GURDY WEEKEND 
halswaymanor.org.uk/portal/alias__Halsway/lang__en/tabid__4461/eventid__598/default.aspx



ALSO – JON SWAYNE BAGPIPE WEEKEND 
There's also a beginners' bagpipe workshop with Paul James.
halswaymanor.org.uk/portal/alias__Halsway/lang__en/tabid__4461/eventid__605/default.aspx

Halsway Manor (WIKIPEDIA: CROWCOMBE)
Halsway Manor is England's National Centre for Traditional Music, Dance and Song. It is the only residential folk centre in the UK. The eastern end of the building dates from the 15th century with the western end as an addition in the 19th century.[11]
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crowcombe

Halsway Manor (also known as Halsway Court) is a manor house in Halsway, Somerset. It is owned by the Halsway Manor Society who operate the manor as a national centre for the folk arts. It is the only residential folk centre in the UK. It is situated off the A358 road between Taunton and Williton on the edge of the Quantock Hills.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Halsway_Manor

HALSWAY 4TH BIG HURDY GURDY WEEKEND 

halswaymanor.org.uk/portal/alias__Halsway/lang__en/tabid__4461/eventid__598/default.aspx

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The #HurdyGurdy Weekly :|: #HGWeekly :|: http://tinyurl.com/HGWeekly

7-9 FEBRUARY, UK, SOMERSET: Halsway #HurdyGurdy WORKSHOP Gregory Jolivet, Till Uhlmann & Claire Dugue

The 3rd Big Hurdy-Gurdy Workshop Weekend 2014 
Friday 7^th February  -  Sunday 9^th February 

Gregory Jolivet (France), Till Uhlmann and Claire Dugue

An intensive workshop weekend for hurdy-gurdy players of all ages and abilities with two incredibly talented and contrasting hurdy-gurdy players who are equally  influential on the European folk scene. Hurdy-gurdy maker Claire Dugue will be there to help you get the most out of your instrument with practical advice on maintenance. There will be plenty of time for informal playing sessions too. Arrive Friday afternoon, depart Sunday 5pm. 

This runs alongside a bagpipe workshop weekend with Jon Swayne. There will be plenty of opportunties for bagpipers and hurdy-gurdy players to play together in the informal evening sessions.

Full board per person (all meals, accommodation, workshops, concert included)

£200 – single ensuite room; £180 – single non-ensuite room;  SAVE MONEY by sharing a  room with friends. £180 – sharing an ensuite room; £170 – sharing non- ensuite room.

Day rates

£20 - Morning Workshops
£15 - Afternoon Workshops
£50 - All day Saturday to include Lunch & Dinner
£45 - All day Sunday to include Hot lunch and Cream Tea

There are also affordable options for players 16 years old and under (must be accompanied by an adult), day visitors (workshops only), camper vans, non-participants accompanying a participant and children. Phone for details.

To make a booking enquiry please phone Viv Butler, Events & Booking Manager on  01984 618274 ( +44 19 84 61 82 74) or EMAIL US with your requirements.

PROGRAMME

Friday. Arrive from 4pm. Dinner 6:30pm. Introductions and a playing session in the bar.

Saturday. 8:30am Breakfast. 10-1pm Technique, style and music workshops. 1pm Lunch. 2-5pm Technique, style and music workshops. 6pm Dinner. 8pm Dance/Concert.  10pm. Playing session in the bar

Sunday. 8:30am. Breakfast. 10-1pm Technique, style and music workshops. 1pm Lunch.  2-5pm. Final workshops, tuition and some tunes together.  Finishes about 5pm.

TRAVEL

See our travel information page. If you are coming from abroad we can arrange to collect you from Taunton Railway Station.

The 3rd Big Hurdy-Gurdy Workshop Weekend 2014 | Halsway

see also
8 Feb 2014 UK: HALSWAY MANOR Concert/Dance with Gregory Jolivet, Jon Swayne, Till Uhlmann and Paul James

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The #HurdyGurdy Weekly :|: #HGWeekly :|: http://tinyurl.com/HGWeekly