KILVE COURT RESIDENTIAL WEEKEND - TUTORS & PARTICIPANTS FEEDBACK

Paul and Sally Barrett, Kilve March 2011
Firstly, we would both like to thank the Famous Five for all their work in arranging such a fantastic weekend, with smiles to be seen on all their faces despite the huge task. Maybe it was a natural response to seeing what a brilliant time everyone was having! We were both chuffed at having been asked to tutor this time, and after the initial thoughts of ‘Have I pitched this at the right level?’, both of us got on with the business of making music happen within our groups. We had a lot of fun, both in the workshop time and at the social times, purely due to the friendship, sense of fun and ‘togetherness’ which is such a big part of these weekends. One of those special things is the feeling of equality amongst everyone - no prima donnas, or airs and graces - (well, musical airs and grace notes are accepted) We particularly enjoyed the Saturday night ceilidh – it was great to play together with the other tutors, Colin, and especially Rollo. What brilliant callers, too! We're both looking forward to many more Kilve weekends.

Paul and Sally Barrett

Harry SCURFIELD, Kilve March 2011
There is sometimes a moment, for some tutors, - usually a day or so before a weekend like Kilve (or Swaledale, or Witney) - when you think, Why AM I doing this? It usually turns out well enough, actually, but this time at Kilve March 2011 I really, really had a good time. This thing we call MUSIC should always be a two-way thing, a communication, and when that happens properly it is a joy, especially when I get the fun and stimulation of a buzzing crowd in the workshops, who are open to being bounced into some fun; and I believe that that's how people learn best. I certainly did! Thanks, again, to those who put in all the organising work, but also and especially to those angloists, duettists and englishists who struggled, questioned, dared... but mainly played (and laughed at) the blues & jazz that we shared.

Harry

A summary of the weekend from the Duet tutor.......
Friday:
Fish and chips, renewed friendships,
traffic signs before the eyes, struggling to harmonise.
Saturday:
These duets are clearly not beginners, but practicing is just for sinners!
Sleepy post-lunch afternoon, let's try just once more to play Blue Moon.
At the dance "Mr Wheatstone" thinks it must be easy
For the band to play a conga to the song "Zambezi"!
In the bar once more tonight, good music, plus the beer's alright.
Sunday:
To go home we're in no hurry, so let's enjoy a nice beef curry,
then in the showcase we can hear and see
the work that everyone's done, then have a nice cream tea.
The whole thing's over so very quickly,
with thanks to The Team for running it so slickly!

Paul McCann

What the Participants Thought
"One of the Best Kilve Weekends that I can remember!"
"The Jazz and Blues were Fabulous! Thank You Harry!"
"What a wonderful weekend!"
"These weekends just get better and better!"