Do I need an instrument?

Yes.

If you no longer have an instrument or you have never played before, our starting up link has some useful tips.  You might also like to consider coming to one of our group 'taster' sessions.

Do I need to be able to read music?

Yes – although, in the Introductory group, basic recognition of pitches and note values in sufficient.  Orchestral and chamber music are written traditions.  Poor or non-existent reading skills severely limit the music to which the player has access.

Are five notes really sufficient for the Introductory workshop?

Yes, but only if you can already read music and have some other relevant experience.  Obviously, you will enjoy the workshop far more if you have progressed a little further.

If your range of notes is very limited, it is particularly important that you specify exactly what you can manage at the time of booking, so that appropriate parts can be arranged for you.

I’m ‘borderline’ – should I come to the Introductory or Intermediate workshop?

Much depends on your personality and previous experience.  If in doubt, most players opt to come to the Introductory workshop first, as this is a good confidence-builder.  Remember that you can gain as much - or more - from being one of the best of a lesser group than playing the easier parts with the Intermediates.

The woodwind band caters for a mixture of standards, so is a good way to discover how well you will manage alongside people who already participate in the Intermediate group.

We are happy for ‘borderline’ players to attend both the Introductory and Intermediate workshop.  However, sight-reading all day makes huge demands on a player’s concentration so two workshops (or one workshop plus band) are usually more than plenty!

I'm coming to a workshop and band.  What can I do about lunch?

In Birnam, the players have access to the community kitchen.  Anyone who intends coming to both a workshop and the band may wish to bring a sandwich and help themselves to tea or coffee.  There is a lovely café downstairs but this is better visited before or after playing, when there is more time to enjoy what is on offer.

Both the Perth Theatre and Concert Hall have cafés, but it is difficult to squeeze a proper lunch in between playing sessions.  A quick snack is probably a good idea.

Am I too old? Starting young is obviously best but it is seldom too late to get great enjoyment out of playing a woodwind instrument.  It is just a question of being realistic about your rate of progress and final performance level. There are plenty of people who are still enjoying playing in their eighties and, in some cases, even manage to do so while marching in a band! However, problems with arthritic fingers and deterioration in eyesight or hearing have to be taken into account.  There can also be issues with teeth.  Frequent dental work can make it very difficult to manage consistent sound production, particularly on the clarinet (or saxophone).  False teeth in themselves are not necessarily a handicap.

Enjoy playing... ...whatever your age!

Have you considered similar workshops for families or young people?

Our original objective was to provide adult learners with some of the elementary level group-playing opportunities that already exist for school-age pupils.

In future, we may run junior Blow & Blast events during the summer, to encourage relative beginners to get their instruments out of their cases over the holidays!  Another possibility is a play-along band in which families can all participate together.

Please let us know ( info@blowandblast.co.uk ) if you would be interested in either of these ideas, as your feedback might well influence what we decide to run, when and where.

Would you consider running workshops at other venues?

Yes, we would be happy to consider other locations, if there is sufficient demand.  Again, please contact us to give us an idea of what would be of interest to you.

Could I have copies of the music to practise in advance?

Unfortunately, not at present.  Often we do not know the exact composition of the group until the last minute, so it is impossible to decide weeks in advance which pieces to play.  Also, we like to be able to adjust the repertoire on the day depending on how well the group is managing.  However, we hope to be able to make limited provision in due course.

Why do you have so little modern music?

There are copyright and performing issues with music that has been composed recently and, in some cases, it is necessary to apply - and pay – for permission to have a new arrangement.  Also, more modern material tends to have complex rhythms so it is much more difficult to sight-read than Haydn or Mozart! 

Why do you ask for information about instrument, standard and musical experience?

This is not so that we can be selective about whom to accept – we work on a ‘first come, first served’ basis (except for ‘extras’ in the band).  The music is specially arranged to match the capabilities of the players.  Adult learners are a real mixture – some are learning completely from scratch, others already read music fluently but are struggling with technique on an instrument that is new to them.  Some want a bit of a challenge; others prefer to gain confidence playing well within their ‘comfort zone’.

I have never taken any Grade exams.  How do I know what standard I am?

We don’t need to know exactly.  If you have a teacher, ask him/her to say roughly what level you have reached.  It is possible to look up the requirements for the ABRSM Grade exams on the internet.  However, it is probably less trouble just to email us and tell us your range of notes, what you can and can’t play comfortably, etc, so that we can be sure to have appropriate parts available for you.

What is the likely composition of the group?

This varies, although generally there tend to be rather more flutes and clarinets than oboes and bassoons.  The players include a mixture of men and women – some are parents of young children, others are retired.

Numbers are limited to a maximum of 10-12 players in the workshops, so that everyone receives some individual attention.  There may be up to 25 in the band.

Why are saxophones not included in the workshops?

The saxophone is sufficiently powerful that it is capable of drowning out a whole group of orchestral woodwind instruments!  Also, it is virtually impossible to come up with music in 'beginner-friendly' keys and suitable registers for a small group containing E flat, B flat and C instruments.

We may accept a few saxophones in the lunchtime band but would have to limit the number to retain the musical balance.