Join us for a fun weekend intended for music readers and learn a new way to sing at Flatford.
During the weekend, we’ll investigate repertoire which reflects the many aspects of nature and the environment, using songs, rounds and chants from medieval times to the present day. We’ll also have fun exploring together the sounds of nature and making music from them.
We’ll explore how to get the best from our voices and discover some of the things we can all do to develop them (e.g. relaxation exercises, improving breathing techniques, maintaining best diction, etc.), having fun in the process.
No one will be asked to sing any kind of solo (unless they wish to). Singing will be group-based and, where possible, in harmony. At the end of the weekend, we’ll ‘perform’ all we’ve learned so that we can achieve that tremendous ‘high’ singing together as a group brings.
About the tutor
Peter Davies
Peter Davies has worked with choirs and singers for over 40 years. Though qualified as a biology teacher and youth worker, but latterly a senior IT consultant, Peter has studied choral direction to an advanced level (LRSM Dist.).
He established Sawtry Chorale and directed the choir for 18 years. He also directed Huntingdon Male Voice Choir for 28 years. As a church organist, Peter studied with Alan Gibbs and, as College Organ Scholar, with Philip Moore. He was Organist and Choirmaster at All Saints, Sawtry (Cambs.) for 25 years. For the last eight years he has been Director of Music at St Guthlac’s Market Deeping (Lincs.). He has worked with several other amateur and professional ensembles and directed Cornwall International Male Choral Festival, the largest of its kind in the world, for nearly 10 years.
A member of the Association of British Choral Directors for over 35 years and, until recently, the British Voice Association, Peter has studied the biological aspects of singing, the physics of voice blending and the positive use of gesture when directing a choir to encourage singers to perform at their best. He has an extensive music library from which to select appropriate repertoire but is also a published composer and arranger for both male and mixed voice choirs.
About Flatford Mill
We have four buildings that are used for visitor accommodation. Whilst most rooms are either en-suite or have a dedicated bathroom, there are some
rooms in The Mill that share showers and toilets at the end of the hall. If this is
un-suitable for you please make the office staff aware upon booking or as soon as possible.
Please be aware that you are visiting a Field Centre that caters in the main for school parties; the accommodation is basic and dormitory style, but warm and comfortable.
Example Timetable
Check-in is between 1600-1800, if you are arriving after 1800 please advise us, so we can ensure you are advised of access codes, room key location, and room location.
You will meet the tutor at Dinner, and you will have your first session after Dinner.
What's Included
-
Expert Tuition -
Free Wi-Fi -
Full Board Accommodation -
Hot and Cold Drinks -
Picnic Lunch
Full board accommodation and picnic lunch is available for resident bookings only.
Refreshments are included for all, but non-resident bookings are advised to bring lunch with you.
Before You Attend
What to bring
Just yourself! Whether experienced choral singers or, as music readers, wanting to develop singing as a hobby, the weekend will offer something new in a fun-filled atmosphere.
The most important things to bring are, a willingness to have fun; a curiosity filled brain; a wish to make friends sharing a common aim; a listening ear; the mindset to try something a little different.
All music, music folders, pencils and notepaper will be provided. A wide variety of other reference resource material will also be available.
Opportunities to attend this course
-
Fri 12, September 2025 16:00 - Sun 14, September 2025 16:00