This course has just one camping space available. We do sometimes get cancellations – if you would like to be added to the waiting list for accommodation, please contact us.
We’re delighted to welcome West Country Concertina Players to Halsway Manor to host a packed concertina workshop weekend for intermediate / advanced level players of all systems. You do not need to be a member of WCCP to come (though you might consider joining them – it’s only £10 annually); the weekend is open to all. Though this is a popular weekend and priority will be given to WCCP members through an opportunity to book early.
There will be time to relax in the comfort of Halsway Manor, with evening playing sessions in the bar, plus an informal tutor’s concert on the Saturday evening. There’s also the option to stay an extra night and book for Sunday supper, B&B, the perfect time to relax and unwind after a busy weekend of music and socialising.
The Team
Claire Wren: Concertina Band
Concertina Band is my passion, as is teaching, composing and arranging. Bandwork gives me the opportunity to do all these things on many levels. I especially enjoy supporting players who are new to bandwork, teaching the skills and musicianship essential for this kind of playing together, giving access to the joy of banding.
Brogan McAuliffe: Anglo Concertina
London-born Brogan is a concertina and whistle player, whose family hails from Killarney, Co.Kerry. Her concertina influences include Micheal O’Raghallaigh, Edel Fox and Timmy Collins amongst many more. Brogan holds 4 All-Ireland titles and enjoys playing and touring with renowned band ‘The London Lasses and Chris O’Malley’. She has played at world class venues including the Royal Albert Hall, the Barbican Centre and Trafalgar Square in London and also has toured with the National Folk Orchestra of Ireland and the most recent Comhaltas tour of Ireland and Britain. Brogan enjoys teaching both concertina and whistle in London and at various workshops and festivals throughout Ireland.
Sandra Kerr: English Concertina
Sandra Kerr has had a long and distinguished career in traditional music and as a song-writer of some distinction. She was tutored by Ewan MacColl and Peggy Seeger, in their celebrated (some say ‘controversial’) Critics Group, and with them and after, performed worldwide, and recorded many albums, both as a singer and as a multi-instrumentalist. Along with John Faulkner she wrote the songs and music for the much-loved and award-winning TV series, Bagpuss, and later became a popular and highly regarded lecturer on the Folk Degree in Folk & Traditional Music at Newcastle University. She was awarded the EFDSS gold badge for her contribution to the folk arts, and recently recorded a well-reviewed CD ‘Rebel With Her Chords’.
Iris Bishop: Duet Concertina
Iris is widely recognised for her skill and originality in playing the Duet Concertina, with a subtle and expressive approach to song accompaniment and a solo repertoire that includes styles not usually associated with this instrument. She is probably best known for her playing alongside singer Martyn Wyndham-Read with whom she has toured and recorded extensively, as well as performing in theatrical productions of shows like ‘Maypoles to Mistletoe’ and ‘Down the Lawson Track’. While continuing to perform with a variety of singers and instrumentalists, Iris is also in demand as a musical arranger and workshop leader, where she is inspiring a new generation of players with her enthusiasm and expertise.
Steve Dickinson: Concertina Care and Maintenance
Steve Dickinson has been making and repairing concertinas since 1975 when he acquired ownership of C Wheatstone & Co from Boosey & Hawkes (British Band Instruments). His work entails manufacture of new Wheatstone instruments, and repair and restoration of all makes of traditionally made concertinas.