Fifty singers gathered for the Buckfast Abbey Singing Weekend on the edge of Dartmoor National Park, next to the banks of the River Dart led by Jane Harris, Director of Songways, and Pip Wright, Kana Kernow. 

We enjoyed a wonderful weekend of song: Cornish carols, sacred songs, harmony songs from a wide range of traditions, with delicious food and delightful accommodation. Songs were taught by Jane and Pip in the light and modern Hembury Room, with a combination of learning by ear and scores provided for some songs. It was a joy and a privilege to then sing our sacred songs in the exceptional acoustics in the Abbey church. On the Saturday evening we had a joyous time dancing in the Medieval Guest Hall with live music from Jane and Pip (fiddles), with singers adding guitar, electronic wind instrument and percussion, followed by more singing in the bar later. Pip brought a richness of experience and insight into the Cornish carols, sharing memories of hearing them resound around Mousehole harbour with lights all around. Singers also enjoyed the beautiful gardens and grounds of the Abbey.

Comments from singers:

Fabulous weekend in every respect… singing, food, accommodation and timing all excellent
Wonderful teaching… inspiring
Lovely choice of songs.. especially the Cornish carols
Jane and Pip are two of the most gifted singers I have met… very enabling in so many ways
Singing in the Abbey was very special…
Beautiful… and very moving at times
The best thing I’ve done in ages…
An amazing weekend

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TUTORS

The weekend was led by Jane Harris, Director of Songways and Pip Wright, a singing leader, teacher and community musician based in West Cornwall. Jane Wright helped to host the weekend and ensure that everything ran smoothly, as well as calling the dances on the Saturday night!