Fifty-five singers took part in our first Songways singing weekend at Halsway Manor, the National Centre for Folk Arts, nestled at the foot of the Quantock Hills in Somerset (an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty). It was a joyous and hugely rewarding experience, filled with singing, live music, dancing, fun and friendship.
The weekend was led by Jane Harris, Director of Songways and Pip Wright, guest tutor from Cornwall, who taught some of their favourite harmony songs from a wide range of traditions, including their own original compositions. The rich variety of songs and styles included a lyrical Irish folk song, a traditional South African song, a lively Macedonian dance song, a rousing Cornish song from the Shout tradition and evocative original songs by both Jane and Pip. Several singers brought instruments to join the scratch band and play with Jane and Pip (fiddles) for dancing on the Friday night, including traditional Cornish dances and the Dashing White Sergeant. Pip led a meditative harmony singing session on the Saturday afternoon – Songs with Spirit, Songs for the Soul.
Jane’s vocal group, Rolling Harmony, were thrilled to perform at Halsway on the Saturday evening to a full house.
Comments from singers about the singing weekend:
Utterly brilliant weekend at an excellent venue
Truly extraordinary complementary double act of leaders
Loved the way Jane and Pip worked together – and with us – in such a supportive and empowering way
Jane and Pip complement each other so well… the double fiddles is a special touch
Beautiful meditative singing led by Pip
The mix of singing, dancing and performance was just perfect
Loved the variety of songs and appreciated the vocal training and tips
The best organised of any courses I have attended at Halsway
Comments about the Rolling Harmony concert:
Amazing concert… wow!
Stunning performance
Just incredible
Many thanks to all the singers who came – from Bath, Bristol, Wiltshire, Devon, Cornwall, Herefordshire, Somerset, Hampshire, Oxford, London, Gloucestershire, Essex, Norfolk, Sussex and California (!) – and the many local people who also joined us for the Rolling Harmony concert.
The next Songways singing weekend at Halsway will be Friday 25 – Sunday 27 October 2024, with a Rolling Harmony concert at 8pm on Saturday 26 October 2024.
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