Usually at this time of the year it's a mad scurry of Christmas music events, concerts, get togethers and carols, not least Carols on the Bridge which would have been held on December 21st. We've never had to abandon that because of the weather, though it's got close sometimes, and when I celebrated the fact last year, no one could have imagined its first cancellation would be due to a virus.

There are various bits of ad hoc carol singing going on (legal outside and in groups of up to 6). The Bridge Singers and Tim Cooper are organising some, and I think the Coquet Concert Band could take to the streets. If it isn't too bad an evening I think I'll stroll to the bridge on the 21st at 6.30 (the tree is up and lit) and sing through a carol or two to maintain the tradition. If anyone else happens to be there that would be great, as long as there's social distancing, and extra big spaces between every 6.

At least there's a hope that we'll be able to hold it next year. That'll be December 20th, 2021. See you there.

At the time of writing we're waiting for the announcement about which Tier we are going to be in. With numbers rising in the west of the county and the prospect of a post-Christmas increase, I'm not optimistic. But, as soon as we are allowed to meet inside as we could between August and November, the Nightingale Activities will light their lamps again. There aren't any dates on the calendar, but the intention is to pick up the same pattern that we had before: Slow Tunes and Sessiony Session twice a month on a Saturday afternoon, Ukuleles/Guitars and Exploring Music on alternating Wednesday afternoons and Pitched Percussion on Friday evenings. And All Blown Out of course. As soon as we get the green light, I'll be in touch with those who have been coming along. So if you are interested, do make contact.

Drop In song and listening packs will appear in people's inboxes every Sunday without a break for Christmas and the New Year. Again, do say if you'd like to receive them.

It's going to be a very different sort of Christmas for just about everyone. It could feel a little less busy. If you are looking for something to do, there are 4 new Mini-Projects to entertain you. Mini-Projects 102 to 104 are based on well known Christmas carols. They're aimed mainly at people who find reading music difficult or have not really done it, but those who have got more skill could find them quite entertaining. Starting with a song you know, think about the patterns you can hear and use logic to relate them to the written versions. All the information the most beginnery person could need is there – that's why there's a lot of text. They're fun to work through with children too. 

Mini-Project 105 is about listening carefully and finding out how much you can notice. It went down well with some Drop Inners when it went out with a recent pack, so it has been added to the Mini-Project collection. Not Christmassy, but some lovely, very short pieces of classical music to listen to and think about. Go straight to the Mini-Projects here www.feltonmusic.co.uk/mini-projects

If you have any questions, suggestions or feedback or would like to join a group email felton4music@gmail.com

Most importantly, I hope very much that everyone, including families and friends has stayed virus free and as fit and content as possible.

It’s been six months since the last Noticeboard. That deserves an apology to everyone. It seems ridiculous that keeping going during lock down and the subsequent restrictions should absorb so much time and energy. Once Google Groups were set up and ways of maintaining some activity had been established by May, the impetus for the website was lost. Temporarily. The autumn lock down gives an opportunity to resume normal service.

At present Felton Music isn't using Zoom. If it was possible to syncronise musicians playing and singing together I think I would make the effort to get the hardware needed, upgrade the broadband and get going. There's still plenty doable with pdfs and mp3s. If you have ideas for help you might need or like to give by these means, even if it is just you, make contact.

In August we were able to start some group activities in Felton Village Hall working within Covid-19 Secure rules. These are now called Nightingale Activities. You can read about these sessions in the new section added under Activities in the top navigation -Nightingale Activities.

Over 30 people gave at least one session a go and we made use of the Hall 33 times until November 4. Dates are booked for December in the hopes that the Hall will be able to open then.

Drop In Singing

Drop In Singing has carried on with a weekly pack of Youtube links and materials issued each Sunday for people to sing along with if they want. There are about 14 songs in each pack, in a variety of styles. The last four topics were Songs with words ending in -ip, Night and Darkness, Secrets and Imprisoned. Next it's Remembering (a week late) and Songs that have a long note at or very near the beginning. The pack is completed with some links for listening. Did you know how many composers have been jailed? Everyone is very welcome to join the Drop In mailing list. Just ask.

Mini-Project

We've probably all got our established routines and to-do lists for lock down. If you have any spaces to fill, there's a new thing for you to try, a Coronavirus Mini-Project. I've enjoyed very much assembling the downloadable score reading projects Felton-music-downloadable-resources but they are lengthy both to write and to work through. I know that a few people have enjoyed them and found them useful. (I am determined that the next, which has been waiting to be completed for months will soon be completed and available).

So here's a much shorter project to tackle. There are quite a few pdf sheets to download, but that's because there's loads of help, clues  and guidance for you, so you can learn as you go. All the answers are there. You don't need an instrument – just yourself and a pencil. Use the hymn “Abide with Me” to work out the rhythm and pitches of the tune and write it out in music notation. A chance to improve your ear and music reading. It's impossible to say how long it will take you. If you are a complete beginner, maybe up to 2 hours? Less time the more you already know and can do. Download the pdfs here www.feltonmusic.co.uk/mini-projects

Do get in touch if you try it to say what you think. Was it accessible and useful – even enjoyable? The plan is to do more shorties like this, so get your feedback in quickly in order to influence the next one!

Life after the Pandemic

We've just heard the good news about the first vaccine's effectiveness. It's still going to be a very long haul but there is a glimmer of light at the end of the lengthy tunnel. I'm one of the many musicians who has lost all motivation to practise for myself. I admire so much those who have carried on. My singing voice has gone wobbly on some notes, and my instruments are on furlough. There's going to be a lot of refittening work needing to be done. Maybe Felton Music can help all of us who want to be sure we are ready to hit the ground running once we can make music without restrictions again. I've got a few ideas, and would welcome very much your thoughts. What could help motivate you?

Meanwhile, the Nightingale Groups will meet in Felton Village Hall whenever restrictions allow.

If you have any questions or feedback or would like to join a group email felton4music@gmail.com

After the last extra-large Noticeboard, we're back to a more normal sized one. That first frenzy of new opportunities for the locked-down has settled down and we are settling into new patterns of living. I do hope that everyone has stuff to do in the midst of the restrictions and concerns that is enjoyable and fulfilling. You can check out all the links and opportunities in previous Noticeboards by going to the Blog page and scrolling down.

There are several things I had been looking forward to doing that I haven't yet fitted in – not least regular practice so that I can make tangible progress – oh shame. As people start to talk about how isolation might start to lessen, I'm letting myself think about ways that at least some Felton Music activities could get underway again maintaining social distancing and minimising risk. That doesn't mean I am optimistic that change for groups like us will happen soon, with our older demographic and leisure focus. 

So I will still focus on what can happen virtually. I'm sure that for many, music will be taking a back seat to make space for other priorities, and others will be finding engaging listening, participation and learning via the numerous opportunities on line. Some are using Felton Music resources and I'm always ready to respond to ideas about what could usefully be provided, whether for existing groups or individuals.

Downloadable Materials

The third batch of Score Reading materials is now on the site. It's great to hear from people who are doing them, and saying they are finding them enjoyable and useful. That's enough to motivate me to do another batch. Any feedback is very useful. Are the links to the youtube recordings working well for you? I'm aware that if you print out the worksheets the links aren't live, and I've put the title of the piece not the full code for the location, so you can't copy and paste. Would you prefer to have the full location address? If, as lockdown continues, you think you might like to pick these materials up, do note that they are progressive, so don't lose heart if you try the third one and find it a bit tricky – go back to the first.

The most recent set will stop you getting bored for a good long time, as you explore Baroque Music. The main piece is for recorder, violin. 'cello, harpsichord and theorbo. Theorbo? Find out more on the Score Reading page.

If you can't print out the worksheets, I'm happy to post them to you – just let me know your address. And people don't have to live in Felton or come to Felton Music activities to use the materials. If you know of anyone who you think might find them useful, do let them know about them

Music Learning Accounts

There's another personal account on the How Music Learning Works page, it’s also on the Blog, do take a look. I'll be sending out invitations fairly randomly to encourage more people to contribute their experiences and feelings about learning in music, but you don't have to wait for one of those. There are some guidelines to help you get started – just email.

Book Reviews

Another page on the website has got its first content. There's an increasing number of books emerging that are of interest to those of us who are engaging and learning in music, and the first review is now available, thanks to Peter on the Publications page as well as on the Blog. Have you found a book, or resource in other media, that you've found interesting and think others could enjoy? Write a review of it. Again there are guidelines if you'd like prompts. 

Ongoing Activities

Drop In has settled into a pattern of singing along with youtube on Tuesday evenings or whenever it is convenient, and some of us meet up after our sing for Zoom and coffee.

The Better Recorder Playing group is carrying on with materials on line and a Google Group, and members of All Blown Out keep in touch with each other. One brave soul has even shared performances – they are wonderful and it would be great if others took a deep breath and had a go if they have the technology.

Felton Music Facebook

If you haven't yet asked to join, do. https://www.facebook.com/groups/2301881236700497/. Hazel Makepeace runs the site, and there are lots of interesting links, together with a chance to keep in touch.

Keeping in Touch

I'm very fortunate, being able to keep in contact with quite a few people in different ways. It's very good to hear how we are doing, so do think of an email if you've got the time – and I'm in the 'phone book. It doesn't just have to be about music!

---

This book is not a good read; it is a wonderful experience!

If you want to dip into the world of classical music; if you want to sample different composers; if you want to know what’s behind familiar music; if you want to experience that wonderful surprise of discovering a riveting new piece…then this book is for you!

In it, Clemency Burton-Hill (a BBC music correspondent) presents us with a recommended piece of classical music for each and every day of the year. Yes, 366 pieces of music, one for each day (in a leap year!) And don’t worry about finding these recommendations - they are all accessible on YouTube to be listened to.

For each day, Clemency’s choice is linked to that date : it might be the anniversary of a first performance, or the anniversary of the composer’s death, or an incident that led to the composition…and Clemency discusses it in a most fascinating and readable way, often sharing her own emotions about the piece.

I find that knowing a bit of the story behind a piece of music adds something special to it and makes it more meaningful. For instance, Samuel Barber’s very popular but hauntingly sad Adagio for Strings was chosen for JFK’s funeral (because it was his favourite). Or that Camille Saint-Saens wrote the Carnival of the Animals as a distraction - as he was wearing himself out trying to finish his 3rd symphony (he never intended it to be
published, but said it was “so much fun”!).

Clemency also gives a fascinating insight into the lives and forces behind many of these composers, and, again, that hint of understanding adds an extra dimension to appreciating the music.

Delve into this book, and you will be regaled with questions such as, “So that’s that piece of music!” , “ Why have I never heard this before”, “Must hear more of this composer!”, “Well I never!” or, simply “WOW!”

I heartily recommend this experience. It’s my second year with this book - so I’m going through it all again! 

Peter Hall
May 2020

I’ve needed to go as far back as my childhood to explore and establish the roots of my musical journey so far.

My parents were very fond of music, whether listening to it, singing or playing the piano or organ, albeit with differing levels of competency between them. Perhaps it may have had something to do with their respective parents, who had pianos in their houses, went to church and sang hymns with the congregation, which could have had some influence on my parent’s love of music and the social aspects associated with it. 

It is likely there was an early subconscious development and appreciation of music for me. There was always music in the home and as one of four children, it was clear that music was a part of our everyday family life, ever present and always encouraged but never forced, and although my parent’s disposable income was non-existent, each of us was somehow afforded the opportunity of attending paid music lessons at some stage in our early lives. 

As a teenager I was sent for classical guitar lessons because I was developing a strong interest in this instrument. However, this was during the late 60s and sadly the lessons didn’t last long because the pull of playing electric guitar to music by the Beatles, the Stones, the Shadows etc was far and above more exciting than anything taught by a classical style of guitar playing by old man in a dingy old sitting room. 

As far as singing was concerned, I became a choir boy, then head chorister at the local church and as my boy’s voice changed there was progression to alto and finally bass parts and was something that just happened. I took part in chorus lines in Gilbert and Sullivan productions in my later teens at school and was involved in two bands, one pop and one folk music. 

There were clearly very happy memories associated with music. However actively participating in it diminished during the 70s where it seemed the norm to find girlfriends, buy homes, get married and start families and at a ridiculously young age. The result being that other than listening to records and tapes, anything else musical became largely dormant for many, many years.

On reflection playing the guitar in pop and folk bands, singing in the church choir and as part of the school’s operas clearly left deep rooted memories which became aspirations that ‘one day’ a musical interest might revive itself and become a reality with more spare time.

Adult-life was accompanied by the absolute joys of two young children and followed a period of deep sadness and crisis where solace was very often found in listening to the right sort of music depending on my mood. 

Having been blessed with a practical hand, an opportunity presented itself in the 90s to build a Mandola, an eight stringed instrument that provided a creative mental diversion which was also musical. During its construction I was interested in and was able to see in reality the relationship between maths and notes associated whilst setting the frets in the finger board to achieve as perfect a tuning as possible whatever the length of the finger board. Subsequently this instrument was used for a time by a folk band and continues to be treated with respect by me.

I have always ‘picked up’ music when needed and found it comforting in times of sadness and joy. Almost two generations on, I knew I could sing in tune, strum (not play) a guitar, sing harmonies in tunes, sight read music (in a rusty fashion) and know the treble and bass clef, but was largely inactive musically and that could only be described as an unfulfilled gap in my life.

What was lacking was the need to understand the theory associated with music and combine it with the practical aspects such as singing and playing it. 

I am fortunate to live in Felton with my wife where over the recent years there are opportunities to participate in an increasingly diverse range of musical and music learning activities provided by talented and motivated musicians within the village. This has been the catalyst in motivating me to attempt to fulfil earlier aspirations associated with learning in later adulthood and filling that gap. 

The emotions evoked with music and music learning are many. I am convinced that being able to draw on past experiences and long dormant years of basic music knowledge has undoubtedly helped in the learning process as an adult. However the inevitable and usual adverse memory changes can be both irritating and frustrating at times. 

Singing once again with different people or being part of a choir is incredibly enjoyable both socially and musically. It can be highly stimulating when experiencing sadness or joy, or those wonderful spine tingling moments in a particular piece of music. It can be challenging when learning a new piece, can be frustrating and can be irritating should someone hit a wrong note. 

There are many rewarding and interesting moments as the learning is improving confidence in my knowledge of music and is enabling me to sing more confidently, which aren’t the same thing. It also allows me to completely wind down and relax both physically and mentally from busy and stressful days.

Other members of my family have expressed a wish for a similar experience having seen the benefits music learning has given me.

It's a much longer Noticeboard than usual, but don't be put off. It's because there is such an increase in online opportunities, from a couple of new things on this website to the amazing explosion going on worldwide. So do scan through it – there could just be something you'd have missed otherwise, and could really enjoy.

Free Streaming of Concerts

The Noticeboard usually opens with matters close to home, but this time, let's start on a global scale. Unable to get to a concert or opera? Remembering those days we could travel? Forget the dreaming - visit opera and concert halls all over the world without any risk of missed connections, bar queues or noisy neighbours. During the worldwide lock down, numerous classical music providers are streaming their performances. Some are live, some archived. And they are all FREE.

Classic FM is constantly updating an index of everything they know of, by organisation and date. There are straightforward videos of conventional performances, virtual performances by top musicians, workshops and other goodies. It's worth spending half an hour browsing the list – and checking it again in a few days for new things. At last I shall have something to put into my diary in addition to Drop In singing, NHS applause and shopping. I'm spoilt for choice – I think you will be too!

Here's the link: www.classicfm.com/music-news/live-streamed-classical-music-concerts-coronavirus/

It may well be there are similar lists to free streaming of musicals and ballet. If you know, do email, and they can be added to the next Noticeboard.

Felton Music Learning Materials

You can't be in receiver-mode all the time. Learning is good for all of us if we can find a corner of time for us. I'm thrilled that several people have tackled the first Score Reading project that went onto the website a couple of weeks ago. At least two have completed and enjoyed it. (Cake for you when we can meet again!). The second project is on the website now. It builds on the knowledge and skills the first covered. There's more variety in it (I do listen to feedback), and there are optional extras. Improve your ability to relate notation to sound, sharpen your ears, understand more about how music works, and even learn a bit of music history. You can download from the Score Reading page. If you can't print out the worksheets, I'm happy to post them to you – just let me know your address.

Sing and play along with wonderful music 

In the course of planning and writing the Score Reading materials I realised there is another marvellous opportunities for people who like singing. It would suit anyone who likes classical music and would like to join in some iconic pieces of music. It is brilliant for anyone who wants to practise reading music without lots of theory – just doing it.

There's an increasing number of youtube recordings with the score (the sheet music) on the screen. It scrolls or changes to next page with the music. There's a whole project devoted to J S Bach. Gerubach, the Scrolling Bach Project aims to provide all educators, composers, musicians and music lovers with a free online library of Bach's entire collection of his compositions in a scrolling format.

Go to www.youtube.com/user/gerubach/playlists to see the index of everything they have so far. These are not computer generated sound tracks, but good quality real performances. This Easter I'm planning to sing along with at least one of the Passions – I've never sung the whole of either of them. 

I haven't yet found an index of other composer's pieces with scores, but if you search eg. “Handel youtube score” you get pages of stuff. Here's “Zadok the Priest” which I found that way. It's performed by The Sixteen, and of course is in English. www.youtube.com/watch      

There's a link to a longer Handel piece in the second Score Reading Project – there's a bonus! Searching for a particular piece seems to work too. I put “Mozart Requiem youtube” into Google and on the first page was this, directed by John Elliot Gardner  www.youtube.com/watch.

There's quite a bit of serendipity in this process. I looked for Vivaldi's Gloria, a piece I know several Felton Musickers have sung and enjoyed. I couldn't find the whole piece with score, but in the process came across this wonderful mix by various professional choirs. www.youtube.com/watch. It starts with a bit of the Gloria, and offers you a programme of delicious music from the Renaissance to the Classical. And you have the score to look at for all of them. Copyright affecting the sheet music prevents recent compositions being available this way. If you find something good, do share.

Another exciting MOOC

Any signed up for a MOOC yet, on music or anything else? See the last Noticeboard if you are are wondering what a MOOC is, or go straight to the Learning Music With Other Providers page here on the website. Although I'm already stuck into one on Archeoastronomy - fun to do something different and it's motivating me to learn some stars, the thought of possibly weeks more being locked down has made me join another. Just too tempting. “How Music can Change Your Life”. How could I resist? It's no 14 on our list. Any one going to join me?

Matters closer to home

• There are some new materials on the website, the first items on the How Music Learning Works page. Three people have kindly written about their experiences learning music things as adults. Three very different accounts. Do take a look. If you would consider writing an account of how it is or has been for you, that would be great. Email for the guidelines.

• The Showboat quiz answers is going on the Felton Music Facebook page: www.facebook.com/groups/. Siobhan is the winner – and possibly the only one who completed it. More cake. If you know different, do say. There have been comments that it was difficult. I thought it would fill in some idle minutes, having something to research on line, but Felton Music people are very busy. If there is another, it will be much more straightforward.

• Drop Inners are receiving links to youtube performances of song to sing along with on Tuesday evening and some of the group have been exploring Zoom for linking up. Community singing really doesn't work, but we've enjoyed a post-singing coffee-break together. If you'd like to join in, email.

• The Better Recorder Playing group are in touch with each other and receiving their course materials online. Any other recorder players who would like to have contact with like-minded people? All Blown Outers are also in touch with each other, about music and all sorts of other things. MadriGals would have been starting their summer season of rehearsals and performances about now. Watch this space – I have a plan!

• If there is any way that you feel Felton Music could help you keep in contact with others, and/or keep your musical motivation up, do email.
  

Until the next Noticeboard, in around two weeks' time, keep safe and as happy as possible.

Alison