Pitchfolk 2024

Schedule

Fri Jul 26 2024 at 12:00 pm to Sun Jul 28 2024 at 05:00 pm

Location

Croscombe Village Hall | Wells, EN

Pitchfolk is a weekend of song, feasting and friendship, featuring workshops of polyphonic music from around the world, led by renowned choir leaders and educators who are expert in those traditions. It's a chance to step out of the everyday and familiar, and join a supportive group to explore the different ways the voice is used around the world.
This is the third year of Pitchfolk, and this time we'll have workshops of overtone singing, harmony singing from Eastern Europe and Cuba, and lessons in singing technique and singing for health and well being, plus storytelling sessions, and feasting and informal sharing of songs and performances in the evenings.
The weekend is open to adults of all genders. You don't need to be able to read music, or to be an experienced singer. You'll find that there will be many very experienced singers in the group, but there will also be a welcoming and supportive ethos. Combined with the skilled guidance of our music leaders, the workshops are intended to provide everyone with a challenge and an opportunity to grow as singers, but also to have fun.
In the words of those who attended:
'Superb workshop leaders, variety of workshop content, effortless community building through singing together, potential for developing into a jewel of a festival, embodying the best of small and local.'
'I enjoyed learning about different singing techniques. Great teachers. Great ambience.'
'A joyous and uplifting weekend... I absolutely loved it!'
'The joyousness of singing that music and dancing was wonderful.'
'Singing, camping, fellowship.'
'The small numbers made it intimate... I liked the eastern European songs especially.'
'Totally superb weekend of singing...can't wait for next year.'

Our venue this year will be the picturesque Somerset village of Croscombe, between Wells and Shepton Mallet, and our workshops will take place in the village hall, the George Inn, and possibly in the beautiful St Mary's Church. Camping and other accommodation options are available nearby.

MUSIC LEADERS
Afro-Cuban singing with Bombo Productions
The Afro-Cuban workshops will be led by two hugely experienced teachers and musicians, Victoria Jassey and David Pattman, who are amongst the UK's leading specialists in Afro-Latin American music. We've hosted them twice now in Bristol, and it's been great fun both times.
'Highly recommended for anyone interested in Afro Cuban folkloric music...Dave and Vicky have figured out the perfect formula to share their very deep knowledge in a really fun and relaxed but also intensive and challenging way. Only thing to be aware of is that this might be addictive.'
'Dave and Vicky are wonderful teachers and people, who love sharing their knowledge and passion for music. I feel so much joy and gratitude after every class I take with them! I can’t speak highly enough of Dave and Vicky’s classes...Thank you, thank you, thank you!'
'10/10 Over the years I've done workshops with Dave, and it's always been a great and rewarding experience. Very warm, friendly and energetic teacher, with extensive knowledge of this music. Can't recommend the course enough...this side of Havana, Bombo productions is the place to go if you want to learn the real essence of Afro Cuban drumming, music and culture.'

Overtone singing with Sound Transformations
Candida Valentino and Michael Ormiston are the UK's leading teachers and practitioners of Mongolian Khöömii overtone singing.
Khöömii is an amazing style of overtone/undertone or harmonic/subharmonic voicing/singing where one person seems to sing two or more distinct pitches at the same time. It originates among the nomads of the central Asian plateau, particularly the Altai and Sayan mountain regions of Mongolia and Tyva.

'Very amazing and even spiritual. Helped me explore vocal possibilities and improved very fast.'
'It was fantabulous! Amazing, patient and expert teaching from two great teachers.'
'It was a very positive experience and learnt a lot in a short time.'
'I love exploring the voice in many ways and this was part of the journey.'
'A really inspiring, fascinating week of vocal training, history lessons, ethnomusicological exploration. I loved it!'

Eastern European singing with Lena Leszczyc
We'll also be welcoming back Lena, who this year will be teaching Eastern European songs in the main program, and also giving workshops on vocal technique, and the use of voice for health and wellbeing. Lena's sessions have been highly popular the last two years, and we're looking forward to having more time to go into greater depth.

Storytelling with Sharon Jacksties
In addition to the main program, Sharon will again be offering storytelling exploring the history of the area and the music traditions we'll be learning.
Ticket prices
£130/95 weekend
£85/75 Saturday
£60/50 Saturday daytime
£15/12.50 Individual workshop
£25/18 Saturday evening feast
Catering
The weekend pass includes a Friday evening meal, lunches on Saturday and Sunday, and the Saturday evening feast.
The Saturday pass includes lunch and, if booked, Saturday evening feast.
Children
While Pitchfolk is primarily aimed at adults, we'd like to accommodate younger singers and singers with children, if possible. Please feel free to email us if you'd like to discuss this.

Where is it happening?

Croscombe Village Hall, Wells, United Kingdom

Event Location & Nearby Stays:

Host or Publisher Pitchblend

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