What is a “Come and sing” weekend?
It’s a wonderful weekend designed for all who love a good sing, regardless of age or experience. You will also enjoy wholesome food, tremendous friendship and the outstanding location of Sneaton Castle. We begin on Friday evening with the first of seven sessions and the course ends at tea-time on Sunday. Our spotlight
will be on Mendelssohn’s “Elijah”, which we will prepare for a concert performance in St. Hilda’s Church, Whitby. Friends and
relatives will be most welcome at the Evensong/ Concert and this year, for the first time, admission will be free!
Who will be directing the weekend?
The weekends will be directed by our two “Come and Sing” favourites.
Andrew Padmore has been a Director of Music in Secondary Schools and a Cathedral Organist & Master of Choristers, but now divides his time between choral conducting and singing teaching. As a choral director he has conducted on 3 continents; he has worked with diverse forces from small chamber choirs at the BBC, to the largest of choral societies e.g. Huddersfield Choral Society. He is Conductor & Artistic Director of the Yorkshire Philharmonic Choir and has recently become Conductor of the Harrogate Choral Society. He is in great demand as a guest conductor and master-class clinician. As a singing teacher he coaches a wide range of vocal abilities and is frequently consulted by professional singers with vocal problems. He adjudicates and has judged at International Choral Competitions, and is also an examiner for ABRSM grades and diplomas, as well as mentoring on their professional development course for singing teachers. Away from music, Andrew enjoys driving fast sports cars, is the proud owner of an ebullient Springer Spaniel called 'Morgan' and two rather special tortoises.
Gareth Green achieved his first musical diplomas at the age of fifteen. Three years later he collected the Dixon and Turpin prizes for FRCO and was already engaged as a recitalist around Europe. Gareth held Organ Scholarships at St. Paul’s Cathedral, London; Worcester College, Oxford University; Canterbury Cathedral. In 1983 he became Assistant Organist at Wakefield Cathedral. In 1985, he was appointed Director of Music at Queen Elizabeth Grammar School, Wakefield, leaving in 1990 to pursue his free-lance interests as an organ recitalist, choral conductor, accompanist, adjudicator, composer/arranger and Associated Board examiner. Gareth is also now an Associated Board trainer and an international co-ordinator. He has worked for BBC Religious Broadcasting as a musical director for `Daily Service` and as an organist & pianist on `Songs of Praise`, `Sunday Half Hour`, BBC Chorister of the Year finals etc. Gareth has released various recordings, both as a soloist and choral accompanist, and his musical endeavours have taken him as far a field as America, Bermuda and Singapore. He offers consultation lessons at his home in South Yorkshire and also teaches theory of music online. In his spare time, he enjoys reading, walking, swimming and consuming blue Yorkie bars.
How will we spend our time during the weekend?
| Friday | |
| Afternoon/early evening | Sneaton Castle will welcome “Come and Sing” participants. |
| 5.30pm | Bar open. Introductions |
| 6.30pm | Dinner |
| 7.30 - 8.30pm | "Come and Sing" session one |
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| Saturday | |
| 8.15am | Breakfast. |
| 9.30am | “Come and Sing”, session two |
| 11am | Coffee is served. |
| 11.30am | “Come and Sing”, session three - `Putting it together so far`. |
| 1pm | Lunch is served. |
| After lunch | Free time to relax, to chat, or to explore the grounds, the coastline or the moors. |
| 5.30pm | “Come and Sing”, session four. |
| 6.30pm | Dinner is served |
| 7.30pm | An informal light-hearted soirée, during which “Come and Sing” participants are invited (if they so wish) to contribute a musical or other item in the best or worst possible taste. |
| 9.30pm | Relax until you are ready to retire for the night. |
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| Sunday | |
| 8.15am | Breakfast. |
| 9.15am | Clear rooms. |
| 9.45am | “Come and Sing”, session five. |
| 11.15am | Coffee is served. |
| 11.45am | “Come and Sing”, session six . |
| 1.00pm | Lunch is served. |
| 2.15pm onwards | Rehearsal at St Hilda's church. |
| 4.00pm. | Concert. |
| 5.00pm | We say our fond farewells until we meet again. |
What are the attractions of Sneaton Castle?
Sneaton Castle is a splendid establishment, which was once the home of a wealthy tea planter and later housed a girls’ boarding school. Now it is a comfortable and well equipped Conference Centre (ideally suited to musical endeavours), owned by the Order of the Holy Paraclete, an Anglican religious community. Situated on the outskirts of Whitby, Sneaton Castle is located close to the stunning Yorkshire coast line and to the North York Moors. The premises host a comfortable licensed bar and the home-made food will not leave you hungry! Special diets can be accommodated on request. Each of the bedrooms is equipped with a washbasin, and en suite rooms are available to those who would like them. (En suite rooms are always booked out very early.) The beautiful Chapel is used daily by the Sisters and participants are welcome to join them at any service. Sneaton Castle boasts a number of spacious meeting rooms, along with a children’s play area and a games room. During the weekend there will also be time to enjoy the well-stocked gardens and extensive grounds.
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How do I get to Sneaton Castle?
View Larger Map |
By road: From the north leave the A19 at Middlesbrough and take the A171 for Whitby. From the south, leave the A19 at York and take the A64 to Malton, followed by the A169 through Pickering to Whitby. In Whitby, follow the signs for Sandsend, leaving the A171 and joining the B1460 to Sneaton Castle. (NB – do not go to Sneaton village!) Road users wishing to consult an internet map should note that the post code for Sneaton Castle is YO21 3QN.
By public transport: Train – Take the train to York or Scarborough, followed by the coach to Whitby. Coach – Various Express coach services call at Whitby. The Yorkshire Coastliner operates between Leeds, York, Scarborough and Whitby. The `Arriva` bus service runs from Whitby bus station every 20 mins to Castle Road. There is also a taxi rank near the bus and railway stations. The postal address is: Sneaton Castle, Whitby, North Yorkshire, YO21 3QN. |
How much will the weekend cost?
We are pleased to be able to offer this “Come and Sing” weekend at a most competitive price. Besides the “Come and Sing” sessions, the fee includes accommodation, all meals, mid-morning and mid-afternoon refreshments. You are asked to send a non-returnable deposit for £50 with your application and the balance is payable by July 31st, 2008 for the October weekend. Applications will be received after these deadlines subject to places still being available. Applicants are strongly advised to take out holiday insurance. Depending on which option you select, prices work out as follows (inclusive of VAT):-How do I secure my place?
Simply print out and complete the application form and send it with your cheque for the deposit payable to 'Music Matters' to: -Karen Burnage, 'Come and Sing' Administrator, 15 Pashley Croft, Wombwell, Barnsley, South Yorkshire, S73 0LD.
We will acknowledge receipt of all applications and monies received. You are advised to book early in order to avoid disappointment. In the case of the course being over-subscribed, names will be placed on a waiting list in the order in which applications are received.How can I contact you if I have any queries?
You can contact Karen Burnage, the “Come and Sing” Administrator, on 01226 752738 or email Music Matters Courses at info@mmcourses.co.uk