I started Arpeggione in 2009 with the intermediate course and 14 students ages 8-18. This has now grown through the years to around 72 students and over 3 courses. We have been incredibly lucky to be welcomed at the wonderful Milden Hall which is the perfect size for a smaller course. This venue is run by its owners, the Hawkins family who care passionately for the well being of the children. As well as fabulous food, the facilities are perfect for

our needs . The highlights of the day include our homemade meals, where the children sit at one long table in the barn with the staff. This is a great chance for everyone to get to know each other.

 

As well as experiencing some great chamber music and masterclasses, they will have the chance to hear inspiring recitals given by some of the tutors. They will experience perhaps their first concerto competition and for one lucky winner, a chance to perform in 2 concerts with the orchestra.

 

Each day starts with a technical class and most of the hard work follows before lunch. The afternoon is then more relaxed with the masterclasses, perhaps some improvisation and some shorter rehearsals. The evenings are given to art, sport, table tennis, table football, DVDs or just chatting on the sofas by the wood burner. The girls sleep in the fabulous barn and the boys in the newly built bunkhouse.

 

They often tell me that Arpeggione is the highlight of their year.