Gateshead Viol Consort Residential Visit to Ambleside Cumbria

Thursday 11 November to Sunday 14 November 2010

In November 2010 The Gateshead Viol Consort undertook its first educational visit to Cumbria.
Eleven students aged between 11 and 16 years of age who are students at secondary schools in Gateshead supported by five teachers from the Gateshead Schools’ Music Service took part in this project. This was designed to prepare students for a lunchtime concert at Gateshead Visitors Centre located in the former St. Mary’s Church building at Gateshead Quays. This visit was facilitated by generous funding from the Sir James Knott Foundation and the Friends of Gateshead Youth Orchestra.

The group stayed at the Ambleside Youth Hostel, which proved to be an ideal base.  An inspection visit by Mr John Finnon and Mr John Treherne during the October half term holiday determined that this was indeed a secure and appropriate venue, with a large class room ideally suited for rehearsal.  Gateshead Council’s Risk Assessment (Evolve system) was also completed and approved.
The party travelled by Coucil minibus from Gateshead to Ambleside on Thursday 11 November.  The weather was poor – rain and wind – and the party arrived rather later than expected, at 8.00 pm.  An evening meal was provided and this was followed by a full rehearsal.  Curfew was set at 10.15 pm and rigorously observed.

Friday 12 November

The morning was spent rehearsing late 16th Century repertoire, and focusing on essential technique.  Ms Penny Callow, an expert on Renaissance Dance taught the students the basic steps of the Pavan and Galliard.

After lunch the party travelled to Keswick Pencil Museum and spent a happy two hours learning about the art of graphite mining, pencil manufacture and local socio-economic conditions.  Returning to Ambleside, the party visited Grasmere and William Wordsworth’s family graves. Subsequently there was more rehearsing, an evening meal, further rehearsal and an enhanced curfew at 10.20 pm. This too was well observed.

Saturday 13th November

After breakfast and a quick rehearsal the party travelled to the Amitt Museum College.  After setting up in the library, the ensemble performed to some fifty visitors for curator Debra Walsh had actively promoted the event.

After light refreshments the party returned to the Youth Hostel for lunch, then walked to Ambleside following the secure lakeside route.

After further rehearsal, dinner and an informal concert the students retired at 10.30 pm.

Sunday 14 November

The journey back to Gateshead was comfortable – a pleasant sunny day, without wind allowed us to enjoy the beautiful countryside of Cumbria and Northumberland.

The students who participated in this event all stated how much they enjoyed the experience and all members of staff were most enthusiastic.  It was a pleasure to see young talented musicians acquire new skills so quickly, and develop musically as well as socially.  It is hoped to repeat this project in late Spring 2011.

Thanks are due to all adults involved:  Ms Penny Callow for who coached treble viol and taught the dances, Dr Naomi Barker, Mr Erado Evans, John Finnon Master of the Viols and Mr John Treherne MBE Head of Gateshead Schools’ Music Service.