Solo Classes

Classes are offered for all string instruments, (including harp), Woodwind (including Recorder) and Brass. Most are still in the traditional competitive format, and all music played is free choice, allowing performers to play what appeals to them, and what suits them musically.

Broadly speaking, the instrumental competitive classes are categorised by level rather than age.

The four levels are: Elementary – up to Grade 2  Transitional – Grades 3-4  Intermediate – Grades 5-6  Advanced – Grade 7 and above.

Details of all String, Woodwind and Brass classes will be found in the new syllabus which will be available in late September 2012 

Harps

The Harp classes take place in the perfect setting of the Guildhall Banqueting Room. 

There are classes for solo harpists, but also "Music with Harp" which gives an opportunity for players who have performed individually to play together.

Please note: the Harp classes will be held on the Wednesday of Music Week in 2013

Details of the classes in the syllabus.

Full details of all classes can be found in the syllabus which will be available in late September 2012 

More Advanced Classes and Major Awards

The Jenny Paterson Young String Player's Award

As part of the generous bequest to the Mid-Somerset Festival by the late Jenny Paterson, an award  will be given to the winner of the class for String Solo, 14 and under.

This is in recognition of Jenny's lifelong interest in string teaching and her championing of new repertoire. The requirements for this class have been modified to take account of this, and at least one piece from 21st century must be included.

Thelma King Instrumental Award

The 5 Repertoire classes at Advanced levels are more demanding, with one piece from memory expected. These are qualifying classes for the prestigious Thelma King Instrumental Award in which one overall winner  is offered a place on an orchestral summer school, preferably the European Youth Summer Music course run by the British & International Federation of Festivals.

The award is open to all string, woodwind and brass players. The adjudicators will select from the Repertoire classes a shortlist that will then be asked to play in a final, late on Wednesday afternoon  in the Banqueting Room of the Guildhall. For this final you should play one or two of your repertoire class pieces (maximum 10 minutes)

The winner may be asked to play at the Thursday evening concert on 21 March, when the award will be formally presented.

The Premier Award

The String Concerto class will take place in the Guildhall Banqueting Room while the Wind Concerto Class will take place in the Braunsweig Room. The winners are invited to compete for the Premier Award of the Festival. They are joined by the Piano Concerto winner for a play off during an evening Music Concert. The award carries a substantial monetary prize as well as the fabulous trophy.

Georgian Music Class

The Georgian Music Class will again take place in Festival 2013 as appropriately as ever in the splendid Georgian Banqueting Room of the Bath Guildhall in the evening of  Tuesday  19th March.

Tom Clarke is again generously donating a prize of £150 to the winner.

Participants are invited to perform instrumental music composed in the Georgian period (1714-1830) and of any nationality.

The class is open to soloists and to instrumental chamber groups and ensembles. Period instruments and 18th century costumes are welcomed, to add to the atmosphere of the Georgian period, but are not mandatory!

For further details, please see the syllabus, which will be available on line from late September, or telephone the entry secretary on 01225 330521

See syllabus and Festival calendar for details