The Riverina Summer School for Strings
See the video from the 2020 school
Saturday 11 January 2025:
Registration from 1.00 - 4.30 pm at Wagga Wagga Christian College, 401 Kooringal Rd, Wagga Wagga: collect your name tag and updated information about the school
Bush dance with the renowned Tin Shed Rattlers at Wagga Wagga Christian College Hall at 7.30 pm.
The daily program from Sunday 12 January - Friday 17 January:
The Riverina Summer School for Strings is divided into five main sections:
Nelson Cooke Orchestra & Tamaris Pfeiffer Ensemble - younger/less experienced players
Sessions run 9.00 - 3.00
The Nelson Cooke Orchestra and Tamaris Pfeiffer Ensemble will develop ensemble playing and team work within a fun musical environment. Special emphasis will be placed on developing:
rhythmic skills
listening skills (intonation, tempo, dynamics)
sight reading
leadership qualities
concentration
understanding the role of a conductor
rehearsal techniques and how an orchestra functions
general musical history about composers and playing styles
There will also be a daily element of chamber music where the students will play in small mixed instrumental combinations. The week-long program will culminate in an opportunity to perform in the final concert.
Charles Sturt Orchestra & Carl Pini Ensemble - older/more experienced players
Rehearsal: 9.00 - 10.30
The Charles Sturt Orchestra and Carl Pini Ensemble groups are for more experienced players and over the week will prepare a variety of works in a range of styles for presentation at the final concert.
Note: Membership of either orchestra or ensemble is not based purely on age and exceptions may be made where younger players of special ability would benefit from participating with more mature performers and for older players who would prefer to work in less-experienced group.
Sectional classes: 11.00 - 12.00
Each morning after the orchestra rehearsal, separate classes are offered in instrumental groups. These classes provide a rare opportunity to learn from outstanding teachers of each instrument and cover such things as repertoire, interpretation, posture and technique.
Andante Adult Ensemble 9.00 - 12.00
A chance for “late starters” and “lapsed learners” to play with other adults while working on a variety of pieces that aren’t too complicated and still sound great even if played a little more Andante than might have originally been intended. A range of classical, popular and celtic quartet and ensemble music will be provided and participants are welcome to bring something they are interested in. The afternoon will be taken up with Chamber Music or Mandolins, Guitars & Bowed Strings from 2.00 - 4.00. When submitting your enrolment, please indicate your interest in the Andante class in the Enrolment Comments text box.
Classical Guitar: 9.00 - 4.00
Classical guitar classes will cover fundamental and advanced techniques, phrasing, ensemble playing, knowledge of the fingerboard, harmony and sight reading. Intending classical guitar students should be of least Grade 2 AMEB level. This is a great opportunity for classical guitarists to develop new skills and broaden their musicianship. In the afternoon guitarists can combine with bowed string players or other guitarists in Chamber Music or join the Ensemble Playing in World Music class
The Mandolin in Traditional Music: 9.00 - 12.00
Focusing on traditional music from Ireland and Scotland but also branching out further afield, this class will look at how the mandolin (and other plectrum based stringed instruments) fits with music from tradition. We will dissect technique and learn how to listen to melody and rhythm in a way that can be applied to the instrument. In the afternoon, participants in this class will join in the Afternoon Ensemble Elective: Ensemble Playing in World Music: 2-4pm
Lunchtime Concerts: 12.00 - 1.00
All students are encouraged to participate in these informal concerts held from Sunday through to Friday as they are a great chance to play in front of a supportive audience. Solos are best to be done in the first few days, as later in the week there is higher demand and most of the programs are made up of ensembles.
Electives - Chamber Music/Mandolins, Guitars and Bowed Strings/Masterclass: 2.00 - 4.00
Chamber Music
Students who choose to participate in chamber music are organised into quartets and other string ensembles wherever possible. They will be assisted in forming groups and selecting repertoire on the Sunday and will be allocated a tutor to work with them. It is important to be aware that it is not possible for every chamber group to have a tutor with them at all times - students are expected to be able to independently apply the insights provided by tutor.
The Friday lunch-time concert will specifically focus on performances by chamber groups who have prepared material during the week.
Ensemble Playing in World Music
This class will examine the traditional music session and how to ‘hear' traditional melodies. We will look at the arranging for traditions that are modal (i.e. those without traditional arrangement beyond melody and rhythm) in a way that can be both formal and improvised.
Masterclass
An exciting new addition to the Riverina Summer School in January 2024 is the Masterclass elective, for advanced string players with a focus on solo repertoire. These will be open sessions where other school participants can observe RSSS music director Sue Collins in intensive classes with Australia’s up-and-coming virtuosi. To participate, send an expression of interest to contact@summersrings.com.au.
Conducting - not available in 2024
We were hoping to offer conducting with Johannes Fritzsch again in 2024, however we are sorry to announce that this elective will not run in the next school.
Saturday 18 January 2025: