Performing Arts

Adventure into Classical Music (70771/Performing Arts)

Do you enjoy listening to classical music but wish you knew more of it and more about it? This group aims to cater for you - we shall listen to all sorts of music - often starting from something familiar and then exploring pieces that relate to it, always accompanied by some explanation or story which sheds new light or asks an intriguing question. There will also be a strand of discovery in each meeting - in this presentation we shall be looking at the music produced by women through the ages.

Craven u3a Orchestra (70792/Performing Arts)

The orchestra welcomes instrumental players of all abilities. We have varying levels of skill but all share an enthusiasm for making music together. We have a wide repertoire ranging from Handel’s Water Music to Morricone’s film music. The rehearsals are always an enjoyable and rewarding way of spending an afternoon.

Drumming Circle (70799/Performing Arts)

Would you like to bang a drum? Then join this group. No experience necessary. Drum circles have grown in popularity in recent years as a means of enjoyment and improving people’s wellness. The circle will involve playing a mixture of simple rhythms on hand drums and other percussion from African to Latin. It will be led by an experienced drummer who will help you to play. Some drums will be provided but if you have your own that would be good too. Course will initially be limited to 12 people due to instrument availability. If you play drums and would like to assist that would be good too. The course will be weekly from Thursday afternoon the Oct 9th 2025 to Thursday Nov 27th between 2.30 to 4 pm at the Skipton Community Sports Hub.

Music for fun (70828/Performing Arts)

This course is purely for the enjoyment of singing and\or playing music. We are not a choir and no perceived ability to do either is required. If you only sing in the shower that's fine. ! Everyone welcome. We don't provide music but words and chords are projected onto the wall. We sing and accompany a very wide variety of songs old and new , including folk and sea shanties classic pop American song book jazz etc. We would like it to be a proactive group where members feel relaxed enough to request songs and \or lead them if they wish and make suggestions. Otherwise the course leaders will choose around a dozen songs each. We have a coffee break when members are encouraged to socialise. All instrumentalist welcome

Music theory, creativity and i (70829/Performing Arts)

This is a theoretical and practical creative music course supported by piano. We will explore how to develop your music ideas, come up with creative musical phrases and fit them into a musical framework – the start of improvisation and song composition. You will prepare your own musical ideas, (on your instrument or sing them out loud), and then transfer these ideas to piano, explore, harmonize and then develop them into improvisation and possibly a song melody. This course is aimed at musical instrument players with some experience/competency of chords, scales and arpeggios. Any instrument will be fine. In preparation for the above, we will also work on;-well known pop and jazz songs-playing from memory/by ear without music.-a mix of musical theory with practical demonstration-harmony and chord progressions

Musical Theatre: A History (70830/Performing Arts)

From its early beginnings to the 2020s, this course will take us through the development of musical theatre, looking at shows, composers, stars, choreographers, directors. It will make extensive use of video clips from performances of well loved shows and perhaps also introduce you some less well know but equally significant and enjoyable productions. I would hope to be able to include some audience requests if they are not already in the programme, so if you enjoy musicals this is the course for you.

Opera DVDs (70839/Performing Arts)

Madam Butterfly ( Puccini ),Carmen ( Bizet ).The Marriage of Figaro (Mozart ), Eugene Onegin ( Tchaikovsky),Akhenaten ( Philip Glass ), Beggar’s Opera (John Gay ).The end date for this course is flexible . We hav lots of DVDs in the Spring

Poetry Group (70844/Performing Arts)

An informal exploration of our favourite poems. We will read them, listen to them, and talk about them, all over coffee. Based around a BBC anthology, which will be provided (£2.50). No prior poetry knowledge required.

Popular Music (70847/Performing Arts)

Nostalgia is our choice of music. The sessions include delightful refreshments, good company and enjoyable music. We listen to various composers, approx 25 songs each week, remembering songs our parents and ourselves have enjoyed over the years

Recorder Continuers (70854/Performing Arts)

We are an informal, supportive, self-help group (no tutor), and members have a varied amount of musical knowledge. We play all sorts of 2, 3 and 4 part music. Ideally you should have some previous basic experience, but if in doubt please contact me to check standard needed. Requirements: Recorder and portable music stand. Additional costs: allow £10 for music.

Recorder Ensemble (70855/Performing Arts)

Four or five part music will be played on descant, treble, tenor and bass recorders, from different genre. It is an asset if members can play more than one instrument. The group usually plays at the u3a carol service in one of the Skipton churches. You will need recorders and a portable music stand. There is a £5 per term venue cost.

Singing Madrigals (70858/Performing Arts)

In this course we shall get together to sing examples of English madrigals and other simple part songs. Singing in parts is a group activity where we support each other and is good for both body and mind. Enthusiasm and a willingness to try will be more important than musical experience, although some knowledge of musical notation will help.