Performing Arts

Adventure into Classical Music (62341/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 - for this course presentation we shall look at the development of the symphony through the ages.

Craven u3a Orchestra (62411/Performing Arts)

If you play, or have ever played, an instrument you will be welcome at the orchestra. Our members have varying levels of skill, from beginners to the highly proficient, but all share an enthusiasm for making music together. Our repertoire ranges widely over the musical landscape – Beethoven, Handel, Sousa and Mancini all featured in our March 2024 concert. The rehearsals are always an enjoyable and rewarding way of spending an afternoon.

Culture Vultures (62352/Performing Arts)

A WhatsApp group where members alert group about upcoming arts events We often arrange to travel together and meet for a convivial glass before hand!.WhatsApp group who agree trips to theatre, cinema, music, dance. live arts in local towns. This has proved very popular and enjoyable in 2023-4

Improvisation classes - jazz a (62373/Performing Arts)

The course is an introduction to jazz and popular music improvisation. The aim is to be able to improvise around a melody and its chord sequence. It is jazz based but also includes other music styles.Any instrument would be would be suitable, but the player would need to have about 5 years’ experience, probably playing in a band or orchestra and have some practical knowledge of scales and arpeggios.The classes are aimed at both at beginners to improvisation and those with some experience/competency.The content would be a mix of theory, practical demonstration and individual session. The theory will cover the subjects of harmony and chord progressions.Including:•Major and minor scales, •Dominant 7th and Sustained chords•Diatonic and Pentatonic scales•Creating motives•Cycle of 5th•Jazz articulation•basic chord progression•playing from memory without musicThe practical sessions will include Pre-recorded backing tracks with written music scores.Later in the course, I aim to include a band/rhythm section for experience playing with a live band.

Music For Fun (62378/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.

Popular Music 1920-70 (62327/Performing Arts)

Over the past decade, we have listened to hundreds of records by singers, big bands, instrumentalists, etc,- from Bing to Barbra, via Benny, Beatles and Bacharach! This time, we are looking at the composers and their work,- George Gershwin, Jerome Kern, Richard Rodgers, Oscar Hammerstein, etc,- not only the writers of their music but the lyric writers of their songs. We shall hear the work of over 25 composers, by listening to approx 25 songs each week, as we follow "AN ALPHABET OF MODERN COMPOSERS" Everyone will remember the songs which our parents and ourselves have enjoyed over the years, and as our members will agree,-"Nostalgia is high in our choice of music". The entire six months will include delightful refreshments, good company and enjoyable music. We promise members, old and new a good time each week!

Recorder Continuers (62382/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 to members -Allow £10 for music

Recorder Ensemble (62332/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. Requirements: Recorders and portable music stand

Singing Madrigals (62385/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.

The Story Behind the Song (62392/Performing Arts)

This year we’ll be looking at protest and work songs, the early folk song collectors, songs from the 18th century and songs inspired by Shakespeare. The people who wrote them and the stories behind them.

Vivaldi: His Life and Music (62393/Performing Arts)

The story of Antonio Vivaldi and his music. Known of course for his “Four Seasons”, he composed several hundred concertos, as well as large amounts of church music, several serenatas and at least 45 operas. He achieved dizzying fame, yet died in poverty and was essentially forgotten for 200 years.