Burwell Bash Home Page

Tips

Now that you've booked...

This page is for you if you haven't been to 'Burwell' before. It is definitely not necessary to do all, or indeed any, of the following. It is just a guide, for anyone who is seeking guidance!

Things you might not think of bringing:

  1. A tape recorder and a couple of tapes (or minidiscs or MP3 recorder or mobile!!) You can tape the tunes from the classes and play along with them when you get home! You can also tape the session tunes that you don't yet know. Don't go mad and tape every living moment though - you'll never listen to it all!
  2. Pencil and paper (manuscript paper if you want) so that you can take down the tunes to learn in your own time. These are also useful if you feel inspired to compose your own tune! You may not want to do this if you prefer to learn by ear!
  3. Every instrument you play - even the not-so-folky ones! These are always useful when preparing band pieces - previously people have brought along everything from northumbrian pipes and a cello to a trombone and a didgery-doo!
  4. Your dance shoes, if you dance!
  5. Insect repellent, if you are particularly prone to being bitten
  6. Sun hat, sun glasses and sun cream - we are usually blessed with good weather, and have tutorial sessions in the gardens!
  7. A towel, if you are staying in the house. Bedding is provided.
  8. Juggling balls, rounders bat, diabolo, frisbee, ...
  9. Ear plugs, if you are a light sleeper - although the walls are fairly thick, some rooms are not absolutely silent when a session is going on!

Tips to help your playing and learning:

  1. Practise before you arrive. Play through some tunes that you know, and then try some tunes that you don't. (You can find new tunes on CDs, the web, and in books!)
  2. Learn the 'Burwell' tunes from this website. This way you'll be able to join in with the sessions!
  3. Practise technical aspects such as ornamentation - if you know how to - and try adding them to a tune.

    4. Nearer the time...

  4. Get your brain in gear! If you read sheet music then try to learn a tune from a book off by heart.
  5. Get your ear tuned in to folk music: Try to join in with a CD which has a (slow) tune playing on your instrument. You could also go to a local session, where you can copy other people's fingers! If you're new to playing by ear, try reading the advice on this link before you have a go!

Doing the above things will help you to pick up the new tunes and techniques more quickly on the course. And, if you wish, you can perform your party piece in the folk club event during the week!


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