WEEK ONE 2 – 9 August
Practical Conducting Course
Robert Houlihan director
assisted by John Longstaff
This orchestral conducting course is intended to fulfil the requirements of the established musician who wishes to gain and build basic technical and interpretive conducting skills. It would also form an ideal preparatory course for the conductors’ course taking place in week two of the summer school.
“…nowhere teaches the craft of conducting like it is taught in the courses at Sherborne”
The emphasis will be on practical work for all, including regular sessions on baton technique, score preparation and rehearsal technique. Observers are encouraged and are involved in many aspects of the course including the technique classes but do not receive individual tuition. It is hoped to form, from within the class, an instrumental ensemble to facilitate practical work and to this end all orchestral instrumentalists, be they participants or observers, are encouraged to bring their instruments. Provision will also be made for extra sessions with a larger orchestra.
In all cases, the nature of the work assigned will be at the discretion of the course director. It is recommended that students prepare the repertoire thoroughly before commencement of the course.
2025 Repertoire
Any reputable edition is acceptable but in case of doubt the following editions are recommended
Humperdinck Hansel and Gretel Overture Eulenburg
Mozart Symphony No.39 in E flat, K 543 Barenreiter
Tchaikovsky Romeo and Juliet Overture Eulenburg
Sibelius Karelia Suite, Op.11 IMSLP #218189 free download
Score Learning Techniques
Private lessons in score learning skills will also be available out of session time from John Longstaff. These will cost £25.00 per half hour and are open to all members of the summer school. Lessons can be booked at the school through the summer school office.
Please note. The summer school does not have a music shop on site. Students should purchase their course materials before they arrive at the school either from their local music shop or from our nominated internet supplier, Forsyth Music. The following address will take you straight to the Sherborne Summer School of Music section of Forsyth’s website where you will find the music for your course ready to purchase: https://www.forsyths.co.uk/189389-sherborne-summer-2025
Other conducting courses at Sherborne this summer
Wind Conducting 2 – 9 August
The George Hurst Conducters’ Course 9 – 16 August
The Art of Choral Direction 9 – 16 August