Hereford Folk Ensemble

About

Hereford Folk Ensemble creates a positive environment and an opportunity for people to gather and perform instrumental folk & traditional music. The community music group gives people a much needed lift, enabling them to switch off from the stresses of life for a couple of hours and make music together!

Performing in a community music group helps people calm down physically. The body produces endorphins - the happy hormone that affects every cell in the body – which lift the spirits and boosts the immune system.

Firm and lasting friendships are formed. People look out for each other, support each other, laugh with each other and feel fantastic when they hear the wonderful harmonies they make together.

Performing in an ensemble is not only about communality, social cohesion and harmony; for many it is an essential source of emotional wellbeing and positive mental health. It is a powerful expression of our culture and humanity!

We perform arrangements of folk & traditional music under the leadership of Tom Hughes (Music Practitioner/Director).

FAQ

Who is the ensemble for?

Anyone interested in learning/performing folk & traditional music. Those who are looking to learn something new and perform with others in a fairly informal setting. Those who have experience at a suitable standard on their instrument(s). You may have had formal music training or be self-taught. We welcome adults and children aged 14-17 years old. Children aged 14-17 years old must be accompanied by an appropriate adult. We ask that a parent/guardian stays with them until the meeting starts and pick-up promptly. Also, parents who are musicians themselves can join their child and be part of the ensemble!

What type of instruments?

Folk instruments, strings, woodwind, brass and percussion. We will do our best to accommodate all instruments!  Most tunes will be in the original keys of G, D, Em and Am. Scores will be available in treble & bass clef and parts for C, Bb and Eb instruments. Please let us know in advance if you have any specific requirements.

What level is the music?

It ranges from grade 1-4 standard (tune/harmony G3-4 & access/bass G1-2). The majority of tunes are arranged in 3 or 4 part harmony consisting of melody, harmony, access line, bass line and chords. So, there is likely to be a suitable part to meet your level of playing. If you aren't confident at reading music, don't worry as you can learn by ear. There is also online support for rehearsing at home between meetings. Over time you will develop musical skills and most importantly, we want the meetings to be enjoyable, non-competitive and stress-free! Score samples are available on the tune bank page to give you a general idea of the level.

Where and when does the ensemble meet?

We meet at Hampton Bishop Village Hall, Hereford HR1 4JY between 7:30-9pm on the 2nd & 4th Friday of each month. Please arrive between 7:15pm-7:30pm to setup.

Is this like a pub session?

No, we are a community music class/ensemble. Tunes will be taught at a steady pace and we will develop these together as a group over time! Members can learn all the parts and decide to perform whichever best suits their level of playing or instrument. On occasion, you will be asked to perform a specific part if comfortable in order to get a good balance in sound!

Will songs/singing be part of the repertoire?

No, our repertoire will consist of tunes. If interested in joining a choir, please visit the webpage of Hereford Community Choir.

What is the fee/subs?

The non-refundable fee/subs is £5 per meeting. This can be paid termly in advance, monthly or pay per meeting. Cash payments can be made in person at meetings or you can pay by BACS.

Do I have to attend every meeting?

No, but we recommend you attend when possible. Each meeting will consist of a warm-up/starter, learning and developing a couple of repertoire pieces and gradually introducing new music. Online learning resources are available for support between meetings/practicing at home or if you miss a meeting.

How do I join and what do I need to bring?

Please complete the online registration form prior to joining. This will provide us with all the details we need so that our Music Director can prepare musical arrangements, scores and general admin. If registering on behalf of your child, please complete the consent part of the form. You will need to bring your instrument(s), music stand, music folder & pencil. We will do our best to notify you of music we will be working on in advance of each meeting.

Please get in contact if you have any further queries.

Polo Shirts

Polo shirts are available for members to purchase in a variety of colours.  Ideal for wearing at performances!    Turnaround is 15 days standard delivery.  Cost (including VAT & standard delivery) £18.20