Quotes from feedback to Musical Chairs Summer School 2024

The following are a selection of the actual feedback that we received from the participants on the course:

• "My family loved it and were rather pleased with my modest contribution! I thought the event was outstanding and I am delighted that James R encouraged me to enrol. Everyone was so kind and helpful and I never imagined that in my 80th year I would have been invited to take part...The eclectic variety of music was challenging but full of humour. It stretched me to the limit and beyond of my capability, but that was OK. Our Tutor...was fantastic and our MD so encouraging and full of helpful anecdotes."
• "I just wanted to thank you and all the others so much for a fab 4 days at MCSS! It was lovely to meet everyone, whatever their function. You made us all very welcome....I don’t think I have ever been on such a ‘High’ after a concert..."
• "Once again, I would like to thank you for leading us through a most enjoyable four days. Despite my rapidly advancing years I now feel inspired to go on seeking improvement in my playing."
• " A huge thank you to all the team for the wonderful Musical Chairs Summer School...So many educational, enriching, challenging and FUN moments. The four days are well balanced between full orchestra work, section practice time, breaks for refreshments and socialising. PLUS - Superb lunches and delicious cake."

Quotes from previous years

The following are a selection of feedback from previous years:

• "It has taken me a while to come down from the 'high' that you all created on Friday. I feel honoured and privileged to have been responsible for bringing you all together and then playing alongside such a focussed and dedicated group of people."
• "Thanks so much Joanna. It was a splendid week. I do hope i can come again next year. We'll see. Bet you are both exhausted. Food was really fab, tutoring great, orchestra amazing. What could be better? Thanks so much to you and Jeff and everyone involved for making it so warm, welcoming, enjoyable and fun"

• "I definitely learnt a lot during the week. Sectional rehearsals taught me a lot and everyone helped each other ...I thought Geoff and the everyone else helping did a great job with the catering. I think you have a winning formula so I wouldn’t change it. People were very welcoming and friendly. I would love to come on the course again...Please pass on my thanks to everyone. I shall be telling the organisers and conductor of our orchestra about it."
• "Thanks once again for such an enjoyable week - well organised, challenging music, great learning and a super atmosphere. You must be well pleased! It flew by although I bet you and Jeff are shattered! Alastair was great - easy to follow and such a nice chap. Good to see so many old familiar faces as well. I have it in the diary for next year! Many thanks, Chris."
• "I just wanted to say a huge thank you to all involved in the MCSS this year; it was absolutely great.Best wishes - Barbara"
• "Really great, lovely music, smashing people XX" - Adrian C
• "Got a lot of useful tips from flute sectional. Nice to have the choice for catering –thankyou. Lovely welcoming atmosphere with friendly people. Lots of freedom to play as much or as little as I was comfortable with. Encouragement but no heavy pressure. I found the sectional and orchestra a bit noisy at times when I could have done with listening to what Bill or Alastair was saying. People practising loudly throughout meant for quite a bit of noise overload. And how about having a ‘retiring’ collection after the concert and giving the loot to a charity or to the church that is hosting us? Most people don’t mind giving something in appreciation of all our hard work! " - Sally Bedborough

• "Definitely coming next year. Loved the whole friendly sociable group. Great Experience. All staff very helpful and supportive. Band discipline not good! Found it to hear/concentrate when people spoke/played while conductor was explaining." - Barbara Tingay
• "Thank you so much for sending the pics and clips from last week. I’m suffering from awful withdrawal symptoms, but what a great four days it was! I feel really inspired to get down to some serious practise so that I’m a better standard next year. Scales....here I come!! I loved meeting the rest of the orchestra folks and especially the other flautists. And I still waking up with the various tunes we played going through my head! Lovely! "
• "I wanted to say a proper thank you for the course. It was so much fun, friendly and exhausting! I learnt a lot but more importantly have returned to my usual music feeling invigorated. I'll be doing an hour's practice every day - or so I think at the moment!! Joking apart the provided the impetus to keep going and have fun."
• "It was a very good course and I will definitely be booking again for next year.."
• " Thanks to all the wonderful staff, friends, family in fact whoever was involved in organising and running the course. They were all great - especially you. I do hope you've had a bit of a rest this week.."
• "My son is Alex Clark who attended your Musical Chairs Summer School this week. I just wanted to tell you that Alex had a great time this week and will very much look forward to doing it again next year. The concert this evening was absolutely great and I enjoyed every minute of it. All the choices of music were great to listen to. Thank you for taking the time to arrange this type of event for children (and adults). It is so worthwhile and great exposure to playing in an orchestra. ." - Ann Clark
• "As I don't live locally and will not bump into anyone from MCSS, just wanted to say what a great concert on Friday. Congrats and thanks to everyone involved." - Sue
• " Just about touching ground again now from the high of last week. It was fabulous. Thank you so much. I exceeded my own expectations, playing nearly everything, and felt it a real privilege to be part of such a great group. Well done on all the organisation. Hard work I know, but so worth it. Already in the diary for next year!! My crowd loved it and I have been told it'll be 8 visitors for the concert in 2019 all being well!! " - Chris Douglas
• "As a schoolboy in Sheffield, my parents were in the habit of taking me on Friday evenings to Halle concerts conducted by Barbirolli. None of those events were any where near as enjoyable or inspiring as this evening's. You have achieved a great deal by these Summer Schools. Congratulations and take a well earned rest. " - Alan Cox (Audience member)
• "Thanks for another great course last week. Thoroughly enjoyable, great fun and still challenging! Lovely to meet up again with so many old faces. My lot loved the concert and have already booked their bed spaces for next year so let us know as soon as the date is definite!! Many thanks to you, Alistair and all the team. " - Chris D (Participant)
• "Thank you so much for making Jemima so welcome into your orchestra. She loved every minute of it. Hope you don’t mind me reaching out like this." - Clare Nicholl (Parent)
• "MCSS was great fun - thanks. I think Al did a very good job of getting the best out of a mixed ability group (and I told him so!) You are doing really well with the bass, I'm impressed" - Adrian (Participant)