The sixth NHL Chromatic Weekend will be held over the weekend of the 9-10 June 2012. Following three successful years, it will again be held in Alderbrook School, Solihull. Arrangements for travel and accommodation will be similar to previous years.

Book Your Place

Places are limited due to the number of tutors available. Don't delay. Some bookings have already been taken.

You can register your interest by contacting Steve Dooley - see below. A list of nearby hotel and B&B accomodation will be provided. Payment can be by cheque, bank transfer or Paypal - details are provided below.

Course Details

There are two themes for CW2012, and the programme will cater for all abilities from beginners to experienced players. Viola Barends, from Holland, who ran very successful workshops at the NHL Festival in 2011 will cover playing ensemble, including use of chord and bass instruments.

Our wonderful teacher/accompanist, Chris Collis, will again be advising and playing, and Gerry Ezard and David Wright will focus on "your 10 minute performance". This will aim to equip everyone, whatever their ability, to give a short performance of a few well known pieces, with either an accompanist or the CD accompaniment.

Additional workshops include masterclasses, maintenance and music theory.

As usual, the music and accompanying CD, containing many backing tracks, with music for all abilities will be circulated in March, to give ample time for practice before the event itself.

There will be a full stage amplification setup, and advice on microphone technique and equipment.

We will be again be mainly staying at the Village Hotel in Solihull - remember, the earlier you book, the cheaper the rate! There are also several B&Bs in the area. Details will be supplied with joining instructions.

Reserve your place soon, the price for the weekend is only £80 which represents amazing value (excluding accommodation and meals).

Music and CDs will be sent out at the end of March, so we need to know numbers soon.

To book send a cheque or make a payment to NHL by PayPal for £80 and a note to:
Steve Dooley,
The Old Rectory,
South Pool,
Kingsbridge,
Devon TQ7 2RP.

Please indicate if you are over 18 or not, and if you are an NHL Member. Please include your email address if you have one. Contact Steve Dooley, steve@stevedooley.net, or Gerry Ezard, geraldezard@talktalk.net, 01656 784904, if you have any questions.

Feedback from the last Chromatic Weekend was very positive and here are a few of the comments.

• "All in all a great weekend."
• "In view of the wide range of abilities, genre preferences and individual expectations, I cannot see how the programme could have been improved. A great achievement!"
• " All the organisers and teachers gave us so much to help us, I wish it was on all week. It is wonderful to meet all the other players to swap stories and ideas."
• " Best so far I think. Beautifully organised and interesting throughout, Sympathetic and knowledgeable coaching and backroom support, a marvellous band plus a really good value (Village) Hotel. Congratulations, and roll on next year."
• " Great atmosphere, good instructors and superb venue."
• "Very informative and overall help for all levels of players."
• "I was very impressed with the organisation and enjoyed the weekend."
• "Enjoyed the course and gives some inspiration to start practising again."
• "Really enjoyed it, the whole course was great."
• "This was my first Chromatic Weekend. I was very impressed with the dedication and the efficient way Steve, Gerry and David organised the weekend and I was very glad to be there. I shall definitely be here next year with more preparation. It was also wonderful to meet all the other Chromatic players."
• "Excellent! Very friendly and supportive."
• "Thoroughly enjoyed the whole course - interesting, entertaining, educational and helpful."
• "Good fun, well organised relaxed atmosphere."

Further details and information from:

Steve Dooley:
Tel: 01548 531252
email: steve@stevedooley.net

Alderbrook School
Blossomfield Rd
Solihull, B91 1SN,
United Kingdom
+44 121 704 2146
For directions - click here

View details of the Chromatic Weekend 2010