Moonrakers Folk Orchestra Workshops

Moonrakers (www.moonrakers.net) each year run a series of Folk Orchestra and Composition workshops across the country. They are for instrumentalists who wish to develop skills in arranging and playing traditional and contemporary tunes in an ensemble. Jon Bennett (guitar, ukulele, bouzouki, whistles), Jacqui Johnson (cello, fiddle, keyboard) and Becki Luff (harp, keyboard) have many years’ experience conducting workshops at Benslow Music, Halsway Manor and at several festivals. They work through a number of tunes drawn mainly from the folk idiom, inviting you to suggest arrangement ideas yourself. Music (with chords, melody, countermelody and bass) will be sent out in advance along with a video of each tune played at medium pace for those who learn by ear. Above all, it’s a rare opportunity to play with a multi-instrumental and welcoming group. For more information, go to www.moonrakers.net and www.facebook.com/Moonrakersfolkorchestra. If you want to discuss any aspect of the courses, call 01865 769206 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

3-7 March   Halsway Manor, TAUNTON, Somerset, TA4 4BD.   A three day (4 nights) residential Folk Orchestra Workshop run by Jon & Jacqui. All instruments welcome; intermediate standard (no absolute beginners). Music and videos sent in advance. Limited to 20. Book early because it's always sold out! halswaymanor.org.uk/  Any questions, call 01865 769206. SOLD OUT, but book for November. 

Sat 15th March  Eype Arts Centre,  Mount Lane, Eype, BRIDPORT, Dorset, DT6 6AR,  10:30am - 4:00pm. Folk Orchestra Workshop run by Jon & Jacqui. All instruments welcome; intermediate standard (no absolute beginners). Music and videos sent in advance. Limited to 20. Book early because it's always sold out!  £60  from Moonrakers at Eype Arts Centre (Saturday 15 March) - Bridport & West Bay   Any questions, call 01865 769206. 

Fri 9 May    The Stage at St Marys, KIRKBY LONSDALE, LA6 2AU. 10:00am - 4:00pm. Folk Orchestra Workshop run by Jon, Jacqui & Becki. All instruments welcome; intermediate standard (no absolute beginners). Music and videos sent in advance. Limited to 20. Book early because it's always sold out!  £60 (£70 with concert) from www.stmarysevents.kirkbylonsdale.org  Any questions, call 07914 79 5823. 

16-18 May   Songwriting & Composition weekend workshop, Benslow Music, HITCHIN. The course , run by Jon Bennett, will provide you with the skills necessary to compose your own lyrics and melody and give you an opportunity to play with other musicians. Suitable for intermediate/advanced players of any instrument, though as a songwriter you may be a beginner.  Further information at  www.benslowmusic.org  01462 459446.

6-9 June    Folk Orchestra, Benslow Music, HITCHIN.  The first of our annual residential weekend workshops at Benslow Music.  Book early!  www.benslowmusic.org  01462 459446.

12-14 Sep   Folk Orchestra, Benslow Music, HITCHIN, Hertfordshire, SG4 9RB.  The second of our annual residential weekend workshops at Benslow Music.  Book early!  www.benslowmusic.org  01462 459446.

7-9 Nov   Halsway Manor, TAUNTON, Somerset, TA4 4BD.   A weekend (2 nights) residential Folk Orchestra Workshop run by Jon & Jacqui. All instruments welcome; intermediate standard (no absolute beginners). Music and videos sent in advance. Limited to 20. Book early because it's always sold out! halswaymanor.org.uk/  Any questions, call 01865 769206.