Students are invited to book their Summer music day at Westbury Park Strings ! The fee is £15 only. These are highly recommended events, each limited to the first 12 violinists / 8 Cellists who apply. Students are to gather together, for an enjoyable afternoon trying out ensemble pieces, performing and listening to each other. This will give those who come on an individual basis an opportunity to meet others and to make new music loving friends. The occasion should be thoroughly stimulating as everyone will be encouraged to work respectfully between themselves. Criticism will be kept to a minimum, and to a purely practical level, in order to get pieces up and running. Children are not expected to play all the time, rather, to listen to new pieces, including pieces they do not know. The more advanced students will give great examples of what lies ahead ; the younger ones too are sure to impress with their "mature" tone and fluent bowing. Obviously everyone will have an opportunity to play their favourites and all in all there should be a great variety of music.

Residential Students

For an additional £10 a select compatible few (maximum 4/5) may stay the night (bring your sleeping bags for a sleepover), and do another ensemble session on the Sunday morning, then have lunch ( included is one of Simonetta's super pasta dishes - "far better than McDonalds" ) and Parents can come and collect after some pleasant afternoon games around 4-5 pm, and before we're totally exhausted !

Questions and Answers :

Will there be another chance if I'm away on holiday ? There might ! The second violin day ( August 11th ) will only take place if there is demand or a surplus on the first one. If there is still demand, there might be a third violin day or a second Cello day.

How do I guarantee my place ? Sign up and pay in advance. Ring us up closer to the date, too, but be prepared for disappointments due to limited space.

Can I come to both violin days ? If there is a second / third one, and there is place and you want another great musical day...then of course you can !

What time do we bring the children ? Aim to arrive between 1 and 2 pm on the day. We start at 2 pm sharp and officially finish at 5pm. After 5 pm anyone and everyone is invited to stay - the children no doubt will want to play games out in the garden... Parents can join in too ( but no cheating ! ).

Won't it be too tiring / heavy going ? Not at all ! The children will get a break and a drink, and I'll learn some new jokes and they will not be tired ; this is not a long day at school !

What do we parents get to do ? Parents won't be able to participate fully, due to lack of space. They can sit outside on the patio, or do some gardening ?! or come back later at the end of the day, with picnics, snacks and games to play for those who can't bear to leave or would simply enjoy an evening meal and chat with us !

Can anyone come ? Most students can apply, but a few beginners are advised to do another year so they can come with added confidence. Others who might like to wait until next year are those with limited sight-reading ability. If in doubt, check with us.

Will there be a concert at the end ? : Not until we convert and expand our garage into a concert hall ! However, if anyone wishes to improvise an outdoor serenade, or waltz, we’ll stop the football for a listen !

Contact details ? Roland or Simonetta at 52 Kellaway Ave, BS6 7XU. Tel. 0117.9241145

Westbury Park Strings www.wps.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk email : wps@blueyonder.co.uk