A chance for you to indulge in massed playing for recorder. You will need to be able to read music comfortably, but need not be an expert, as there will be many players on the same part. This is a great way to ease back into playing after a long break. The leader will be Megan Ward.

The first hour will be for those who are a little unsure of their abilities. There will be the chance to practice your parts in a supportive group. The second hour will include more experienced players, and will add bass, great bass and contrabass recorders to the mix.

The AGM should take only an hour or so, and will be followed by massed playing and supper. Please bring instruments and a contribution towards a shared supper.

If you have topics you would like to have aired at the AGM, please email our secretary Helen Pollock.

Our first soiree for 2017.

A chance for you to indulge in massed playing for recorder. You will need to be able to read music comfortably, but need not be an expert, as there will be many players on the same part. This is a great way to ease back into playing after a long break. The leader will be Kamala Bain.

The first hour will be for those who are a little unsure of their abilities. There will be the chance to practice your parts in a supportive group. The second hour will include more experienced players, and will add bass, great bass and contrabass recorders to the mix.

Combined soiree and pot-luck dinner! Please bring a dish.

A chance for you to indulge in massed playing for recorder. You will need to be able to read music comfortably, but need not be an expert, as there will be many players on the same part. This is a great way to ease back into playing after a long break. The leader will be Bernard Wells.

The first hour will be for those who are a little unsure of their abilities. There will be the chance to practice your parts in a supportive group. The second hour will include more experienced players, and will add bass, great bass and contrabass recorders to the mix.

Every year REMU arranges a weekend workshop at Strathean, a large house near Te Horo. Participants take part in workshops over the weekend, and usually get in a fair amount of relaxation as well.

This year is our 20th anniversary of Strathean, and we are planning something a little special.

• There will be two tutors - Kamala Bain and Jessica Shaw. Both are well-known professional recorder teachers and and performers.
• On Friday evening, Keith Riach will be running his usually hilarious musical quiz.
• Before dinner on Saturday evening there will be a concert. Items will be presented by the tutors, and from participant groups.
• The main meals will be catered. This will increase the amount of time we can spend playing.

REMU will be subsidising the event, so costs will be similar to last year.

Participants are welcome to attend for one or two days if pressed for time. There is a modest charge for facilities and for the tutor's fees. Due to the extra day and increased accommodation costs, the total cost this year is around $250 for the full three days. This charge includes tutor fees, accommodation and most meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner). If you attend for just day sessions, there will be a modest charge to cover tutor fees, Strathean use and meals.

Food arrangements:

• Thursday dinner: Bring or make your own. Strathean has a fully equipped kitchen
• Friday lunch and dinner: Fully catered
• Saturday lunch and dinner: Fully catered
• Sunday lunch: Fully catered
• Breakfasts: Cereal, milk etc provided. Bring any special dietary requirements
• Morning and afternoon teas: Everyone is expected to contribute - please bring snack foods like fruit, home baking, biscuits or cake.

There are takeaways and a supermarket in Otaki, a 5 minute drive from Strathean.

We already have a large number of bookings, and are approaching the full capacity of Strathean. If you have not yet booked, please advise Ron Ward (04 970 8420) as soon as possible.

Strathean is located at 212 Old Hautere Rd, a couple of kilometres off SH1 about 3km south of Otaki. You will need to bring a sleeping bag (or bed linen) and a pillow, and as many recorders as you can. Other instruments are welcome, especially early music instruments (lute, viola de gamba, viol, harpsichord etc).

There will be an electronic harpsichord available (tunable to A=415 or A=440) for general use, and we usually have several people that can play it.

Strathean is located in large park-like grounds, so there is always the option of time out and relaxation.

A concert presented by the Jongleurs Recorder Quartet. Programme features music from the early 1600s through to the mid 20th century.

Composers include John Bull, Giles Farnaby, Schein, Byrd, Purcell, Chedeville, Bach, Handel, Strategier, Charlton and Clive Richardson.

Entry by Koha. A light afternoon tea will be served.

Our final Soiree for the year.