2024-2025 HMRS Season Begins

Our first virtual mini-workshop on Saturday, September 7 marked the first activity of the new season! Our friend, Glen Shannon, presented another outstanding morning of music and commentary that was attended by 28 participants from HMRS and our cooperating chapter, the Recorder Society of Connecticut (RSC). The joint sponsorship of our series of 10 mini-workshops during our season by HMRS and RSC allows us to enjoy virtual coaching by outstanding presenters from across the US and UK. Because of the Labor Day holiday, our schedule for the month is a bit condensed so HMRS members are alerted that the first in person playing session will occur on Sunday, September 15. See the Activities page of the website for details.

We are pleased to report that 19 HMRS members have renewed and we have also received a number of generous donations! Those members who have not yet renewed are reminded that with the season activities underway, the deadline for renewal is September 30. Final dues reminder notices have been emailed by the Secretary. Why not save postage and bring your check to the playing session on Sunday?

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Music Doesn’t Stop in July

HMRS doesn’t have formal activities in July. There are so many activities for musicians in July and many HMRS members have an abundance of gigs with a variety of groups large and small. School kids may attend music camps and clinics but adult members of musical groups get in on the summer action as well. One of the premier annual “camps”, Amherst Early Music, went on the road to Union College in Schenectady early in July and presented its fabulous array of classes, concerts and fun with music from the medieval to today with an emphasis on early. Attendees played lots of sizes of recorders and viols in addition to singing and dancing. There were opportunities to study the history of early music as well as early systems of musical notation in addition to specialized instrumental and vocal techniques with outstanding performers.

Five members of HMRS, Linda Botimer, Judy Pardee, Janith Mason, Deb Segal and Kathy Kuhrt attended at least one of the two weeks of camp.

Our musicians presented concerts culminating in a presentation on the final Saturday morning. A large group of mixed instruments and a double choir presented three pieces by some lions of the Renaisance in the Nott Memorial, a high-ceilinged circular building with a lively and rich sound. The performance was quite impressive.

Kathy and Janith playing bass and tenor recorders on a Gabrielli mass excerpt. Deb, Judy and Linda were also playing but not clearly visible in the huge group.

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Note change of coach for May 4 Virtual Mini-workshop

Due to a scheduling conflict, Jen Carpenter will be unable to present her previously scheduled virtual mini-workshop on May 4. We are very pleased to present a replacement coach for the May 4 mini-workshop. Frances Blaker, will present a program that should be most interesting and you will not want to miss it. Frances is a very well-known performer, coach and presenter and will be part of the staff of the Amherst Early Music session at Union College this summer. Check out her biography on the Activities page. We hope to plan a mini-workshop with Jen next season.

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Upcoming event of interest to early music fans

One of our affiliated consorts, the Bleeker Consort, will present a concert , “Winter Pastimes” on February 25 at 3pm at the Shaker Meeting House in Albany. For concert details see their website at https://home.shakerheritage.org/event/bleecker-consort-in-concert-winter-pastimes/

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