Ensemble 19/25

Welcome to Ensemble 19/25 - Halsway’s new skills development opportunity for musicians aged 19 - 25!

The focus for the week will be the development of ensemble skills, composition, arranging (both instrumental and vocal), in preparation for a performance at the end of the week. You’ll work intensively, covering topics at a pace before trying them out, honing them and using them to create new work with other like-minded musicians.

This new course aims to bridge the gap between the Halsway Young Folk courses and our general course programme - you’ll recognise the team from previous HYF Advanced courses, but participants will be treated as adults while they’re here. The timetable will be structured around the workshops and won’t include pastoral-focused activities.

Draft timetable

Monday - Material collection and composition
Tuesday - Musicianship (harmony, rhythm, articulation, ensemble etiquette)
Wednesday - Arrangement
Thursday - Arrangement and honing
Friday - Performance (venue TBC)

Who is it for?

All musicians aged between 19 and 25, who can play their chosen instrument(s) confidently, and enjoy playing and collaborating with others. You’ll have some experience of playing with others, and you might have taken part in a youth folk opportunity previously (i.e HYF, NYFE, NYFTE etc.). If you have aspirations of being a professional musician or educator, this is a great place to hone those skills.

The Team

Archie Churchill-Moss’s journey through the musical landscape is one of rich collaboration and unwavering commitment to the diatonic button accordion—a craft that has earned him widespread acclaim and reverence.

A pioneer in combining folk music with live electronics and a celebrated composer, Archie’s innovative approach seamlessly blends traditional idioms with contemporary composition. His keen attention to modern influences has enabled him to create soundscapes that expand the horizons of folk music. His music has resonated widely, receiving multiple plays on BBC Radio 2 and BBC Radio 3.

Archie's career as a session musician is a testament to his versatility and skill. He has collaborated with esteemed folk and traditional artists such as Seth Lakeman, Sam Sweeney, Cara Dillon, Jim Moray, Eliza Carthy, Sam Kelly, and Sam Carter.

Beyond the stage, Archie’s role as an educator amplifies his impact on the musical landscape. As a Principal Lecturer at Leeds Conservatoire, he has developed a teaching style characterised by warmth and insight, guiding musicians to discover their own voices within the rich tradition of folk music. His expertise also extends to the master’s program at the University of Limerick, where he works closely with postgraduate students to develop their instrumental performance skills.

Matt Norman is a performer, teacher, composer, arranger, workshop leader and conductor.

He predominantly works with traditional English music, steeped in the traditions of Devon and Dartmoor. He is also blues and classical musician, and a Dartmoor Step Dance Champion!

As a multi-instrumentalist, Matt plays mandolin, fiddle, mandola, banjos, piano and also sings. He performs solo and in bands including Gadarene and A New Vintage ceilidh band, and regularly deps in other line-ups. He’s also a singer and choir-leader.

Matt’s extensive teaching experience includes working in community and festival settings with all ages and abilities. He has a relaxed, fun and accessible approach to learning, tailored very much to the group. He has a broad expertise embracing mixed-instrument ensembles, choral and voice work, instrument specific tuition (mandolin, fiddle, banjo), and also step dancing.

Kate Griffin is a leading clawhammer banjo player, singer and composer on the UK folk and world scene. Described as “one of the top banjo players in the country” by virtuoso Dan Walsh, her innovative banjo style combines both traditional UK and American folk, whilst also placing the banjo in a contemporary global setting.

Kate has worked as a performer and composer over the last 7 years, touring internationally with her band Mishra, collaborating with Indian classical vocalist Deepa Shakthi, whilst performing with other projects including The Magpies, theatre company Pif-Paf, and the CBeebies Christmas Panto 2023.

Kate released her debut album ‘Tchopo’ with Mozambican timbila master Matchume Zango. In 2024 her love of the wild landscape surrounding her home in Sheffield came together with her musical talent for collaboration in co-composing music for Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre’s production of The Secret Garden.