WCCP Weekend

We’re always delighted to host West Country Concertina Players at Halsway Manor for their packed concertina workshop weekend for intermediate and advanced level players of all systems. You do not need to be a member of WCCP to come (though you might consider joining them – it’s only £10 annually); the weekend is open to all, though this is a popular weekend and priority will be given to WCCP members through an opportunity to book early.

There will be time to relax in the comfort of Halsway Manor, with evening playing sessions in the bar, plus an informal tutors’ concert on the Saturday evening. There’s also the option to stay an extra night and book for Sunday supper and B&B – the perfect time to relax and unwind after a busy weekend of music and socialising.

The Team

Carolyn Wade - Concertina Band

Carolyn is a retired teacher who has played music since starting the recorder at the age of 7. She took up the concertina over 30 years ago and fell in love with ensemble and band playing. She has coached and directed various music groups while teaching and has, for over 25 years, arranged music and run workshops for concertina groups.

Since retiring she spends a lot of time arranging music, for concertina and recorder ensembles/orchestras. She is the musical director of the Yorkshire Concertina Club and plays with The West Riding Concertina Ensemble. She regularly conducts and  tutors at Recorder and Concertina events. She has been the Concertina Band tutor at the Swaledale Squeeze for over 25 years.

Andy Turner - Anglo Concertina tutor

Andy Turner is a highly-regarded singer and anglo-concertina player. Way back in 1984 he won the first ever Sidmouth Singer competition, judged by Shirley and Dolly Collins. Today he sings and plays with Oxfordshire group Magpie Lane, ceilidh bands including Oxford NAGS and Geckoes, and is the musician for Headington Quarry Morris Dancers. His solo performances focus on traditional songs, sung unaccompanied or with sensitive concertina accompaniment, plus a few dance tunes. Andy’s  repertoire includes many lesser known songs from his native county of Kent, but also occasional item by writers such as Billy Bragg and even George Formby!

Sam Partridge -  English Tutor

A multi-instrumentalist and leading exponent of traditional English flute playing, Sam Partridge is highly regarded as a musician, composer, and music educator. Alongside performances in his own right, most notably premiering his Wind Quintet in 2023, Sam is often heard playing with instrumental 6-piece Pons Aelius, French dance trio Cri du Canard, and as a member of the Grace Smith Trio.

Sam first came to the concertina whilst studying music at university. After falling in love with this fun and versatile instrument, Sam has developed his style as an English concertina player in the Grace Smith Trio, and appeared as a tutor at the famous Swaledale Squeeze.

From 2019-23 Sam was in the role of Artistic Director for the National Youth Folk Ensemble, having been a regular member of the tutor team in the three years prior to this appointment. He currently provides flute and concertina tuition for the Folk and Traditional Music degree programme at Newcastle University, as well as running his woodwind workshops across the UK and abroad under the name Aerophone Club.

Iris Bishop - Duet Tutor 

Iris is widely recognised for her skill and originality in playing the Duet Concertina, with a subtle and expressive approach to song accompaniment and a solo repertoire that includes styles not usually associated with this instrument. 

She is probably best known for her playing alongside singer Martyn Wyndham-Read with whom she has toured in the UK and Australia and recorded extensively, as well as performing in theatrical productions of shows like ‘Maypoles to Mistletoe’ and ‘Down the Lawson Track’.

While continuing to perform with a variety of singers and instrumentalists, Iris is also in demand as a musical arranger and workshop leader, where she is inspiring a new generation of players with her enthusiasm and expertise.

Steve Dickinson - Concertina Repairs

As for previous residential weekends, Steve will be available for running repairs on course members’ instruments.  He can also give advice on more serious works outside the scope of the service provided to course members.  Steve is the proprietor of C Wheatstone and Co, Concertina Makers.