Because the mandolin is a relatively rare instrument it is unusual for mandolinists to get an opportunity to play together. The idea of MOOD is to bring players together to meet each other, to learn specific mandolin repertoire, and to develop technique and expertise.

MOOD is open to players of all sizes (and shapes) of mandolin, from piccolo to mando-bass, as well as closely-related instruments such as bouzouki.

Each session will begin with a workshop focussing on elements of technique and answering participants' questions. Then we will learn and rehearse pieces specially written for mandolin ensemble. Repertoire will be drawn from the 'golden age of mandolin orchestra' as well as arrangements of new and traditional pieces.

It will be helpful to be able to read music, but not essential - audio files as well as scores will be on the web in advance of each session. Parts will cater for a range of abilities - basic knowledge of your instrument required. All ages are welcome - minimum age 14 years old.

£25 / £15 concs (income-related benefits & full time students).
Book your place now to ensure your place.

There will be an all day event on Saturday 14 July 2012 with workshops (11.00am - 5.00pm) and an evening concert performance (7.30 - 9.30pm) with the very wonderful Simon Mayor & Hilary James - £25 / £15 concs (income-related benefits & full time students) for the whole day and concert.

MOOD workshops / rehearsals dates for Autumn 2012 are:
Saturday 22 September
Saturday 13 October
Saturday 10 November
Saturday 8 December

Each session runs from 2.00 - 5.00pm
Per session fee: £15 / £10 concs (income-related benefits & full time students)
You can book your place by PayPal from the Wren Music website at http://www.wrenmusic.co.uk/index.php?option=com_content&view=category&layout=blog&id=66&Itemid=130

MOOD is directed by Matt Norman from Wren's team of ace musicians and workshop leaders. Matt is gaining a well-deserved reputation as one of the leading lights of the new generation of Devon-based folk artists. He is an innovative and entertaining musician, exploring traditional and contemporary English music as a performer, arranger, composer and songwriter. His imaginative approach to repertoire is complemented by his virtuosity on the mandolin. He has developed a unique style on the instrument, using rich textures and dramatic contrasts. Over the past couple of years Matt has regularly performed at major folk festivals in England and Europe, including the Sidmouth and Baring-Gould Folk Festivals. His CD Eight Days Late (Wren CD007) has been well-received by lovers of acoustic folk music. Songlines Magazine commented, "Whippersnapper takes on big English tunes, and wins". Recently he has been recording and touring with Ella Edmondson, including performances at the Plymouth Pavillions and Royal Albert Hall supporting Jools Holland, as well as playing with BBC Folk award winner Jackie Oates.

The golden age of mandolin orchestra
In the early twentieth century the mandolin had something of a golden age. Across the country there were ensembles springing up in every major town, some were a mixture of banjo, guitar and mandolin, others were mandolin orchestras. Mandolin orchestras were modelled on the classical string orchestra, with first and second mandolin, mandola, mandocello, and even sometimes the rare mando-bass. Some orchestras played to a professional level, but many were amateur groups who met socially and played at local events. A large corpus of music was written for these ensembles; specially written for these instruments it displays their best qualities. With the lessening in popularity of the mandolin this music has largely been forgotten; although its style is old fashioned it has a charm of its own and represents the pinnacle of music written for plucked string instruments.

For more information visit http://www.wrenmusic.co.uk/