How it works
HISS has three complementary elements: progressives, pick and mix, and polysembles.
Progressives
Your Progressive is a series of classes that runs through the week, working on improving your technique for your chosen voice or instrument. This is usually the first session of the day.
Pick and mix
A daily menu of sessions over a range of topics, genres and styles. Explore a variety of genres, styles and instruments – or focus on one area – it’s up to you. Two or three sessions each day: make your choices the evening before.
Polysembles
Large mixed ensemble sessions, working on a set of pieces – which might be folk, medieval, renaissance or baroque. Often the final session of the day, after dinner.
Other activities
In between sessions, a Shortie may be wedged – HISS’s name for a 15-minute presentation on almost any subject, often given by a participant. Varied, witty, and often educational.
At the end of the day, join tutors and participants in the bar for a friendly playing session. This might be the fourth p – pure pleasure!
Timetable
On Monday, you can register from 2pm in the Meadows (dining hall) and pick up your room key and timetable. The first session is in the Conference Hall at 4pm, where you’ll meet the tutors. Then you’ll have your first Progressive class, followed by a Shortie presentation before the evening meal. From dinner-time, the sign-up sheets for the next day’s Pick and Mix sessions will be out. After dinner, your first Polysemble session. Then every evening, the bar is open and there will be playing and singing for anyone who wants to join in.
From Tuesday to Thursday, you’ll start the day with a Progressive. There will be four Pick and Mix sessions spread through the day, plus a Polysemble. Lunch can be whenever you like, and there’s free time afterwards to have a rest, or organise more music-making. On Wednesday evening, there’s a highlight: the Tutors’ Concert, when you’ll get to hear the professionals. On Thursday, there’s a Musical Banquet with opportunities for the established groups and any ad hoc groups to contribute items.
Friday: Classes as usual in the morning (but you will need to clear your room by 9.30am). After lunch, there’s a final informal concert in which all the polysembles perform the music they’ve been working on. The concert will finish around 3pm, and the course ends with a group photograph outside.
Our 2025 timetable will give you an idea of how the course is organised.
A typical day at HISS…
8am: Breakfast in the Dining Hall
8.45am: A short course meeting provides notices for the day, any late amendments to the timetable, reminders, and so on. Some tutors or volunteers may lead a warm-up.
9.30am: Progressive class
11am: Tea, coffee and biscuits served in the Dining Hall
11.30am: Second morning session
1pm: Lunch (bring your own or eat in the Dining Hall)
2pm: Free time
2.45pm: Shortie presentation
3pm: Tea, coffee and biscuits served in the Dining Hall
3.30pm: Afternoon session
5pm: Shortie presenation
6pm: Dinner in the Dining Hall
7.30pm: Evening session
9pm: Tunes in the bar.
“Lots of interesting workshops available, just need to use a time machine to get to all of them.”