As well as Progressives, Polysembles and Pick and Mix sessions, other activities are on offer through the week.

Tutors’ Concert

Taking place on Wednesday evening, this showcases the talent of all of our tutors in both solos and a variety of group combinations.

From loop pedals to portative organ, and all manner of strings, wind and early brass, this jam-packed concert presents the sheer breadth of interests and virtuosity of our tutor team.

Shorties

Shorties are presentations given by participants or tutors, around 15 minutes long. Anyone can sign up to give one on any topic they choose (as long as it relates in some way to the course) and these will be timetabled into the week.

Previous shorties include; 'Ladies of Northumbria in traditional song’, ‘The Garden of Earthly Delights and the Hurdy-Gurdy’ and ‘Unearthing a torculus or two – reflections on a fragment of medieval plainchant’.

Musical Banquet

The Thursday evening meal, with full waitress service, three courses and musical entertainment. The meal begins with musical hors d'oeuvres in the bar, followed by a wide variety of items from small groups performed between courses. It is a highlight of the course, and usually highly entertaining!

Final concert

Rounding off the week on the Friday, with all the groups performing for the other classes what they have been exploring during the week.

At HISS, our focus is on process rather than product and so the final concert is an informal gathering to enjoy what everyone has been able to take part in during their time on the course.