by Gwydion Davies | 17 July, 2015 | Uncategorized
A
successful music day was hosted by Canolfan Gerdd William Mathias Music Centre
on the 12 July at its branch at Theatr Twm o’r Nant, Denbigh.
Canolfan
Gerdd William Mathias has been providing music tuition of the highest quality
for people of all ages at its main Centre at Galeri Caernarfon for more than
ten years, and since 2012 has been offering music tuition at Its Denbigh branch
as well as other activities within the community.
A
harp workshop with Dylan Cernyw and Morwen Blythin marked a great start to the
day. Harpists from all ages came to the workshop and had the opportunity to
play together.
The
workshop was a great success, and the group succeeded in learning two new
pieces in a very short time, and then gave an informal performance at the end
of the workshop.
Morwen
Blythin was delighted with the progress made by the group:
Learning
and then performing two pieces from new is an amazing achievement considering
that this was the first meeting for the group! I am now hopeful that this
meeting has set the foundation for Canolfan Gerdd William Mathias to form a
harp choir for the future that will meet on a regular basis in the area.
The
day also gave the music centre the opportunity to introduce one of its other
innovative projects in the area for the first time, which is the ‘Camau Cerdd’
(Steps in Music) project that is run in partnership with Marie-Claire Howorth.
The
Camau Cerdd (Steps in Music) project specialises in providing music education
for children between 6 months and 7 years old.
Three
age-group classes were held during the day by the project’s tutors,
Marie-Claire Howorth and Charlotte Green who were delighted to see all three of
the groups full with a total of 32 children taking part.
Marie-Claire
said:
After
a number of years now of providing the Camau Cerdd project throughout Gwynedd
County, it’s clear to us that there is a demand for a music project for young
children in the Denbigh area, and we look forward to offering Camau Cerdd in
the Denbigh area in the near future with the music centre.
Free
taster lessons were also offered by the music centre’s experienced tutors, with
many children and adults taking up the opportunity to try a musical instrument
for the first time.
The
day came to an end with the ‘Llwyfan Cerdd’ student concert, and the music
centre welcomed the Chair of the Council and the consort Gwyneth Kensler and
Gaynor Morgan Rees to the concert as well as the Theatr Twm o’r Nant Committee
to enjoy the performances from the students of all ages and musical
abilities.
Canolfan
Gerdd William Mathias looks forward to organising music sessions in homes
providing care for people with dementia in Denbighshire in the near future in
addition to continuing to develop it’s Doniau Cudd (Hidden Talents) project for
children and adults with learning disabilities in the County.
by Gwydion Davies | 8 July, 2015 | Uncategorized
Canolfan
Gerdd William Mathias Music Centre in Denbigh will open its doors to everyone
for a day of music activities on the 12th of July 2015. The day will
include a harp workshop with Dylan Cernyw and Morwen Blythin, Camau Cerdd
(Steps in Music) project for children from 6 months to 7 years old, Llwyfan
Cerdd Concert by the music centre’s students and free taster lessons with
experienced tutors.
The
Denbigh branch of Canolfan Gerdd William Mathias started to give music tuition
in the town in 2012 and has since grown to provide lessons on a variety of
instruments and voice with experienced tutors including Ann Atkinson, Teleri
Siân, Glian Llwyd, Alfred Barker, and Morwen Blythin. Community projects
including the Hidden Talents programme for adults who have learning
disabilities and music sessions in nursing homes have also been developed in
collaboration with Denbighshire Arts Services.
The
day will begin with a harp workshop by Dylan Cernyw and Morwen Blythin. This
will be open to harpists of all ages and abilities, and will end with a short
informal performance at 12.
Camau
Cerdd is a project that Canolfan Gerdd William Mathias is already offering at
its Centre in Caernarfon. The project leader, Marie-Claire Howorth is looking
forward to introducing the project in Denbigh for the very first time. She
said:
‘Camau
Cerdd is a project which has several years of proven success behind it
throughout Gwynedd. It is with great enthusiasm that I am now looking forward
to introducing Camau Cerdd to Denbigh. It’s an exciting and important project
that I believe has the potential to empower the body and brain, develop
literacy, numeracy, coordination, memory and social skills. The project builds
an understanding of culture and identity too as the classes are bilingual and
encourage early learning of folk songs. Young children and their families will
have the opportunity to discover the wonders of the world of music using
instruments, games, songs and more’.
Sessions
targeting 6-24month olds, 2&3 year olds and 4-7 year olds will be held
during the afternoon. There will be a special price of £2 per child to
celebrate starting this exciting project in Denbigh.
The
Canolfan will also offer a range of free taster lessons with experienced
tutors. They will be available on the harp, piano, violin, and voice. Contact
the Canolfan to book your free taster lesson.
To end this special day a Llwyfan Cerdd Concert will be held by the Canolfan’s students. These concerts provide an excellent opportunity for students to gain confidence by performing in an informal, friendly atmosphere. Donations will be gratefully received at the end of the concert.Contact Canolfan Gerdd William Mathias to book your free taster lesson, or to register and receive more information about the Camau Cerdd (Steps in Music) project or the Harp Workshop with Dylan Cernyw and Morwen Blythin.
by Gwydion Davies | 2 July, 2015 | Uncategorized
University.
Elin has been working with us to organise a series of concerts by former
students. Here is a post from Elin discussing her work with the Canolfan:
As
a former student of the William Mathias Music Centre and MMus student at Bangor
University, I am very fortunate to have gained an ATM scholarship through which
I am working for the Canolfan over the summer period. The ATM (European Social
Fund) is a scholarship for masters students, supporting their studies and
enabling them to work for a local company.
One
of the tasks that I have been assigned to is organising a series of concerts
over the summer, to include various former students of the William Mathias
Music Centre. Many of these musicians are studying at a music college or have
recently graduated and are embarking on a professional career. They are
grateful for the opportunity to perform in their local area and everyone at the
Canolfan is looking forward to seeing some of them return to North Wales!
Elin
Roberts
These
are the details of the concerts to come:
Meinir
Wyn Roberts (soprano) and Steven Evans (piano)
Saturday
afternoon, July 18, 3pm
Feed
My Lambs Hall, Caernarfon
Gwyn
Owen (trumpet) and Steven Evans (piano)
Thursday
evening, August 13, 7pm
Powis
Hall, Bangor University
More
dates to follow soon!
by Gwydion Davies | 30 June, 2015 | Uncategorized
On Friday the 19th and Saturday the 20th of June Camau
Cerdd/Steps in Music visited the Showground in Mona for the Anglesey Family
Festival.
They had three sessions each day and had a variety of
children coming to meet Mr. Cerdd and learn music.
On the Friday schools from all over Anglesey were at the
festival and those who frequented the Steps in Music sessions with Charlotte and
Gethin learnt how to play different rhythms in time on percussive instruments
as well as learning to sing the sol-fa with the corresponding hand gestures.
On the Saturday it was a turn for younger children to have a
music session with their parents and Marie-Claire and Gethin. They got to meet
Mr. Cerdd and sing songs and play instruments whilst hearing the story ‘A
Rumble in the Jungle’ (by Andreae and Wojtowycz).
We all had a wonderful time!
by Gwydion Davies | 3 June, 2015 | Uncategorized
Congratulations to the following students who receive their tuition
at CGWM on their success in the National Urdd Eisteddfod last week :
Strings Solo Year 7-9 : Gwydion Rhys 3rd
Tutor : Nicki Pearce
Girls’ Solo Year 7-9 : Llio Meirion Rogers 2nd
Tutor : Ann Atkinson
Piano Solo Yr. 10 – under 19 : Math Roberts 2nd
Tutor : Iwan Llewelyn-Jones
Woodwind Solo Yr.10 – under 19 : Megan Hunter 2nd
Tutor : Rhiannon Mathias
Song from a Musical for singers aged 19-25 : Gwen Elin 3rd
Tutor : Mary Lloyd-Davies
Congratulations also to Mabon Llyr who is a member of CGWM’s chamber
duo for winning 3rd prize in the Strings Solo for Year 10- under 19
years.
We look forward to seeing Gwen Elin and one of our ex-students
Meinir Wyn Roberts (now studying at the Royal Academy of Music, London) taking
part in the Bryn Terfel Scholarship competition in the Autumn. Good luck to you
both and well done for being selected.
We were thrilled to hear about Math Roberts’ success in the
Composer’s Medal competition. 15 year old Math’s composition for the harp was
awarded second place in the competition which was open to composers under the
age of 25 – quite an achievement. Math studies the harp with Elinor Bennett at
CGWM and started composing the piece during the composition workshops arranged
by CGWM as part of the 2014 Wales International Harp Festival.
Congratulations also to all the students who were successful
in other competitions including recitation, ensembles and choirs during the
week
by Gwydion Davies | 3 June, 2015 | Uncategorized
Guitars@Galeri Festival Direcotr, Neil Browning is overjoyed
after a successful guitar event brings guitarist from all over Wales to
Caernarfon to learn more about the guitar and to attend a concert by well-known
guitarist Gary Ryan.
The event was held on the 22-24 of May 2015, and began with an
open mic event where all the course participants were invited to perform in the
bar.
The weekend continued with a series of tutorials and workshops
with guest tutors including Stuart Ryan, Neil Browning, Andy Maceknzie, Colin
Tommis, and Dave King. We were delighted to be able to offer such a variety of
guitar styles during the event.
Above is a picture of Andy Mackenzie’s Gypsy Jazz Rhythm workshop
where he introduced the basic ‘la pompe’ rhythm playing and chord shapes.
The Festival also welcomed renowned guitarist Gary Ryan to
give a masterclass and perform in a concert on the Saturday night. A variety of
music was performed by Gary including music from Pratorius, Dowland and Bach
and also his own compositions that demonstrated innovative and virtuosic
techniques on the guitar.
by Gwydion Davies | 12 May, 2015 | Uncategorized
Guitars@Galeri – 22-24 May 2015
Internationally renowned guitar soloist Gary Ryan is joining a host of experienced guitarists to teach and perform at this month’s Guitars@Galeri event in Caernarfon. Canolfan Gerdd William Mathias once again hosts a music teaching event at Galeri, the arts and performance space in the heart of this historic town.
Guitars@Galeri is a weekend of tutorials, performances
and workshops from a team of top tutors aimed particularly at acoustic,
electric and bass guitarists. Learners of all ages and abilities will be
able to take part in mix’n’match mini-workshop series featuring a variety
of topics and musical genres. Tuition elements suitable for adults and young
guitarists aged 15+ and is not suitable for complete beginners.
The festival kicks off with an open mic event on the Friday evening where
all performers and styles will be made welcome.
Saturday’s activities will begin with a short informal performance from the
four main course tutors, and will be brought to a close by the main festival
concert featuring Gary Ryan.
Along with his own compositions, Gary will play music by
Praetorius, Dowland, Bach, Dyens and Brouwer, arrangements of Celtic Folk Music
by David Russell. The concert commences with a short performance by Neil
Browning’s ‘Fragile Egosystem’, featuring echo-guitar, followed by a short
break.
There will also be opportunities for jam sessions during the
weekend!
There’s still time to take part in the event – contact
Canolfan Gerdd William Mathias for details. Contact the Galeri Box Office for
tickets for the evening performance.
by Gwydion Davies | 10 May, 2015 | Uncategorized
Thursday the 7th of May 2015. An important day with thousands
across the country casting their vote in the UK General Election. It’s also an
important day for us at the Music Centre since we’ve organised for a team from
Theatr Gybolfa to come and film ‘A Usual Thursday in the Life of the Music
Centre’.
Thursdays at the Music Centre is a great day to get an
overview of some of the most varied activities offered: In addition to the
bustle of day to day instrumental and singing lessons, we have other activities
such as Camau Cerdd (Steps in Music) sessions throughout the morning at Noddfa
in Caernarfon, a Mixed Choir for Adults led by Gearing Roberts in the
afternoon, Doniau Cudd (Hidden Talents), and our Chamber Choir led by Jenny
Pearson.
We’re looking forward to see the video that Theatr Gybolfa are
creating for us, which will reflect the variety of activities that happens in
the Music Centre during one day.
by Gwydion Davies | 6 May, 2015 | Uncategorized
One of the events during the Wales Harp Festival 2015 welcomed
every course member to take part in a special concert that we call ‘Galeri’s
Galleries’. Harps were placed around the building spread out on the galleries
on every floor.
Once every harp, stand and stool was in its place, the
Festival director, Elinor Bennett had the privilege of leading this special
ensemble, and we heard performances of folk, classical and jazz music.
The Festival was brought to an appropriate ending with a
concert by some of our brilliant ex-students performing alongside members of
the 2015 Harp Course and fusing classical and folk music. We enjoyed
performances from Elinor Bennett, Stephen Rees, Glain Dafydd, Rhian Dyer,
Elinor Evans, Elen Hydref, Angharad Wyn Jones, and Patrick Rimes.
We hope that everybody who attended the harp course, the
concerts and all the other activities during the Wales Harp Festival 2015
enjoyed themselves as much as we did during the festival, and we look forward
to welcoming everyone back for the next harp festival.
by Gwydion Davies | 4 March, 2015 | Uncategorized
One of the top barbershop singers and competition judges in
the United States is heading to Wales to offer two exciting workshops in this
unique style of singing. Paul Wigley, all the way from Minnesota has
gained a formidable reputation for the genre and has extensive experience of
directing choirs, giving workshops and lectures on barbershop harmony singing
all around the world.
Canolfan Gerdd William Mathias Music Centre is proud to offer
an opportunity to learn from Paul Wigley with two workshops to open to all
singers interested in this fabulous style of singing – the first is being held
at Galeri, Caernarfon, on Thursday evening, February 12th from 7 to 9 pm
and the second, in Acapela, Pentyrch, Cardiff on February 18th from 7.30 to 9.30pm
Paul will be demonstrating his style and offering his
directing skills to would-be and experienced barber shop singers, and drawing
upon his extensive experience.
He was chair of the panel of Judges in the International
Barbershop Harmony Society quartet and chorus contests in 1991, 1994, 1997,
1999, 2002, 2008, 2011 and 2014. Paul has also taught at Barbershop Harmony
Society Directors Colleges in New York, Maryland, Kentucky, Wisconsin,
Missouri, Washington and California, and served on the National Youth Outreach
Committee.
Paul is currently the director of the Minneapolis Commodores,
who qualified for the International barbershop chorus contest in 2007 and
2009. He is currently Category Specialist in the Music category of the
Barbershop Harmony Society judging system.
If the surname sounds familiar, Paul Wigley is a distant
cousin of Dafydd Wigley. His great- great-grandfather emigrated from
Llanbrynmair, Montgomeryshire to the USA in 1857 and became State Senator in
Minnesota. In the 1970’s Paul’s father, the late Richard Wigley was also
elected Senator in Minnesota . For over 100 years, there was no contact between
the two branches of the family until connection was remade in 1974, when Dafydd
Wigley was elected Member of Parliament for Caernarfon. Dafydd Wigley’s
son Hywel is owner of Acapela Arts Centre in Pentyrch, just north of Cardiff.
