Bamboefluitvereniging Het Nederlandse PijpersGilde
is delighted to invite you to the
2022 International Course at Biezenmortel

Biezenmortel

Between the towns of Tilburg and ‘s-Hertogenbosch, you will find a 100-year-old monastery named ‘De Beukenhof’, which we will use with our group of Pipers. The monastery is situated in a small park, good for a 15-minute walk-around. The area 'Loonse-en-Drunense Duinen’ is also nearby and many walks and cycling tours are possible.

Course theme: Dutch Masters

What do we have to think about with Dutch Masters?
The organisation of the Dutch Bamboo Piper’s Guild is, unlike in some other countries, based on the principle of a guild.
This form of organisation originated in the Middle Ages, in large parts of Europe. Men with the same profession - bakers, butchers, blacksmiths, etc. - organised themselves in order to exchange knowledge and experience, and to defend their interests together. New members were trained in the trade. After thorough training, an apprentice would be recognised as a craftsman and receive the title of journeyman (in Dutch: ‘gezel’). After passing a master's test, the journeyman could eventually become a master. In this way the quality of the craft was guaranteed.

The term 'Dutch Masters' also refers to a large group of famous 17th century (male) Dutch painters, of whom numerous works of art can be found worldwide. A small selection: Rembrandt van Rijn, known from The Night Watch, was a master of light and dark; Jan Steen captured daily life - often chaotic - in an unparalleled way; Jacob van Ruisdael painted beautiful landscapes; Frans Hals could paint portraits like no other; and who doesn't know the Milkmaid, by Dutch master Johannes Vermeer?

Hetty van Geene designed a logo for this course in Biezenmortel combining these two concepts of 'Dutch Masters' and Dutch Masters in our Piper’s Guild.
At the moment, the Dutch Guild ‘Bamboefluitvereniging het Nederlandse PijpersGilde’ has 12 masters. They are masters in making or playing, and have earned their spurs in our society: Elly Laugs, Ineke van Gelder, Corry de Klepper, Gerard Sars, Truus Siddré, Josje Lodder, Dorine Maalcke, Renilde Duif, Mette Laugs, Iris Hos, Brigit de Klerk and Hetty van Geene.
11 of them are teachers in this course. And … all but one are female!

We are very pleased that two masters from outside our guild will strengthen our teaching team: the professional recorder players Joris van Goethem and Tom Beets. Together they form 'FR2', a world-class ensemble, originating from the Flemish Recorder Quartet who have played in the most famous concert halls, performing concerts of both ancient and modern music.         

Programme

On the programme you will find most activities are in the morning.
We will make an early start with playing in several orchestras.
After orchestra there are two classes scheduled for the rest of the morning.
At 13:00 you can have lunch in one of the dining rooms in the monastery or on one of the terraces; or take it away and eat outside in the grounds. Or if you prefer a more a restful time, you can have your lunch at the monastery and afterwards rest in your own room, or in the park.
If you wish, you can sign up for one of the afternoon workshops.
The last class session is at the end of the afternoon.
After dinner you are invited to join the big choir and folk-dancing, and before the bar opens there will be a short evening activity.

Participants

This is an international pipers’ course open to anyone interested in bamboo pipe making and playing. After the long period of Covid-19 many pipe players will feel the need to come to this course, to meet each other and to play all sorts of music, in small groups and in the big orchestra, to construct a new pipe or to make decorations on their pipes.

We hope to welcome lots of well-known faces as well as many new people, especially young players, from various countries.
And… It is not necessary that you have made a pipe before: you can make your first pipe and learn how to play it during this course!

The language spoken during the course will be English. We will limit oral translation to a minimum. As much information as possible will also be on screens.

We offer you a large choice of activities:

• Course activities for children between 6 and 12 years old: construction and playing (Ch)
• Games and sports activities during class times (6 – 25 years) (Ch/Y)
• Special playing groups for younger players (12 – 25 years old) (Y)
• If you are feeling young and you are interested in a Y class you can opt for this class – a place will be allocated subject to availability
• Coaching opportunities (ensemble or individual)
• Construction classes, handicrafts classes
• Music classes (special subjects, playing techniques)
• Orchestras
• Choir
• If you are afraid that it will be too much, you can opt for free time!

Enrol and enjoy yourself!

NB: This programme may be subject to change so please watch this space and check the website from time to time!

15:00  -  16:15       Workshops

Workshops are activities that take only one session of 1 hour 15 minutes. 

Workshops will be scheduled during the course.
A pipe repair workshop will also be open every day during this time.
During workshop time you can also choose to go for a cycle ride, or a walk, visit the course shop, or just rest and relax.

Choices for workshops will be made during the course.

Please let us know on your application form, what sort of activities you are interested in!
The final offer of workshops will depend on your individual wishes, so help us by letting us know about your special interest(s) on your application form.

Morning

Afternoon

Evening

• On Tuesday there will be several options offered for excursions in the wider surroundings of Biezenmortel (count Noord-Brabant)
• The excursion programme will start after the Orchestra sessions
• On Tuesday evening a concert by FR2 is scheduled

Choir

Everybody is invited to take part in the daily choir, conducted by Matthijs Overmars (NL). He will sing music with us from Dutch Masters and other masterly songs.

Folk dancing

After the choir there will be half an hour of folk dancing, led by Angela van Etten (NL), a folk dancing master, who will bring us to all parts of Europe.

Fringe concerts

Ensembles and soloists, singers or players of bamboo pipes or other instruments are invited to give short public 'fringe concerts' in the chapel or other locations in the monastery.
When you indicate at your application form that you want to perform something, we will contact you at a later moment.

10:00  -  11:15       Class period A  

11:45  -  13:00       Class period B 

16:45  -  18:00       Class period C

• Click the link to find a detailed description of the subjects offered in the different classes
• You are asked to register for 3 classes of your choice in each classperiod
• Classes will take place every day, always at the same time (except on Tuesday)
  So: you sign up for a course of 6 lessons
• There is a choice of various activities: construction, playing, crafts, sports
• For the class periods you can select your own options
• Qualified teachers from the various Guilds will give all classes
• Construction classes will need two class periods each day (periods A and B) so those who choose construction will only be able to select one other class, i.e.: in class period C
• In the beginners’ construction class there will also be a short playing session in very small groups, 15 or 20 minutes every day, so that you will not only construct your first pipe, but also learn to play on it
• A class will only go ahead if enough participants subscribe for it
• If we have about 200 participants all classes can be offered
• If we have only 100 participants, some classes in the programme may have to be withdrawn
• Playing Levels: click here