PNV Play Days

Pacific Northwest Viols usually hosts five Play Days each season for members and guests. Many years one of the Play Days is in the format of a one-day workshop with special faculty. These events are held in the spacious and inviting facilities of Seattle's St. James Cathedral. (There is free parking available in the nearby O'Dea High School lot. See map.) The morning is devoted to a special presentation in which the entire group participates. All levels of skills are welcome. No matter how experienced or inexperienced the participants, we all come away from these Play Days enriched by the presenter's insights and technical tips.

Teachers for the morning Grand Consort program either are invited from our own local core of outstanding talent or are national (or even international) viols teachers brought to Seattle for the occasion. In the afternoon, the group breaks up into small informal consorts. Some groups are self-selected by members who wish to explore playing a certain piece and others are formed by using the sign-up sheets on display at the beginning of the day. A technique class for all levels and a doubling class are skillfully coached by Ronnee Fullerton, a well-known local teacher and performer. There is also the opportunity, for a modest additional fee, to sign up to be in a consort coached by the morning's presenter. As in the morning Grand Consort, one need not be a virtuoso to have an outstanding learning experience.

photographs by Lee Talner

One of the things many people enjoy about these informal afternoon sessions is the opportunity to make music with people other than those with whom we play on a regular basis. Refreshments (tea, coffee, fruit, and nibbles) are available throughout the day.