There was plenty more space at the venue, I think. Perhaps we could limit the time rather than the numbers attending, just one piece each, or one piece and or an ensemble? I’d like to come please, and happy to help with logistics/organisation etc if required.

Yes -perhaps more duets or trios - for example I can get some Flute/Clarinet/Piano pieces. Or a wind ensemble perhaps.
scotliz and I intend to play together so we would just need to find a flute to practice with us and we have three performances in the space of one - and possibly more fun?
And some players might also then get two ensemble pieces!

Yes, I think the answer is to limit time and I will try to include everyone.

Thanks for the offer of help SueHM.

Just off to return the venue keys and check out date availability.

It looks like a good idea and I guess we may find a couple of small ensembles will take the place of more than one solo piece by performers. That way everyone gets a chance to play. Plenty of time to sort them out - I have other things on my mind at the moment .

I'd very much like to come to the next one, for those arriving early could we also do some playing at the end of the morning although I know not everybody would be there

Sounds a great idea - I love small ensemble playing!

That's great. Count me in then please. Happy to accompany again if required.

Informal playing like this has always been a part of the Surrey and Stalybridge Adult Learner's events.
Morning usually include people coming together in small groups to play just for fun (as opposed to rehearsing concert items) as well as rehearsing for the afternoon and socialising.
How much of this goes on depends on what people decide to bring with them among other things.

This far ahead, I can do as many piano parts as required provided they are not insane (insane = Hindemith, Stravinsky, etc. Anything common practice is manageable and if not, is fakable) and provided I get the music early (several months ahead). If anyone needs a pianist, feel free to get in touch.

The tiny issue with the venue - unless scotliz has another - is the limited space for practicing; so morning ensemble playing may be in the same space that others are practicing?
Unless we take the ensembles onto the pavement outside the church and put hats down for contributions for dinner!!

It's been done before..... several things going on in the same room that is. Depends a little on the size of the room for one thing.
Kitchens and corridors or vestibule areas where available have also been used as playing spaces.

Some venues work better than others for this sort of thing.

I am happy to offer my house as an alternative rehearsal space for the morning - I?m about 10 miles away, but people are welcome to come here first if they would like to. Although it does take some of the fun out of just hanging about and nattering while people are rehearsing?.

We could perhaps be a bit more organised about rehearsal times next time? We had allocated times at the Birmingham do, and it worked well.

Scotliz and I were talking about this on Sunday morning. I believe practice times will be allocated for the November event. This is what happens before the Leeds events too and has always worked quite well.

Yes, as Daisychain has said we have discussed this and practice times will be allocated. The piano in the hall was available most of the time but folk seemed to want to practice in the church (understandably).

Glad you all had fun : hope the next one goes as well