Multiple programs now enrolling
Short programs with something for everyone
Are you curious to try out music of the Medieval, Renaissance, or Baroque eras without a big commitment? These offerings are just for you! Ages and music level ranges vary per program.
March 24: Medieval Music to Sing or Play
Two 1-hour mini-workshops
Experience the magic of music from the Middle Ages with guest artist Shira Kammen. Bring your curiosity and sense of adventure when you sign up for either or both of these try-it-yourself sessions! Both workshops are held at Maple Leaf Lutheran Church, 10005 32nd Ave NE, Seattle 98125. Pre-register below.
NOTE: Subject to last-minute ticket availability, the Medieval Women's Choir is setting aside some free seats for participating students to attend Shira's performance with them the following afternoon! Enroll ASAP for your chance at a seat.
Hear Shira playing on her medieval fiddle:
4:15-5:10pm: Songs of the Middle Ages
Age range enxpanded! For all levels, age 10-18. (Younger kids welcome by special inquiry.) Guest teaching artist Shira Kammen teaches real Medieval songs — melodies and harmonies from the time of knights and castles.
5:15-6:15pm: Instrumental Music of the Middle Ages
For players of wind and bowed or plucked string instruments, age 11-18, late beginner to advanced. We’ll learn medieval melodies by ear and discover the art of improvisation just like musicians of the past. No previous experience of medieval music or improvisation is required. Participants should be able to play an octave in C major. Reading music may be helpful but is not required.
Multi-instrumentalist and occasional singer Shira Kammen has been a leader in the American historical-performance field for decades, playing medieval string instruments with groups including Ensemble Alcatraz, Project Ars Nova, Hesperion XX, the Boston Camerata, the Newberry and Folger Consorts, and the Medieval Women's Choir (Seattle), with a parallel career in traditional fiddle that informs her lively medieval-music style. Also active as a workshop teacher, Shira has performed and taught on five continents.
April 14-16: Renaissance Instrumental Music
A weekend workshop
Discover the joy of consort music from the time of Shakespeare, with special guest multi-instrumentalist Anthony Allen and SHAK founder Shulamit Kleinerman! This workshop is held at Maple Leaf Lutheran Church, 10005 32nd Ave NE, Seattle 98125. Pre-register below.
This program is made possibly by grant support from the Viola da Gamba Society of America.
Three days of fun:
- Friday 4-6pm
- Saturday 10am-4pm
- Sunday 12:30-5 with performance celebration at 5pm
For players of recorders and bowed string instruments (viola da gamba, violin, viola, cello), ages 10-14. For younger kids or older teens, please inquire. Players will receive some music to learn in advance, and will be grouped by level to enjoy this captivating repertoire together. Minimum level is usually 1-2 years’ instruction (string players must be able to play a comfortable C major octave, and winds need to be able to play a comfortable G major octave). Please be able to read music.
Multi-instrumentalist Anthony Allen performs on Baroque violin, viola da gamba, recorder, and Baroque and modern flutes, including recent appearances with Classical Uncorked (Seattle) and the Whidbey Island Music Festival. He has taught at the Eugene Waldorf School, Chestnut Hill School, Catherine Ellison - Rosa Parks School, Portland (ME) Conservatory of Music, Maine School for the Performing Arts, and Bates College.
Hear SHAK middle schoolers play music from Shakespeare's time the Seattle Public Library: