An exploration of voice

For the third Pitchfolk weekend we have a new venue, and some exciting new workshop leaders. But we are looking forward to the same warm and supportive atmosphere we've grown to expect and love, and to meeting up again with friends old and new to explore the magic of the human voice.

We'll have workshops of overtone singing, harmony singing from Eastern Europe and Cuba, and lessons in singing technique and singing for health and well being, plus storytelling sessions, and feasting and informal sharing of songs and performances in the evenings. So there will be plenty of opportunity to learn singing traditions from around the world, discover new ways of using our voices, and, most importantly, to connect with others through song.

Our venue this year will be the picturesque Somerset village of Croscombe, between Wells and Shepton Mallet, and our workshops will take place in the village hall, the George Inn, and possibly in the beautiful St Mary's Church.

What is Pitchfolk?
Pitchfolk is a weekend of song, feasting and friendship, featuring workshops of polyphonic music from around the world, led by renowned choir leaders and educators who are expert in those traditions. It's a chance to step out of the everyday and familiar, and join a supportive group to explore the different ways the voice is used around the world.

We believe that singing is a universal birthright, as natural to humans beings as speaking. Harmony singing has a particular power to move us, and to connect us – both with ourselves, and with each other, and with those who came before. This year's event will have a particular focus on gaining a deeper understanding of how our voice is embodied, and how we can use our voices more fully to connect with others and to promote well being.

Who is Pitchfolk for?
The weekend is open to adults of all genders. You don't need to be able to read music, or to be an experienced singer. You'll find that there will be many very experienced singers in the group, but there will also be a welcoming and supportive ethos. Combined with the skilled guidance of our music leaders, the workshops are intended to provide everyone with a challenge and an opportunity to grow as singers, but also to have fun.

In the words of those who attended:
'Superb workshop leaders, variety of workshop content, effortless community building through singing together, potential for developing into a jewel of a festival, embodying the best of small and local.'
'I enjoyed learning about different singing techniques. Great teachers. Great ambience.'
'A joyous and uplifting weekend... I absolutely loved it!'
'The joyousness of singing that music and dancing was wonderful.'
'Singing, camping, fellowship.'
'The small numbers made it intimate... I liked the eastern European songs especially.'
'Totally superb weekend of singing...can't wait for next year.'

 Music leaders for 2024 

Bombo Productions

Established in 2007, Bombo Productions is a community arts organisation specialising in Afro-Latin American music. We've hosted them twice now in Bristol, and it's been great fun both times.

The Afro-Cuban workshops will be led by two hugely experienced teachers and musicians:

Victoria Jassey
Founder and musical director of Bombo Productions, Vicky Jassey is a singer and percussionist who has specialised in Afro-Cuban drum and song music for twenty years in both secular and religious settings. She holds a PhD in Ethnomusicology, which focused on Cuban batá drumming. Vicky is also the director of Moving Voices UK, an organisation that provides support and group singing for female survivors of human trafficking.

David Pattman
David is one of the UK’s leading Latin musicians. He is a percussionist, arranger and composer who has worked with Paul McCartney, Jacob Collier, Omara Portuondo and Cachaito from the Buena Vista Social Club, Bebo Valdez, Tindersticks, Snowboy and the Latin Section, Cubanismo and many more.

David Pattman and Vicky Jassey have, through their combined experience, developed a teaching style which attempts to unlock the mysteries and complexity of Afro-Cuban music, making it accessible to all levels of experience and ability whilst conveying the profound musical beauty and transformative qualities of these culturally rich musical traditions.

'Highly recommended for anyone interested in Afro Cuban folkloric music...Dave and Vicky have figured out the perfect formula to share their very deep knowledge in a really fun and relaxed but also intensive and challenging way. Only thing to be aware of is that this might be addictive.'

'Dave and Vicky are wonderful teachers and people, who love sharing their knowledge and passion for music. I feel so much joy and gratitude after every class I take with them! I can’t speak highly enough of Dave and Vicky’s classes...Thank you, thank you, thank you!'

'10/10 Over the years I've done workshops with Dave, and it's always been a great and rewarding experience. Very warm, friendly and energetic teacher, with extensive knowledge of this music. Can't recommend the course enough...this side of Havana, Bombo productions is the place to go if you want to learn the real essence of Afro Cuban drumming, music and culture.'

Sound Transformations

Candida Valentino and Michael Ormiston are the UK's leading teachers and practitioners of Mongolian Khöömii overtone singing.

Khöömii is an amazing style of overtone/undertone or harmonic/subharmonic voicing/singing where one person seems to sing two or more distinct pitches at the same time. It originates among the nomads of the central Asian plateau, particularly the Altai and Sayan mountain regions of Mongolia and Tyva.

Over the weekend we will begin to learn aspects of Tagnain Khőőmii, along with body, breathe, and voice warms ups and listening games, all of which will aid in exploring and listening to the overtones in our own voices, and discovering unknown depths and heights in our singing.

Michael Ormiston is the UK’s most experienced Mongolian Khöömiich (Overtone Singer). He travelled to west Mongolia in 1993 to study Khöömii with Herdsman and expert Khöömiich, Tserendavaa. During his six times in Mongolia he has also studied with leading Khöömiich, Tsengedorj, Ganbold, Gereltsolt and Tsogtbaatar and has the rare privilege of being blessed to teach Khöömii by Tserendavaa and Gereltsogt, which he has been doing internationally for over 25 years.

Michael and Candida have taught Khöömii on the SOAS World music summer school for over 15 years as well as individually teaching ethnomusicology students at SOAS, & Goldsmith College, University of London, ADEM- Ateliers d’ethnomusicologie Geneva, Keele University and the Royal Holloway University.

In 2011, Michael in conjunction with SOAS and The Embassy of Mongolia organised, lectured and performed at the Inaugural European Mongolian Khöömii Festival in London.

Candida Valentino travelled in 2000 to Mongolia where she was taught by Tserendavaa in his ger in Chandman’ Sum. She is one of the few western woman to learn melodic Khöömii as well as the Kharkhiraa undertone singing variant and was blessed to teach Mongolian Khöömii by Tserendaava. Candida has performed these styles in concert with Tserendavaa, for the Royal Shakespeare Company, The Tashi Lhunpo Monks, and on her and Michael’s many CDs.

'Very amazing and even spiritual. Helped me explore vocal possibilities and improved very fast.'
'It was fantabulous! Amazing, patient and expert teaching from two great teachers.'
'It was a very positive experience and learnt a lot in a short time.'
'I love exploring the voice in many ways and this was part of the journey.'
'A really inspiring, fascinating week of vocal training, history lessons, ethnomusicological exploration. I loved it!'

Lena Leszczyc

We'll also be welcoming back Lena, who this year will be teaching Eastern European songs in the main program, and also giving workshops on vocal technique, and the use of voice for health and wellbeing. Lena's sessions have been highly popular the last two years, and we're looking forward to having more time to go into greater depth. 

Sharon Jacksties
In addition to the main program, Sharon will again be offering a storytelling walk exploring the history and features of the area, and in other storytelling sessions she will share tales from the same traditions as our singing repertoire.

 Ticket prices 

£130/95 weekend (workshops, lunch and evening meals, and feast on Saturday evening)
£85/75 Saturday (workshops, lunch and evening feast)
£60/50 Saturday daytime (workshops and lunch only)
£15/12.50 individual workshop
£25/18 Saturday evening feast

Friday 
The main program will begin on Friday evening with a workshop in the village hall.

Saturday 
During Saturday, four one and a half hour workshops will be held, beginning at 9.30am.

At the feast on Saturday evening, guests are invited to share songs, poems or stories from any tradition of their choosing.

Sunday
On Sunday morning we will go back over a number of the main songs learned over the weekend, and then hold a short performance, to which friends, family, and local residents are invited.

Accommodation
Camping is available at nearby Croscombe Camping. Book here.

Campervans can be accommodated at the village hall, but note there are no showers at the hall. The campsite have also agreed to allow campervans for the weekend. Just book as for a tent. 

For those who prefer a little more luxury, other accommodation options are available nearby, including The George Inn, The Cross, or several Airbnb, or self catering accommodation such as The Old Barn.

Catering
The weekend pass includes a Friday evening meal, lunches on Saturday and Sunday, and the Saturday evening feast.
The Saturday pass includes lunch and, if booked, Saturday evening feast.

Vegetarian options are available as standard.

Children
While Pitchfolk is primarily aimed at adults, we'd like to accommodate younger singers and singers with children, if possible. Please feel free to email us if you'd like to discuss this.

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