Early Double Reed & Brass Workshop
May 15– 21, 2026
Ala Pifarescha
Waycross Camp & Conference Center
4879 Richards Road, Morgantown, IN
Instructors
Bob Wiemken – shawm, dulcian
Adam Bregman – sackbut
Joan Kimball – shawm, dulcian
Katharina Haun – cornetto
Pitch is a’=440.
We welcome anyone with intermediate to advanced ability on early double reeds, sackbut or cornetto; modern players interested in working on the early counterpart to their modern instrument; and beginning cornetto students. Pitch is a’=440. The workshop includes large class pursuit of technique, applicable performance practice discussions,coached one-on-a-part ensemble playing, reed and instrument triage, and evening tutti playing sessions for all.
Registration is closed for 2026.
Questions? Email adam.bregman@gmail.com or bob@piffaro.com.
What to Expect
The first half of each day is dedicated to separate classes for reeds, sackbuts, and cornetti. A warm-up and techniques session focuses on breath support, vowel placement and sound concept, articulation, and intonation. A session on historical performance practices continues our exploration and discussion of historical notation and mensuration, solmization and mode, and musica ficta and cadences to help us understand the music on its own terms.
Afternoons and evenings consist of playing sessions in mixed groups of brass and double reeds. Selections from all the sources will be provided in both original and modern notation, but a strong emphasis will be placed on working from original notation—this gives us the opportunity to see the music as our Renaissance compatriots did, leaving us faced with the same practical musical decisions that would have confronted them.