‍Magdalen Farm Strings 2025 was another resounding success. With 31 participants ranging from 8 to 17 years old we were at our maximum capacity and the energy and joy radiating from the group was infectious. 

‍This year was a special year as our patron Colin Matthews, who usually writes us a piece for the choir, wrote us a piece for Tutti Orchestra instead. It has been a MFS tradition for the past four years that Tutti Orchestra is done completely by ear and includes the participants’ own compositions. This year, Colin wrote us four short melodies in different modes (Lydian, Aeolian and Dorian) that fit together to form two duets. The participants learned all four melodies by ear and then composed four of their own bits of music in Lydian, Dorian, Aeolian and Phrygian modes. We joined all of these bits of music together to create one 6-minute piece titled ‘Modal Magdalen’, which concluded the end-of-course concert and which the participants performed completely by memory. Colin came to one of our rehearsals and gave the participants feedback on their own compositions and they also had the opportunity to ask Colin questions about his career and work. It was a very special experience for the young musicians to collaborate with a world-renowned composer and to create a work that was both theirs and Colin’s. 

‍The work that we did on modes in Tutti Orchestra was supplemented by daily Dalcroze Eurhythmics lessons with Polly who worked on changing the position of semitones in scales to create different modes and how that changes the feel of them. They also worked on pulse and meter, subdividing and counting in three-time. Bonnie took the choir this year and worked on three contrasting pieces that required very different skills: ‘Tamworth Red’ by Colin Matthews, which he wrote for a previous course; ‘Order and Chaos’ by Hazel Askew, a beautiful song in 3-part harmony accompanied by viola and accordion; and ‘Revolting’ by Tim Minchin from the musical Matilda. 

‍The participants were split into two different string orchestras for their morning orchestra session, the Star Orchestra, conducted by Arturo, a new member of the MFS team, and the Moon Orchestra, conducted by Alma. The Star Orchestra worked on a selection of music from films (including Star Wars!) and the Moon Orchestra played arrangements of Danny Boy and Rondino by Kreisler. Both orchestras worked on ensemble skills and playing together, and how to make a good group sound, with Moon Orchestra particularly focusing on how to use contact point with the bow to vary the sound. The participants also did daily chamber music and each chamber group performed wonderfully in the concert. 

‍Apart from musical activities, we had great fun with all the outdoor activities on the farm, the highlight of which was a new addition: MFS taskmaster! The participants loved all the crazy challenges thought up by our incredible housemothers Bonnie and Poppy and we were particularly impressed by Bonnie’s taskmaster video which gave us the results. Outdoor activities also included capture the flag and den-making in the woods, going down to the river and racing hand-made rafts, feeding the animals and orienteering. The evening activities this year comprised of a folk workshop with the band Good Habits, who taught us a lovely tune by ear with made up lyrics about Pete’s love for red lentil dal with an accompanying dance; Anna Emslie, who gave a fascinating workshop about subdivision; and a masterclass with Alma in which two of the more advanced pupils performed. The annual talent show didn’t disappoint with impressive and hilarious acts from participants and staff alike. 

‍Every year feels like our best year so far, and this year was no exception. The end-of-course concert was buzzing with music and the Magdalen Farm staff outdid themselves with the delicious lunch. A huge thankyou to Colin Matthews, who was at the concert and came up for a bow with the students after their performance of Modal Magdalen, and to all of our funders, without whom we would not exist. 

C and P had a wonderful time yet again - it really is the highlight of their year! I have nothing but positive feedback

H loves the whole course, especially the social side, the friendships and independence, held together by a shared love of music making. Her favourite part of the music was the choir this year. She has come back singing and inspired and has grown in overall experience. Again, the whole package has a wonderful ethos and she can't wait till next year! 

‍I noticed how lovely a sound you created in Danny boy, with the work on tone, and the ensemble in singing was fantastic! I love the opportunity to bring folk music into the experience as well.

Thank you so much to you and all the Magdalen Farm Strings team or your support and encouragement of D last week. She absolutely loved the course and I know is really keen to take part again next year. As parents, we really appreciated the lack of screens which clearly added to her immersion in the music and the overall atmosphere.

Thank you so much for the most special time H had with you all. Actually, she HAS been suffering from Magdalen Blues, very noticeably and deeply; we are trying to do our best to cheer her up...

wow, you did it again! M had an amazing time at MFS (she always does) but this year felt very special to her. In particular she mentioned that she really, really enjoyed the Tutti orchestra and also she loved the choir and she feels much more confident with her singing. All was beautifully arranged, as ever, and we have nothing but hugest praise and admiration for the mighty planning and talent it all involves.

Thank you all so much for another absolutely wonderful week of musical inspiration and social fun and silliness!! F had a fabulous time and came home buzzing, and not nearly as exhausted as we thought she’d be!! She’s also been practising lots and you will definitely have F again next year 

Wow! What an utterly magical week the children had with you. The concert is so joyous, enjoyable and incredibly impressive - you manage to achieve so much with them in a very short space of time and they absolutely love it all. And what a treat for them to have the depth and range of music, composition, movement and Colin! It is a complete testament to all of your collective musicality, passion, talents, hard work, and organisational skills. We know that such wonderful weeks don't just happen without an enormous amount of thought and care. Both D and H were buzzing with it all!!

A HUGE thank you from S for running such a fantastic week at Magdalen. He really loved so much of it all - and so many of you! We've heard many stories... he particularly enjoyed the orienteering activity and the talent show. 

Thank you once again for another wonderful week. M was so excited leading up to the week and loved every minute of it. She got so much out of the playing, singing, and generally having fun! It's a very special event and I feel so lucky to be able to send her there.Thank you to you and your team for all the hard work, love, and care you put into the week.