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Course Guidelines for students.
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Most of the
courses, which are residential and last from eight
to ten days, are held at Leiston Abbey in Suffolk.
The Abbey ruins and open countryside provide the
backdrop for a group of buildings which have been
restored or rebuilt by Pro Corda to house up to
fifty students and staff for each course.
Abbey House, adjoining the abbey ruins, was built in
Tudor times and has been added to by subsequent
generations. It was a farm for several centuries and
latterly a retreat house for the Diocese of Bury St.
Edmunds. Most bedrooms are for single or double
occupation with three larger rooms which can sleep
up to five in comfort. |
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Although the
house is old and even quaint in parts it has been
sympathetically converted to comply with modern fire
and safety standards. Additional bedrooms are in a
new building, the Guesten Lodge, and most of these
have en-suite facilities.
Meals are served in another reconstructed building,
the Guesten Hall, which is on the site of the
hospice of the
Premonstratensian Abbey and which houses the
kitchens and refectory. Above the refectory is a
small concert hall and recording studio. |
The
students have a common room in Abbey House with
a kitchen from where staff provide snacks and
hot and cold drinks at breaks and bedtime. There
are plenty of books and board games and the
snooker table is always very popular. Students
are encouraged to use the beautiful grounds and
sports pitch.
Recent popular activities on courses have
included quiz nights, talent shows, table-tennis
and snooker competitions, treasure hunts,
barbecues, board game contests, art and craft
sessions, fancy dress dinners and film nights.
The coaching staff join
in enthusiastically which all adds to the fun!
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Alumni
Course students visit local schools to undertake
outreach work. On all courses students perform
at the Abbey: the annual summer Cream Tea
Concerts are very popular with the local
audience. Concerts are given in neighbouring
churches and at the Yacht Club. Last year a
quartet from the Preparatory course was asked to
play in a memorial service at Aldeburgh Parish
Church.
There have been regular visits to the Red House,
Britten’s home, which remains much as it was in
his lifetime. It is thrilling to be able to
handle original scores, play Britten’s piano and
see many of Britten’s belongings. On hot days
there may be a trip to the beach at Southwold or
Aldeburgh.
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PASTORAL CARE
The health and welfare of
students is in the capable hands of an
experienced Matron assisted by at least two
helpers. In addition to supervising the daily
routines they are available for students
throughout the day and organise the social
activities programme.
Creating an environment in which students share
a common love of making music and enjoy each
other’s company is at the heart of Pro Corda
courses.
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All Pro Corda staff are
vetted as to their suitability for working with
children.
Pro Corda has a Child
Protection Policy which is available to parents
on request
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