9/20/2026
If you have played medieval music, you will have encountered the eight medieval church modes: the four authentic modes (dorian, phrygian, lydian, mixolydian) and their plagal counterparts (hypodorian, hypophrygian, hypolydian, and hypomixolydian). These names were borrowed from Ancient Greek music terminology, even though the melodic structures and concepts were applied differently during the Middle Ages.This workshop combines elements of theory, practical exercises, and ear training, as well as exploring a few select modal melodies from the Middle Ages (and beyond), all with the goal to sample, appreciate, and enjoy the captivating beauty of modal music. Open to all players interested in modal music. Basic fluency on C and F instruments recommended.
9/26/2026 - 9/27/2026
A Fun Filled Flauto-dolce Festival Fostering Friendship, Fugues, Fandangos and Flagrant Fits of Folderol!
9/26/2026 - 9/27/2026
Cantornote Early Music Workshop
Strafford, Vermont September 26th-27th 2026
All instruments and voices Welcome!
Additional Private Lessons and master class available Friday, September 25th
Led by members of the Tanto Tempo Ensemble
Sarah Cantor, recorders
Claudia Gantivar, recorders
Matthew Wright, Lute
Four coached playing sessions and three performances
Faculty concert -church service performance with workshop participants, student recital
Renaissance consort offered for those experienced with historical fingerings
9/26/2026
NAVRS' Founding Music Director Rachel Begley explores lullabies, night music, and uneasy dreams. The program will feature “Schlafe, mein Liebster” from Bach’s Christmas Oratorio, the Coventry Carol, a fun and colorful arrangement of Brahms’ famous lullaby "Wiegenlied", Shearing’s jazzy “Lullaby of Birdland”, and the premiere of a new “Lullaby” in 5/8 that Rachel has composed in celebration of NAVRS’ fifth anniversary. By turns comforting, haunting, playful, and gently off-balance, these pieces inhabit the shifting space between sleep and wakefulness.Rachel Begley is a recorder player, historical bassoonist, teacher, arranger, and musical curator whose work spans historical performance, orchestral playing, chamber music, and community music-making. Originally from England, she has performed throughout the United States and beyond as a specialist in recorders and historical bassoons, appearing with leading orchestras, opera companies, and period-instrument ensembles, including The Metropolitan Opera, Apollo’s Fire, and the Newberry Consort. Known for her expressive musicianship, imaginative programming, and stylistic versatility, Rachel is committed to creating rich and engaging musical experiences, both with colleagues and with musicians of all levels. Her teaching, both privately and at workshops, combines deep historical knowledge with warmth, humor, and a strong instinct for ensemble culture. For more than thirty years, she has brought those same qualities to her work as Music Director of the Recorder Society of Long Island, encouraging others to learn through shared musical exploration. As the Founding Music Director of NAVRS, Rachel envisioned and cultivated a thriving online community bringing together recorder players from across North America and beyond. Through imaginative programming and a strong commitment to musical quality and participant experience, her work helped redefine the possibilities of online music-making for the North American recorder community.