Phoenix Folk Virtual Ensemble

DECEMBER 2025 ENSEMBLE

Phoenix Folk Virtual Ensemble is a project which aims to provide an opportunity for our online community of musicians to create ensemble performances, using new arrangements of traditional tunes. It has been running every month since October 2020.

The project is open to players of any folk instrument. There are a mix of parts available (tune, harmony, bassline, chords, simple harmony/tune skeleton) so players of all levels of ability are welcome to take part. Individual performances don’t have to be perfect, the main aim is to have fun and play music together!

You don’t need any special equipment to take part – just something to record yourself on eg. a laptop, tablet or smartphone.

We’re friendly and easy to get in contact with, and will help with any questions throughout the month.

How it works

The project runs in blocks, each lasting one month, during which time participants can download a resource pack containing sheet music, audio and video for two tunes (or sets of tunes). A Zoom rehearsal takes place a week before the recording deadline. This is optional, and we make the rehearsal recording available for those who are unable to attend. After the rehearsal, participants send us video (or audio) of themselves playing along to the guide tracks included in the download. We mix the audio into an arrangement and create a video collage. Everyone taking part will receive a copy of the videos to keep, and we also share these online as a ‘performance’.

The cost for taking part is £7.50 per block (per person), but you can pay more if you wish to make a voluntary contribution to our costs. There’s no obligation, and you are very welcome to pay the basic fee. The price includes all learning materials, one zoom rehearsal and being included in the ensemble videos for both tunes/sets of tunes.

Digital albums of virtual ensemble performances now available – click on the images below

Block 63: December 2025

This month (December 2025), we’re grateful to have permission to do a fun christmas song by John Kirkpatrick from his Carolling and Crumpets album (do check it out!) and an Irish carol coupled with a winter tune:

  • That Great Christmas Pud
  • That Night in Bethlemen, Sheep Under the Snow

Extracts of the arrangements (played on fiddle & guitar)

Sample playalong tracks:

If you’d like to take part, click here to download the resource pack and pay your fee. The download contains all of the material you need to take part, including details of the Zoom rehearsal. You can contact us at any time if you have any questions or need advice about making your recording.
 

Key dates for the December 2025 ensemble are as follows:

    • Zoom rehearsal: Saturday 13th Decmber, 5.30 pm UK time (if you can’t attend, you can view the recording instead)
    • Recordings: Please send these in by 10pm (UK time) on Friday 19th December (or 12 noon on Saturday 20th December, by arrangement)
    • Video release: We’ll aim to release the ensemble videos in time for Christmas

Most recent Performance Video: November 2025

Loch Ruan, Flett from Flotta

The Road and the Miles to Dundee, Rothesay Bay

Previous Video Performances

To hear the ensemble from previous months, please click on the links below. Most of these arrangements are available to buy in our Harmony & Duets collection of e-books. Alternatively, please feel free to contact us to enquire about resources.

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