Is NEEMF for professionals or amateurs?

Both. Most of the members are amateurs, but not all; most of the tutors are professionals.

Can I just come along and try a workshop to see what it's like?

Of course!

I don't sing and I don't play an instrument, can I still join?

By all means. We have one or two members who simply join for the information on early music events.

Is it alright if I bring a modern instrument, or do I have to have a proper authentic instrument?

That depends on the workshop. Sometimes they specify particular instruments, such as recorders and viols, or even 'renaissance-style' rather than 'baroque-style' recorders/viols; and other times they say modern instruments welcome.

Are plastic recorders acceptable?

Usually, yes, but see the event application form: sometimes 'lower' recorders only are asked for - which excludes descants - and in such music only a few treble players are required, and the treble part is occasionally difficult.

Do you play at concert pitch?

Usually, but sometimes we play at a different pitch (usually a = 415, about a semitone lower than concert pitch). The workshop details will specify the pitch.

Is there an age limit?

There is no upper or lower age limit, though of course everyone must be able to cope with the technical levels demanded by the day. Those under 18 must inform us (there will be a tick box on the registration form) so we can make arrangements for an apropriate CRB chaperone to be present, or be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

I have a particular interest in something that you don't often have a workshop on, what should I do about that?

If you belong to NEEMF, contact one of the Committee with your suggestion. We're always pleased to know what members want, and will see what can be done, though obviously we can't promise to meet everyone's wishes.

I am an early music performer, can I advertise myself on your website?

If you belong to NEEMF, we'd be delighted. If you don't belong, why not join?

I am arranging a concert in your area, will you publicise it for me?

The best thing is to send details to our Newsletter Editor (see the contacts page); all our members receive a quarterly newsletter plus occasional interim mailings. The events diary on this site is taken from the newsletter, with the benefit of occasional last-minute updates when necessary. Concert advertising is free to members; non-members will probably get a free listing but flyers, box adverts etc will incur a small charge.

Some people talk about 'fora' rather than 'forums': which is correct?

The Romans said 'fora', but we're not talking Latin here (otherwise we'd have to talk about 'an opus', not 'an opera' - and as for 'two operas', well, what would Caesar have said?? Besides, the Roman Forum was something rather different.) Many grammar scholars recommend 'forums' rather than 'fora':

"Where optional plurals are available for words of Latin or Greek origin, favour the English. Hence stadiums not stadia, forums not fora..." (M. Cutts, The Plain English Guide, Oxford University Press, p. 101)

Fowler - the definitive arbiter - is even terser:

forum Plural forums. (Fowler's Modern English Usage, revised 3rd ed., R. W. Burchfield, 1998, p. 301)

In other words, 'fora' is simply wrong, according to the authorities. That's good enough for me (the webmaster), but you say whichever you like.

Can I interest you in investment opportunities, cheap watches, cheap medicines, mortgages, or enhanced sexual prowess?

No.

I've got another question.

OK! Email your question to faq@neemf.org.uk and I will try to answer.

-- Thomas Green, webmaster, Neemf