Wanted: singers and musicians for a new teenage ensemble in Devon
Calling all young musicians and singers! A new professionally led ensemble is being launched in Devon this month, offering the chance to get expert tuition, write new songs, perform live - and, in the New Year, to record an album.
County Roots Ensemble is for singers and instrumentalists aged 12-18 to play and perform folk-roots and music from different cultures all over the world. Rehearsals will take place at the Cygnet Theatre in Exeter on the third Sunday of every month, starting on 15 September.
The sessions are run by Devon-based music and education charity, Wren Music, with funding from Devon Music Education Hub and The Norman Family Charitable Trust. The ensemble’s first live concert will be at Wren’s Baring-Gould Folk Weekend in Okehampton on 25-27 October, and further festival performances are lined up for next year.
Ideally, musicians will have their own instruments and be of intermediate standard or higher, and who are looking to improve their skills further. “The only requirement for vocalists is that they love singing,” said Wren professional vocalist and tutor, Sarah Owen.
“We will help them to develop their singing and playing, with expert tuition in vocal and instrumental techniques. There are no auditions to join the ensemble and no need to read music - unless they want to. The rehearsals are about upskilling the young vocalists and instrumentalists in a way that is challenging and will lead to them having the skills and confidence to perform live and to record an album. We want them to create something that makes them think ‘wow’.
“What is also different about this ensemble is that there is lots of room for creativity,” added Sarah. “We have a very open interpretation of what folk music is and we include songs and tunes that are both old and new, and come from all over the world - and we work with young people to decide what we play and sing.
“They will be able to write songs and create their own harmonies and arrangements. We are really encouraging their decisions and input, working together to achieve an excellent standard.”
As well as Wren’s own professional performers and tutors, there will also be specialist guest tutors from different areas of folk and world music.
But it’s not all about the music, as Sarah explained: “The young people will learn leadership skills and have the chance to mentor others. There is the opportunity to do an Arts Award through the group.
“And of course, it’s also about making friends and having fun. Our groups are very inclusive and friendly; one of the most common pieces of feedback we get is that everyone feels welcome.”
The CD recording takes place at a residential weekend on 17-19 January 2020, in the heart of the Devon countryside near Okehampton. The album will be released at a launch party in March: “The residential and recording weekend is an amazing opportunity to hang out together and experience the joy of making music,” said Sarah.
The rehearsals are 12-5pm on the third Sunday of each month, except August. People can just turn up on the day - although instrumentalists are asked to contact Sarah in advance if possible. Sarah said: “The first session can be a free taster - and don’t worry if you can’t make the first rehearsal in September, you are welcome to join at any time.”
The cost of joining the ensemble is £40 per term, to include four sessions. Bursaries are available - contact Wren about applying.
For more information about the ensemble, contact Sarah Owen at Wren on 01837 53754, or email sarah@wrenmusic.co.uk. To learn more about Wren’s work, visit www.wrenmusic.co.uk.
