Torridge grant will help young folk musicians

BIDEFORD Folk Festival has been successful in receiving a Torridge District Council Community Grant to make its FolkSprings! young people s music project happen outside the festival week. The project will take place on one Saturday each month leading u

BIDEFORD Folk Festival has been successful in receiving a Torridge District Council Community Grant to make its FolkSprings! young people's music project happen outside the festival week. The project will take place on one Saturday each month leading up to a concert on the main stage at Bideford Folk festival in August.Grant support from Torridge District Council and sponsorship from Kingsley School and Bideford Folk Festival means that these first sessions will be free of chargeFolksprings! is a partnership between Kingsley School and Bideford Folk Festival and the first meeting will be held at Kingsley School this Saturday afrom 10.30am to 3.30pmYoungsters who would like to enroll in advance should do so by telephoning (01237) 470792 or by email-ing jerry@bidefordfolkfestival.co.ukFolkSprings! is for all young musicians who play an acoustic instrument, from violin to clarinet, accordion to tuba! There are no auditions. The music is split into different parts for varying abilities. You'll need some level of instrumental skill - Grade 1-8 or equivalent experience - to get the most from the workshops. The ability to read music is helpful but not essential.The youngsters will be working with professional musicians using traditional music from different countries and the workshops will cover: Learning by ear; arranging music for a band; large and small group work; technique and ornamentation; rhythm, accompaniment and performance skills.The workshop leaders will be Nick Wyke and Becki Driscoll who are experienced musicians and tutors who have performed and led music workshops throughout the country. They have worked and recorded with artists such as Jim Moray, Jackie Oates and the Angel Brothers. See www.myspace.com/englishfiddle for more information.