Young music lovers are in for a treat next week, as West Devon-based folk arts development charity Wren Music is set to present a Summer Music Club in Okehampton.
The fun-filled five days of music and song have been specially designed to appeal to young people from eight to 14 years old. The morning and afternoon sessions will cater for all levels of ability, including those with no previous experience of singing or playing, and all instruments are welcome. There will be no auditions, no sight-reading of music, and it is not a competition.
A spokesman for Wren said: 'For those who do not have their own instruments, or for people who would like to try out others, Wren Music will have its extensive stock of instruments and percussion on hand.
'The wide choice ranges from the familiar electric and acoustic guitars, electric basses, etc through traditional instruments including fiddles, melodeons, accordions and mandolins to lesser-known instruments such as the autoharp, dulcimer, and bodhran, or Irish hand drum.'
Alongside learning new music, writing songs and tunes, the sessions will provide an opportunity to explore working creatively with others, and offer chances to make new friends.
The Summer Music Club will be rounded off with a 'Showing Sharing Show' — an informal performance for parents and friends on the Friday afternoon, where all participants will be encouraged to join in and take their first steps towards playing in public.
The Summer Music Club sessions will be led by the award-winning multi-instrumentalist David Faulkner and vocals specialist Sarah Owen — both members of Wren Music's team of professional musicians, singers, songwriters, and music educators.
The sessions will be held in the Fairplace Church Hall in Okehampton and will run from 10am until 3.30pm Monday to Friday, with a lunch break from 12.30pm until 1.15pm. Packed lunches should be brought along; soft drinks will be provided.
Thanks to investment from Devon County Council and Arts Council England SW, the fee for the whole week is £50, with a concessionary rate of £30 for children whose parents are full-time students or in receipt of income-related benefits.
All week fees for further children from the same family are only £25 full, or £15 concessions.
Attendance all week is preferred, but daily attendance from Monday to Thursday is also possible.
Per day fees are £15, with a concessionary rate of £10.
Daily fees for further children from the same family are £7.50 full, or £5 concessions.
Places at the Okehampton Summer Music Club are limited, so booking in advance is strongly recommended to avoid disappointment. Please contact Wren Music on 01837 53754, or email [email protected]">[email protected]