A MUSICAL mosaic was created in Okehampton recently by a group of aspiring musicians using instruments including concertinas and dulcimers.
Okehampton-based community and folk arts organisation Wren celebrated a joyous blossoming of its year-long Mosaic Music 2 project, with the grand finale day held at Okehampton Community College.
The project has seen Wren?s musicians, composers and technicians working closely with community music groups, and aspiring musicians of all ages, from Okehampton Youth Chorus and the Okehampton Youth Roots Band, as well as groups from Exeter.
The grand finale brought everyone together for a whole day of workshops, incorporating vocals, instrumental session, drumming, body-work and drama.
The project was rounded off with an hour-long concert, where more than half of the music performed had been written specially for the day, and learned very fast by all participants. The young musicians performed to each other and an audience of eager parents.
There was plenty of opportunity to ask questions and learn, as well as seeing how different styles of music are created and played, from rock to traditional English folk music. Wren provided a diverse range of unfamiliar and unusual instruments to try out during the day, so alongside guitar, bass, drums, and brass, there were the delightful sounds of melodeons and concertinas, dulcimers and autoharps.
The success of the project continues from year to year. At last year?s Mosaic Music, one Okehampton Primary School student picked up a violin for the very first time ? returning this year, she proudly announced she is now playing in the school orchestra!
The Mosaic Music 2 project was funded by Youth Music, Exeter City Council, Devon County Council, Arts Council England and the Okehampton (United) Non-Ecclesiastical Charity.
The project is just one part of Wren?s ongoing work with young people. The work is set to continue with summer music clubs in Okehampton and other locations, offering free week-long opportunities for 11 to 16-year-olds to learn and develop musical skills.
Topics covered will include songwriting and making up music, playing and singing together, recording, and trying out different instruments. No previous musical skills are needed, and all instruments are provided by Wren for those who do not have their own already. Further details are available from Wren, tel: 01837 53754.