YOUNG people from eight to 18-years-old are finding their voices, making new friends and learning songs from around the world in a new workshop taking place in Okehampton this summer.
In May, June and July, the folk arts charity Wren Music will be running 'Singing Saturdays' in Okehampton, as well as in Newton Abbot, Exeter, Barnstaple and Honiton.
Singers from the county-wide youth vocal group 'Roots A Capella' (pictured right) and professional folk singers Paul Wilson, Sarah Owen and Claire Anstee will lead the workshops.
The Singing Saturdays will cover harmony songs from English folk and from world music sources, specialising in traditional songs from Eastern Europe, Africa, America and beyond.
With harmonies drawn from centuries-old oral traditions — from gospel to work songs and from haunting chants to rousing celebration — there will be something here for everyone.
All voices are welcome, and no sight-reading is required — just the desire to enjoy creating sounds together.
Thanks to funding from Youth Music, taking part in each Singing Saturday is only £10, or £5 for children, full-time students or people receiving income-related benefit.
The Singing Saturdays will all be held from 10.30am to 3.30pm. Participants should bring a packed lunch, and drinks will be provided.
The event in Okehampton will be on June 27, at Fairplace Church. The Newton Abbot day will be on May 2 at the Courtenay Centre, the Exeter one on June 6 at the Barnfield Theatre and the Barnstaple day will be on July 4 at Newport Community School.
Multi-instrumentalist, singer, composer and songwriter Paul Wilson first came to national prominence in the 1970s and has performed at a variety of venues, from Ewan MacColl's 70th Birthday at London's Festival Hall to a small-hall concert for a fishing co-op on the shores of Newfoundland.
Sarah Owen is a composer, singer and workshop leader with experience in a wide range of music making, including traditional music, combining voice with electronics, and making music for dance and theatre.
Claire Anstee has a distinctive singing style, which she developed at folk sessions in Norfolk in her twenties. Since then, she has gone on to perform in many genres, from folk to medieval music to dub reggae, as well as composing and writing songs. She particularly enjoys helping those who lack confidence to feel more at ease with their voice.
Further information on the Singing Saturdays and Wren Music's community choirs and orchestras for adults and for young people can be found at http://www.wrenmusic.co.uk">www.wrenmusic.co.uk
Places for Singing Saturdays can be booked in advance by calling Wren Music on 01837 53754 or by emailing [email protected]">[email protected] or people wishing to take part can just come along on the day.