FOUR days of music making are in store this summer for young music lovers in Okehampton, as folk arts charity Wren Music present music and song sessions. Wren?s ?Summer Fun With Music and Song? sessions run from Tuesday July 25 to Friday July 28 in Fairplace Church. The fun filled four days of music and song for eight to fourteen years olds 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 no competition. A spokesman for Wren said: ?Alongside learning new music, writing songs and tunes, the morning and afternoon sessions will provide an opportunity to explore working creatively with others, and offer chances to make new friends.? Summer Fun With Music and Song 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 spokesman 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 and drum kits; through traditional instruments including fiddles, melodeons, accordions and mandolins; to lesser-known instruments such as the autoharp, dulcimer, and bodhran (Irish hand drum). One of last year?s participants summed up what is on offer: ?It?s just like a music shop where you can pick up anything you like, and have a go.? The Summer Fun sessions will be led by Wren Music?s team of award-winning professional musicians, singers, songwriters, and music educators, all of whom have many years experience performing and leading workshops across Devon and farther afield -Germany, Italy, Hungary, Canada and South Africa in the last couple of years. The sessions will run from 10am ? 3pm each day, with a lunch break from 12.30 ? 1.15pm ? packed lunches are advised, soft drinks will be provided. Thanks to support from Devon County Council and Arts Council England, the fee for the whole four days is only £70, with a concessionary rate of £35 for children whose parents are in receipt of income-related benefits, registered disabled, or full-time students. Per day fees are £20, with a concessionary rate of £10. Places at Summer Fun With Music and Song are limited, so booking is recommended. Contact Wren Music on telephone 01837 53754, or e-mail [email protected]">[email protected]
