THERE'S an opportunity for teenagers from across Devon to have fun singing songs from around the world in a new project led by the Okehampton based, folk arts charity Wren Music.

The Roots A Capella folk and world music singing day will be held on Saturday, November 22 in Exeter, with a day of singing workshops from 10.30am to 3.30pm, at the Barnfield Theatre.

The workshops offer the chance to learn songs and pick up singing techniques and tips with professional folk song educators Sarah Owen and Claire Anstee from Wren Music. 

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 as well as composing for dance and theatre.

Claire Anstee has a distinctive singing style, which she developed at folk sessions in Norfolk in her 20s.

The day will include singing English folk harmony songs and others from a world music repertoire—specialising in traditional songs from Eastern Europe, Africa, America and beyond.

There will be harmonies drawn from centuries-old oral traditions, from gospel to work songs, and from haunting chants to rousing celebration.

Funding from Youth Music has enabled 11 to 18 year olds from all over Devon to take part for £10 — or just £5 if they are children of full time students or people receiving income-related benefit.

Future Roots A Capella days are planned for Saturdays between January 17 and March 21 2009.

Organisers said that there may well be performances and other events as the project develops.

Further information on the event and Wren Music's various other community and youth folk choirs and orchestras can be found at  http://www.wrenmusic.co.uk">www.wrenmusic.co.uk.

Information is also available from Wren Music, 1 St James Street, Okehampton, Devon or by calling telephone 01827 53754.