On Saturday 27th and Sunday 28th of October the annual Bree weekend will take place at Douglas Youth Arts Centre on Kensington Road. Bree (Manx for ‘vitality’) is a Manx Gaelic youth arts movement consisting of workshops in music, language and dance.

The workshops are aimed at young people aged 10 to 18 (school years 6 – 13) who sing or play fiddle, mandolin, whistle, flute, guitar, bodhran, piano and harp (although other instruments are accepted if prior notice is given). Previous experience of Manx music or Gaelic is not necessary, but enthusiasm is essential!

With a spooky Hop tu naa theme throughout, the workshops will focus on skills associated with the various instruments, as well as developing group arrangements. Workshops will also take place for those interested in singing, dancing, drama and composition, song writing and improvisation.

The October Bree weekend is led by local Manx musicians, dancers and language experts and ends with a concert for family and friends. The workshops will take place between 10am and 4pm on both days but will finish with a concert for family and friends at the end of the second day from 3pm.

Bree is organised and funded by the Manx Heritage Foundation and the Youth Service and it is a learning destination for the IOM Children’s University.

There is also a Bree youth session held one Saturday a month at Douglas Youth Arts Centre along with occasional workshops from visiting musicians and busking opportunities. Bree is a great place to make new friends, form new bands, have fun and be really creative with Manx culture!

For more information, or for an application form, please contact Dr Chloe Woolley by email: manxmusicspecialist@mhf.org.im, phone 695787 or see www.manxmusic.com [education pages].