Students at the Bree trad youth music workshop day benefitted from expert tuition from some of the Island’s top traditional musicians on Saturday 12 May. Harps, fiddles, accordions, whistles, guitars, mandolins and keyboards were all set the task of learning new arrangements of Manx traditional tunes like ‘Illiam Boght’, writing new song lyrics and working together to form new bands and sets. They also had the opportunity to learn techniques particular to their individual instruments from tutors who have represented the Island internationally at festivals and conferences.
Dr Chloë Woolley, Manx Music Specialist for the Manx Heritage Foundation and organiser of the event, said: ‘We are repeatedly blown away by the talent and dedication of the Bree workshoppers. Even over the course of a short day, they bring new ideas to Manx music, shaping the tradition for the future. The workshop concert at Douglas Youth Arts Centre was great fun and parents were amazed at how much had been achieved so quickly, and at how much their children had enjoyed the experience.’
Bree is a trad youth music movement run by the Manx Heritage Foundation in conjunction with IOM Youth Services. The next session – where everyone plays tunes together – is at Douglas Youth Arts Centre on Saturday 16 June, 3-4.30pm. It’s free to join and the atmosphere is relaxed. Email Chloë on manxmusicspecialist@mhf.org.im for more details or visit www.manxmusic.com and click on Education.
