THE Bree Fiddle and Dance School for young fiddlers and dancers will take place later this month.
The event will be held at Douglas Youth Centre on Saturday, February 19 from 10am to 4pm.
It is aimed at young people in school years 6 to 13 (ages 10 to 18) who will be treated to a fun day of workshops with the Island's leading pros.
The day will end with an informal concert at 3pm for family and friends where students will showcase their new skills.
The violin (fiddle) players will be led by Katie Lawrence who has a broad experience of performing, teaching and composing.
She will focus on instrumental techniques and performance skills using traditional tunes and her own compositions.
Gifted dancer and actress Gráinne Joughin will direct the dance workshops where she will reveal some of the techniques behind the spectacular dances developed by her modern Manx dance troupe, Perree T.
Although some experience of Manx music or dancing would be useful, it is not essential and the workshops are suitable for competent violinists who want to develop their traditional playing techniques or dancers of any background who would like to learn more about modern Manx folk dance.
The event is free of charge but students must register in advance and bring their own violin and music stand or suitable dance shoes, packed lunch and refreshments for the day.
Under 16s must bring written permission from parents/guardians if they need to leave the building during the day.
Now in its fifth year, Bree was established by the Manx Heritage Foundation as an umbrella group for young musicians, singers and dancers interested in Manx traditional culture.
Bree meets each month for informal music sessions at Douglas Youth Centre.
The musicians also regularly busk for local charities and hold educational workshop events throughout the year.
For further details contact Chloë Woolley at manxmusicspecialist@mhf.org.im or ring 695787.
Also see: www.manxmusic.com
