Workshops, workshops and more workshops - at Dart Music Festival.

2014 must surely be the Year of the Workshop for Dart Music Festival - please read on for some of the delights in store for you...

This year’s Festival is positively awash (well, we are on the banks of the wonderful river Dart...) with workshops for all ages from the very young to the not-so-very young…

For the Under 5’s, there is ‘Music With Mummy’ with Carol Holbrow – a lively, fun and active session of music and singing, jumping and  marching, shaking and drumming for young toddlers and children up to age five, although younger and older siblings will be very welcome. 

Only fifteen spaces available so book your advance ticket from the Flavel on 01803 839530.

Wren Music are hosting a Scratch Band Family Workshop at the Guildhall where you can learn about different instruments and how to play them, to put together a piece of music as a band with everyone playing. Lots of instruments will be provided, or you can bring along your own – no experience necessary! Twenty participants maximum.

Professional percussionist Martin Neil, who runs the ‘Voices from the Nations’ charity which rediscovers indigenous sounds and promotes their music worldwide to raise funds for impoverished tribes,  is running a Drum Workshop in the Flavel Church. Martin and friends will perform an evening concert – which may well involve people from the afternoon workshop!

We are delighted to welcome back Ash Mandrake with his Family Workshop which proved so popular last year, where you can sing in rounds, use a microphone – and above all have some fun! You’ll also be able to use a loop machine in small groups or individually, to enjoy yourself by experimenting with different sounds. Suitable for all ages, but children must be accompanied by a well-behaved adult…

Denis Kigongo

More drumming – this time from Denis Kigongo with his African Djembe Drumming in the Flavel. The emphasis is very much ‘hands on’ in learning to play djembes and different African drums and percussion instruments, with everyone able to participate irrespective of their musical background. Maximum participants twenty five, but plenty of room to sit and watch.

Devonly Voices choir leader Vicky Hadland is holding her ever-popular Singing Workshop in the Flavel Church – no need to read music or sing solo, just come along to this friendly and informal workshop and simply have fun singing in glorious harmony! No singing experience necessary – singers and non-singers welcome.

Stephen Warbeck’s Workshop with the Pupils of Dartmouth Academy - Oscar-winning composer Stephen and his ensemble will help students create music to accompany their previously-made short films, which will then be screened the following day with a live performance at the Flavel. 

BOTH THE WORKSHOP AND THE SCREENING ARE TOTALLY FUNDED BY THE DART MUSIC FESTIVAL FOUNDATION.  

Book your free ticket - for the Flavel performance ONLY - in advance on 01803 839530

Uke Can Rock! Join this fun ukulele workshop to learn the basics including chords and rhythms, and to play along in a group to some rock classics from the Red Hot Chilli Peppers, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Fleetwood Mac and Deep Purple. Ukuleles supplied but spaces limited so arrive early at the Clifton Room to avoid disappointment.

And finally – drums! Experience the fun of Taiko Drumming in these family-friendly short sessions in front of the Bandstand – a great way to experience the joy of playing simple rhythms that look and sound great on these impressive taiko drums first hand. Esme from Exeter, aged 8, says “Taiko is epic and brilliant – it’s fun and I love it!” Don’t just take Esme’s word for it – come along and see for yourself! No experience needed – suitable for ages 6 – 106…

In addition to all this, the Decks@Ivy Lane Youth Venue is also hosting workshops for young people on the Saturday and Sunday of the Festival.

 
First is a Sound Engineering Workshop with Ben Malley, based around the 'alternative' careers and styles the music industry has to offer. Ben explains that music festivals have plenty of opportunities for performers to showcase their skills and material, but the importance of roles such as sound engineers, electronic artists, producers etc. are often overlooked or misunderstood. He’ll be exploring and showcasing these different careers and performance techniques whilst offering insight into what skills and equipment are needed to start.

Then comes a Rock Band Workshop from the Totnes School of Rock, where you can join in on an exciting rock experience with Terence Waldstadt and learn what it takes to play classic rock songs, including the importance of dynamics, instrumentation, timing, rhythm, tempo and improvisation. Acquire the trade secrets of how to make a song sound great from a professional musician with over fifteen years’ experience!

Last but definitely not least is a session with Jamming Station from Totnes. If you sing or play bass, drums or guitar then join a jam session with Jamming Station – a collective of young musicians aged 13 – 19 who meet weekly to jam, write and gig. Suitable for all levels.

For full details of all workshops please check your DMF programme or visit www.dartmusicfestival.co.uk

 

Dart Music Festival 16th/17th/18th May 2014