Applications open for the National Youth Folk Ensemble
The English Folk Dance and Song Society (EFDSS) has launched a nationwide search for talented young musicians to become the first members of the new National Youth Folk Ensemble. We are looking for excellent instrumentalists who are dedicated to developing as folk musicians and excited about collaborating with others who share their passion!
A series of Sampler Days will be held throughout England during May and June to audition musicians aged 14 to 18 for up to 25 places in the Ensemble.
Each Sampler Day will be a fun and inspiring introduction to the Ensemble led by the Artistic Director, BBC Radio 2’s Folk Musician of the Year 2015 Sam Sweeney, and professional folk musicians Miranda Rutter and Rob Harbron. The Sampler Days will include creative group workshops, individual auditions, and information sessions with Ensemble staff.
To register for a Sampler Day, musicians have to be aged between 14 and 18 on 1 September 2016, live in England, be able to play confidently on any instrument and have an interest in folk music.
National Youth Folk Ensemble Sampler Days 2016:
Sunday 8 May – Birmingham Conservatoire, BIRMINGHAM
Saturday 28 May – Sage Gateshead, GATESHEAD
Sunday 29 May – Leeds College of Music, LEEDS
Monday 30 May – Royal Northern College of Music, MANCHESTER
Tuesday 31 May – Derby LIVE, Guildhall Theatre, DERBY
Thursday 2 June – Exeter Phoenix, EXETER
Friday 3 June – Cecil Sharp House, LONDON
Saturday 11 June – West Road Concert Hall, CAMBRIDGE
Sunday 12 June – Cornerstone, DIDCOT
Places on the Sampler Days are free but limited and booking is essential at www.efdss.org/nationalyouthfolkensemble.
Selected musicians will be invited to a final audition in London in July and the Ensemble will meet for the first time in October for a residential course at Halsway Manor, Somerset.
The National Youth Folk Ensemble is an English Folk Dance and Song Society programme funded by Arts Council England.
Contact us: ensemble@efdss.org | @TheEFDSS | #youthfolk