Summer Newsletter 2010

As ever, we at Folkus are very busy arranging for Folkus tutors to run workshops at the many festivals throughout the region during the summer. These workshops enable Folkus to reach out and encourage festival goers to make music. We are very confident the variety and the spread of these music making sessions throughout the region will help improve the skills of all who attend.
However, before moving onto summer days of music making, we must report on the great success of the Folkus 7th Residential Weekend of Music. Held at Waddow Hall, Clitheroe over the 5th - 7th February 2010, the event was very popular and a hugely enjoyable occasion.
The organising committee of Folkus was very keen to maintain the high standards of tuition set at previous music making weekends, but they also recognised the need to introduce new tutors with different teaching methods and styles to stimulate and invigorate interest. Hence the tutorial team for 2010 was a mixture of teachers from previous years plus an influx of the new. In addition, the organisers increased the number of teaching sessions by introducing different instruments as suggested by delegates at the 2009 weekend. Therefore, the programme for the 2010 weekend was designed to incorporate all these ideas thus giving the delegates greater choice.
The new “ Bit of a Change” sessions were very popular. This was a session where pupils joined other groups to create a beginners band, or joined other musicians to play more advanced band styles and music. The choral singers sang to a guitar accompaniment.
Our guest list of tutors was outstanding. They included Ben & Joe Broughton, Phil Chisnall, Pete Coe, Cormac Byrne, Roger Purves, Emily Portman, Julian Taylor, Terry Coyne, Robin Shepherd and Jenny Coxon. Not forgetting of course, the Folkus regular tutors Rusty & Stu Wright, Derek Gifford, Jenny Shotliff and Fred Rose. All backed by Folkus Chairman Alan Bell, Vice Chairman Dave Jones with Folkus secretary Christine Bell ensuring all went according to plan.
An unforgettable weekend! Already 40 people have reserved their places for the 2011 event which will be at Waddow Hall over the weekend of 4th - 6th February. Book now to reserve your place ! A NEW VENTURE for FOLKUS
Further to the popular band sessions at Waddow this year, Folkus board member and tutor Jenny Shotliff is keen to establish a Folkus Band. Jenny seeks to attract musicians and create a band which will incorporate as many instruments as possible. Hopefully, this will appeal to intermediate players and above. In time, the band could become a show or ceilidh band and represent Folkus at festivals and community events.
Therefore, Folkus music makers are invited to become founder members and join the inaugural band practice on Sunday 26th September 2010 at 2pm - 4pm. Venue: Garstang High School, Bowgreave, Garstang, Lancs.
This is a FREE event and is an additional session to the Folkus Guitar workshops taking place in the school that day. Jenny Shotliff will lead and advise with the help of Fred Rose. To gauge interest, in this exciting new venture, please call the Folkus office with your name and the instrument you intend to play or email alanbell@folkus.co.uk or jenny.shotliff@hotmail.co.uk