Stage set for a very special gig in Exeter
Lovers of traditional music are in for a rare treat when a special concert at Exeter Northcott Theatre on 12 July brings together harmonica wizard Will Pound and his band, members of South West-based Wren Band and 25 young musicians from Devon.
Will, recognised as one of the finest harmonica players in the world and often to be heard on BBC Radio 2, will join Wren Band musicians and the children during the first half of the show before he and his band have the stage to themselves for the second half.
The Will Pound Band with Music 4 Life concert is a celebration of Devon charity Wren Music’s educational work and features performances from children aged 7-11 from Exeter’s Wynstream Primary School and Forches Cross Primary in Barnstaple.
The youngsters will be singing and playing a mix of songs they’ve written with musicians from Wren, and traditional pieces. The concert is subsidised by National Lottery Funding through Grants for the Arts from Arts Council England, and is part of an ongoing Music 4 Life project run by Wren, funded by BBC Children in Need and Youth Music.
David Faulkner from Wren said: “The audience can expect quality, lively music, from acapella to big band numbers. For the children to be performing songs they’ve actually helped to write is quite special. It’s been an amazing opportunity for them to really get involved in the arts and to play with the Will Pound Band is the icing on the cake.”
Among the array of traditional instruments they’ve learnt to play are autoharps, dulcimers and mandolins: “They’ve had to work really hard since Easter in terms of writing songs and learning the music, and they’re going to have great fun bringing all that they’ve learned to the stage.”
Gill Brown, Head of Wynstream Primary, said that her pupils were relishing the opportunity to appear on stage with professionals: “They’re very excited – it’s going to be fantastic. We’ve seen them grow in confidence so much in recent weeks. Learning the songs and then being able to perform them in a professional theatre is an invaluable experience for them.”
Head teacher at Forches Cross Primary, Paul Wisken, said the children have loved working on the songs and can’t wait to perform them live: “It’s been a pleasure working with Wren Music on this project. The children have got a huge amount out of it and they’re really looking forward to the concert at the Northcott.”
After jamming with the youngsters and Wren Band members Paul Wilson, Marilyn Tucker, Becki Driscoll, and David at the end of the first half, the Will Pound Band will be playing an hour-long set.
Will has been featured widely in the national music media and on BBC Radio 2, where DJ Mark Radcliffe has described him as “a flat out genius harmonica player”. Joining him in his band are Henry Webster on fiddle, John Parker on double bass and beat-boxing and Chris Sarjeant on guitars and vocals.
The band will be playing a mixture of traditional pieces and some of their own: “It’s going to be awesome, a great night of trad tunes,” said Will, who described the band’s sound as “blue grassy and a little bit jazzy. “I did a charity gig for Wren a few years ago and it’ll be nice to play with the guys. It’s going to be fun.”
David Faulkner says it’s a show not to be missed by traditional music fans: “The show is going to be an excellent mixture and an opportunity to see a world class, jaw dropping musician in action.”
The concert is 6pm-8pm on Sunday 12 July. Tickets are £10 (£7 concessions). Contact Exeter Northcott box office on 01392 493493 or book via the website, www.exeternorthcott.co.uk
