Nationwide search for talented young musicians comes to Exeter

A nationwide search for talented young musicians to become the first members of the new National Youth Folk Ensemble will come to Exeter next month.

Applications have opened for a Sampler Day organised by the English Folk Dance and Song Society (EFDSS) at Exeter Phoenix on June 2 for young musicians aged 14 to 18.

Led by the Ensemble’s Artistic Director, BBC Radio 2’s Folk Musician of the Year 2015 Sam Sweeney, each Sampler Day will include creative workshops with a team of professional folk artists, individual auditions, and a question and answer session with Ensemble staff.

Selected musicians will be invited to a final audition in London in July. To register for the Exeter 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.

Places on the Sampler Day are free but limited and booking is essential at www.efdss.org/nationalyouthfolkensemble.

EFDSS created the National Youth Folk Ensemble to increase opportunities for young people and audiences to discover folk music and raise the profile of folk music in England. The programme is supported by Arts Council England.

Katy Spicer, EFDSS Chief Executive and Artistic Director, said: “We are looking for excellent instrumentalists who are dedicated to developing as folk musicians and excited about collaborating with others who share their passion. 

“This is a unique opportunity for young musicians and the first time a group of this kind has been established on a national basis. It offers a chance to develop in a nurturing environment with experienced and skilled musicians.

“We are hoping the Ensemble will discover, encourage and inspire the folk performers, educators and leaders of the future, and we would encourage as many young musicians as possible to sign up to the Sampler Day in Exeter.”

The National Youth Folk Ensemble will formally launch in October. Members will take part in four weeks of intensive residential courses around the country, receiving high quality tuition and guidance from leading professional folk artists.
They will also develop skills in performance, arrangement, leadership and facilitation and give public performances.

Keep up to date with news about the ensemble at www.efdss.org/nationalyouthfolkensemble and tweet @theEFDSS #youthfolk