Wren Music launches new folk school!
We’re thrilled to share the amazing news that we’ve received funding to launch a new weekly music and singing provision for young people in Okehampton.
From 4 March, our Wren Music Folk School will run every Wednesday evening during school term times, with sessions for three age groups. The evening starts at 3.45-4.30pm for children aged 5-8 (with responsible adult); 4.45-5.45pm is for children aged 8-11; and the 6-7pm session is for 11-16-year-olds.
Those taking part can use musical instruments from our impressive store or they can bring their own, if they prefer. As an Arts Award Centre & Assessor, we’re able to offer nationally recognised Arts Awards at the end of the year.
The sessions, led by our professional musicians, are at the Ebenezer Hall building in North Street. People can either book on our website (see our What’s On calendar) or just turn up on the evening.
The Wren Music Folk School has initial funding for a year from the Okehampton United Charity, West Devon Borough Council, the Scops Arts Trust, and a donation from the estate of Elizabeth Hampton. We’d like to say a big ‘thank you’ to all of them for their support.
Before the launch evening, during the February half-term school holiday, we’re hosting a series of taster sessions at Ebenezer Hall on Monday 16, Wednesday 18 and Friday 20, from 10am to 3pm – bring a packed lunch.
Our creative director, Marilyn Tucker, said: “We’re really excited to be able to do this in Okehampton. It’s an addition to our programme that we’ve been looking to do for quite a while, and it’s been made possible now because we’ve got the funding.
“It’s open to all, and the young people who come along can choose a different instrument to play each week, if they like,” she added.
For older youngsters who’d like to focus on a particular instrument, there’s the opportunity to hire an instrument from Wren Music so they can continue playing at home between sessions. The school also includes singing, with the chance to contribute ideas for songwriting.
At the end of each term, all the groups will come together and share the songs they’ve learned.
Each session costs £8/£5 for the first child and £5/£3 for each subsequent child: “We really want to make this as accessible as possible for families,” said Marilyn. “If people might need some help, they can just come in and talk to us.”
To book taster sessions – Click here Folk School Taster Sessions | Wren Music
To book After school Session – Click here Folk School | Wren Music
Booking link to the weekly groups will be available soon
