The Devon Inclusive Folk Ensemble is a friendly and welcoming group for children and young people with additional needs and their families to make music together.
Young people aged between 8 and 30 who have a disability or special education needs are welcome to join in with this inclusive music making group. All young people must be accompanied by a family member or carer, and we encourage everyone in the room to join in the music making.
Members sing and to play music together as a group. We sing traditional folk songs and create our own lyrics. There’s also the chance to try a range of instruments including percussion, fiddles, guitars, accordions and more.
Everyone is welcome to join. We meet at Newcourt Centre, Blakeslee Drive, Exeter, EX2 7FN, which is accessible for mobility issues and wheelchairs.
The group meets during once a month, usually on the last Saturday, from 2.30pm-4.30pm. You can arrive from 2.15pm to settle in.
There are opportunities to perform at events for those wishing to do so – examples include our inclusive ceilidhs, where the ensemble plays alongside some of Wren Music’s other community orchestras and choirs.
Here is some feedback from one of our families
“Our daughter is blind and severely physically disabled. Her hearing and voice are everything to her, music has been such a huge part of her life from a very young age. To be part of a group like this has meant everything to our daughter.
“She so looks forward to coming and is made so welcome by everyone. She has loved learning all the new songs, catching up with friends and making new friends. She also loves trying out and having a go at playing all the different instruments that are offered at each session.
“It is fantastic to see all the young people in the group having such a wonderful time, enjoying and being able to be themselves in such an inclusive group.” – Nicola, who attends Devon Inclusive Folk Ensemble with her daughter, Lucy.
If you would like to find out more about the group, please email [email protected] and we will be happy to chat with you.