The English Folk Dance and Song Society has appointed three new tutors to work with the London Youth Folk Ensemble from September 2021.
London Youth Folk Ensemble is for young people aged 11–19 (up to 24 years old for D/deaf and disabled young people) who live in or within travelling distance of London.
The Ensemble meets regularly from September to July and performs across London and beyond.
The Ensemble is open for improver to advanced level musicians of any instrument. All music is taught by ear and no previous experience of folk music is needed.
Alexandra Patterson (Joint Music Leader)
Alexandra is a fiddle player, guitarist, singer and educator with a varied background in traditional folk and alternative music. She has worked with the likes of Martin Green (LAU) and Michael McGoldrick. She’s the key founder of the band ‘AK Patterson’ who supported alt-J on tour internationally and around the UK, appearing at the Royal Albert Hall and showcased at The Cambridge Folk Festival.
Camilo Menjura (Joint Music Leader)
A Colombian guitarist, singer and choir leader, Camilo has won several Latin UK Awards (LUKAS) for his work in sharing Latin American musical culture through various projects in the UK. He has played with a number of bands visiting stages across Britain as well Europe, Asia, Central and South America. His guitar playing has been featured in films, TV shows, theatre productions and documentaries. Camilo will bring his extensive experience as a performer and music educator to the LFYE.
Connor Reynolds (Trainee Music Leader)
Conor plays the flute and melodeon, English and Irish music. He has some teaching experience but wants to do this traineeship to further develop his education work as he is considering a career in education and teaching.
If you are interested in joining London Youth Folk Ensemble for 2021/22, you should come to its Sampler session on Sunday 19 September 2021 at Cecil Sharp House. This is the opportunity to meet the tutors, learn some tunes and find out more about the coming year’s plans and events. This event is free, but advance booking is required.
