The performance will be broadcast live from Giggleswick School in Settle, North Yorkshire, where 150 pupils from the surrounding area will be in the audience. To tune in, schools simply go to connectresound.live in order to take part via their classroom whiteboards.
In the first half of the concert, at 1.15–2pm, the National Youth Folk Ensemble will perform a special, interactive concert which will introduce pupils to folk music, traditions and instruments as well as a lively repertoire of favourite folk tunes. The Ensemble consists of nineteen talented folk musicians aged 14 to 18 from across England who come together to create and perform, as well as to bring folk music to new audiences. The musicians take part in a year-long learning programme, which is managed by the English Folk Dance and Song Society with funding from Arts Council England.
In the second half, at 2.15pm–3pm, the acclaimed contemporary folk ensemble Leveret will take to the stage. Between them, the trio – Sam Sweeney, Rob Harbron and Andy Cutting – have amassed a significant number of awards and accolades, and wowed the likes of Radio 2, Radio 3 and The Guardian.
Youth music charity NYMAZ has teamed up with English Folk Dance and Song Society and North Yorkshire Music Hub to present the live-streamed performance to schools across the country. It is the first in a series planned for 2019 as part of the Connect: Resound project which uses technology to create more music education and enrichment opportunities for children living in rurally isolated areas where transport times, costs and logistics challenge traditional methods of provision. Connect: Resound is funded by the Hamlyn Foundation Education and Learning Through the Arts Fund and Music for All.
Sarah McWatt, Director of NYMAZ, explains: “We are thrilled that we are able to reach classrooms right across the UK and introduce young people to folk music in such an engaging way. We are committed to not only increasing musical opportunities for young people but also ensuring they are exposed to a huge range of musical styles, traditions and cultures.”
Rachel Elliott, Education Director at the English Folk Dance and Song Society, adds: “The National Youth Folk Ensemble brings sizzling energy, invention and musicianship to English folk tunes, taking them in all sorts of unexpected directions and presenting them with absolute commitment. They work collaboratively to create their own original arrangements of traditional music and invariably leave audiences in no doubt that English folk music is thriving! We are delighted to be working with NYMAZ and look forward to reaching many young people through this special performance. We’d love you to join us!”
There is a free learning pack aimed at Key Stages 2, 3, and 4 available for teachers to download from www.connectresound.live/resources
