We help foster the growth of local and regional opportunities to play folk music, particularly where there is currently little provision, and we support music educators to enable this to happen.
We work in partnership with Music Education Hubs, schools and arts organisations across England to create and deliver projects for and with young people.
There are four strands to the Engagement Programme and one project could involve all four strands:
Workshops
We offer engaging instrumental workshops led by folk music specialists designed in collaboration with our partners to maximise learning and impact. Themes include playing by ear, creative music-making, composition and playing for dancing. Our workshops are mainly aimed at Key Stages 3-5 with some work at Key Stage 2, and they take place in schools and in out-of-school settings.
Performance
We work with professional folk artists and National Youth Folk Ensemble alumni to present interactive, educational performances for primary and secondary schools.
National Youth Folk Ensemble members and alumni are also available to perform at conferences, festivals and other events.
Alumni Training
As part of our commitment to developing the next generation of folk music educators, we give National Youth Folk Ensemble alumni opportunities to train and gain experience in music leadership.
Continuing Professional Development
We provide CPD for music teachers and folk musicians to develop skills in folk music education, sharing methods from the National Youth Folk Ensemble creative team. All of our CPD is backed up by our extensive Resource Bank, created for use by music educators.
“In well over 10 years of music education this is the best CPD I’ve been on. Informative, well planned, really interesting and fun. I feel loads more confident coming away from it.” Running a Youth Folk Ensemble CPD participant
Resources
To support learners and teachers of folk music, the National Youth Folk Ensemble creative team have produced a series of films to demystify folk music. Explore the resource here.
Examples of the Engagement Programme
Passport to Music
We are currently working with People Express, National Youth Jazz Collective and Baby People to deliver a 2-year project in South Derbyshire, aimed at young people in challenging circumstances.
Soundstorm, March 2020
A week-long residency by National Youth Folk Ensemble music leaders and alumni in partnership with Soundstorm, the lead partner for the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Music Education Hub. Unfortunately cut short by the pandemic on Day 2, the plans included workshops and performances in secondary schools; interactive performances in primary schools; CPD for local music teachers; alumni training in music leadership; and a public performance at The Lighthouse in Poole.
Derbyshire Music Hub, January-February 2020
An 8-week project at Hope Valley College in Derbyshire, led by National Youth Folk Ensemble music leaders and alumni. The project included alumni training; a performance in assembly; workshops for GCSE and Year 9 students; CPD for local music teachers; and resulted in a ceilidh for the school community. The project supported the development of Hope Valley College’s existing folk group and the establishment of Derbyshire Youth Folk Ensemble.
“Highly impactful, it has revolutionised the way the folk teaching has been delivered.” Kristina Craven, Head of Music, Hope Valley College
NYMAZ, February 2019
The National Youth Folk Ensemble and acclaimed folk band Leveret presented an interactive performance in Giggleswick, North Yorkshire, for local school children and an online audience. The live-streamed show was made in collaboration with North Yorkshire music charity NYMAZ as part of Connect: Resound. A resource pack was produced to introduce teachers and students to folk and traditional music ahead of watching the performance.
Bury Youth Strings, October-December 2017
An 8-week project at Bury Music Service working with their string orchestra to explore folk repertoire. The project included workshops led by folk artists; CPD for local music teachers; and a shadowing opportunity for National Youth Folk Ensemble alumni. The project resulted in a performance at The Met in Bury and supported the establishment of the Greater Northern Folk Ensemble.
“The workshops really developed the students’ aural skills and their sound production. It also taught them about shape and form, and gave them some composition and improvisation ideas.” Gemma Price, Head of Bury Music Service
Our Engagement Programme partners have included: Bury Music Service, Centre for Young Musicians, Derbyshire Music Hub, Devon Music Education Hub, East Sussex Music, Kent Music, Milapfest, Music Mark, Music for Youth, National Youth Jazz Collective, National Youth Orchestra, NYMAZ, People Express, Philharmonia, Soundstorm, Young Music Makers
Get in touch with Sarah Jones (Programme Manager) to discuss ideas and financial arrangements for ways we can support the development of folk music in your setting: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
