Those of us who have been around for a while – most of the committee – know how much the folk scene needs to attract and retain younger performers and their audiences.  As a result, this year’s youth programme has been extended to include a wider range of activities than in the past.

Four workshops with RhodeWorks

Workshop 1:  Meet and Greet.  Learn how these boys started on their musical journey and how it has evolved into something unexpected.  Bring your voice and your instrument of choice and join in with some songs taught by the boys.

Workshop 2:  This workshop will refine the songs taught in the first workshop.  Anyone who missed the first workshop can come along and catch up. These songs will be performed at the ‘By and for Our Youth Concert’.

Workshop 3:  RhodeWorks want to hear the music you are listening to and playing, so bring your songs along and we will be your audience.  Provide inspiration for future RhodeWorks music!

Workshop 4:  Everyone will review the music from the previous workshops and get polished for the Concert.  This workshop will be an opportunity for people who haven’t made it to previous workshops to come and join in.

By and for Our Youth Concert

This is a tradition of the Festival – a concert featuring and hosted by our younger performers.  If you feel youthful come along and amaze and inspire the audience with your brand of music.  The concert is hosted by RhodeWorks and those attending their workshops are encouraged to perform, as well as any other young performers present at the Festival

Music is Fun (two sessions) – with Max Schollar-Root

Especially aimed at those who are interested in music but maybe not yet playing, these two workshops aim to inspire those attending to have fun with music.  Max – a member of guest band Ungus Ungus Ungus – works with kids doing developmental music classes and music therapy. Each workshop interactive workshop will respond to the interests of those attending.

Joan Prior Award concert

After a year “in recess”, the JPA is again a key part of the Festival.  Open to young performers (aged 15 – 25) living in the greater Wellington Region, this Award is sponsored by Wellington’s Acoustic Routes, in memory of Joan Prior, a key member of the club over many years.

Applications for the JPA can be submitted via either the Festival or Acoustic Routes websites and close on 30 September.  The concert will feature performances from all applicants in front of a judging panel of musicians, including Festival guests.

The decision of the judges will be announced and the award presented during the Sunday evening showcase concert.

Schools Concert

Students coming out of Wellington’s high school music classes have a huge amount of talent and capability.  Since one of the Festival committee members (Dominic Rowsell) is a student at Aotea College, we’ve asked him to put together a mainstage concert featuring himself and some of his high school music peers.

Ethno NZ 2019 – workshop with Vanya Howell Kress and Fernando Figuroa Pereira

Come and get a taste of what Ethno is all about! Ethno is a world-wide movement for young players within the folk/trad music scene. Ethno NZ was founded in 2017 and you will meet some of  their team members during this festival workshop. Come and learn a few songs and tunes from all around the world and learn more about Ethno. All instruments and abilities are welcome!