Surrey Arts, Big Leaf Foundation and the Academy of Contemporary Music are joining forces to record a Festive Themed Single (in just one day!) on Sunday 9 December. It’s for anyone aged 8 and above who enjoys music and shares our belief in the importance of community. No musical experience necessary and we aim to have over 50 participants.
Why music?
We live in one of the most multicultural countries in the world but it can feel as though, despite living in the same land, huge divides, negative stereotyping, fear of the unknown are as alive as they have ever been. Project manager, Jim Pinchen, says: “Music in its essence, is something that we all have in common. It’s everywhere from the rhythm of our first heartbeat through to family events and is therefore able to bring us together in a unique and safe way.”
Why a festive themed single?
‘I Speak Music’ is a programme that aims to bring together refugees and host communities and we think this is a perfect time of year to come together, have fun and celebrate everything we have in common, as well as all the fascinating things that make us unique. Beyond the food, lights, drink, intensive shopping and tinsel, at its heart, this festive season is about the spirit of giving and receiving, of family and of helping others.
Vicki Felgate from Big Leaf Foundation says: “We want to replace negative opinions with a simple and joyous message of peace and unity and we hope people will share it far and wide.”
What happens after the single is recorded?
A pop video will be distributed via social media with links to digital download sites (ie Spotify) where the single can be downloaded. All proceeds from the single will be used to make music projects that bring together Refugee and Host Communities.
For further details contact contact@bigleaffoundation.org.uk
Running for over 40 years, the next Easter Music Course is from Sunday 5 – Thursday 9 April 2020. Bookings are now open.
Other workshops
Surrey Arts run a variety of music workshops throughout the year for young people. These range from instrumental master classes to instrument skills, DJ & music production with experienced tutors. Workshops are held during school holidays, after school or at weekends all over the county.
DJ & Music Production
DJ & Music Production – a chance to learn how to beat match tracks and produce some unique beats of your own.
A unique half day workshop for young people to learn the art of DJ-ing and an introduction to music technology in a fun and educational way. Use mixing consoles to beat match , blend, cut, paste and scratch music to create a DJ mix. No previous musical experience necessary.
Monday 28 October – Surrey Arts, 14 The Pines, Broad Street, Guildford, GU3 3BH
Our next Surrey Arts Easter Music Courses will run from Sunday 5 to Thursday 9 April 2020 and this year is going to be bigger than ever, with nine different courses and workshops to choose from.
Running for over 40 years, our residential and non-residential music courses offer young people the chancech to develop, play and perform with other musicians while making friends and having fun.
This year, along side our popular orchestral and vocal courses we are also introducing new contemporary music workshops – details and application below!
For young people of 11 to 18 years old who are approximately Grade 4 standard and above (it is not necessary to have taken any exams).
Opportunities to play in an Orchestra, Wind Band and Jazz Band all with a team of dedicated professional tutors supporting each section and always on hand to help and give advice. A celebration concert will be held on Thursday 9 April at 5pm.
Residential option
Cost: £337 / £317 early bird for registration before 6 January 2020
Non-residential option
Cost: £248 / £227 early bird for registration before 6 January 2020
Payment upon request from Surrey County Council. Payment plans available upon request.
Any cancellation after 1 March 2020 will still be charged 50%
For players of around grades 1 – 3 with two ensembles to choose from: Strings (for violin, viola, cello and double bass) and Wind Band (for all brass, woodwind and percussion). An end course concert will be held on Wednesday afternoon.
Residential option
Cost: £174 / £155 early bird for registration before 6 January 2020
Non-residential option
Cost: £135 / £118 early bird for registration before 6 January 2020.
Payment upon request from Surrey County Council. Payment plans available upon request.
Any cancellation after 1 March 2020 will still be charged 50%
A free event for 4 – 18 year olds to come and try the many instruments in an orchestra. Trumpet, cello, bassoon, double bass, tuba, percussion and many more. Parental supervision required for this session
We are offering two half day courses for anybody that has recently started learning an instrument giving them a chance to play in an orchestra perhaps for the first time.
During each session pupils will play a variety of fun music specially chosen for beginners and will learn how to play as part of an orchestra. The pupils will be tutored by our Surrey Arts teaching team and will be helped and supported every step of the way. The pupils will get a tour of the fantastic Gatton Park site and will get to hear a range of music played by the older children taking part in the main course.
Pupils can choose to do either one of the workshops or can of course do both as different music will be played during each session. These courses will be most suited to anybody learning an orchestral instrument that can play just a few notes up to about grade 1 standard.
Two sessions available – 10am – 12.30pm and/or 1.30pm – 4pm
Cost: £20 per session or £40 for both (free lunch included if booked on both). Payment due at time of booking.
Non-residential. Any cancellation after 1 March 2020 will still be charged 50%
A musical menagerie with folksongs, traditional music, spirituals and more from around the world. Join our fantastic vocal tutors as they take you on a journey through a mix of musical styles and provide tips and tricks to help you with your singing and practice!
10am – 12.30pm
Cost: £20. Payment due at time of booking.
Non-residential. Any cancellation after 1 March 2020 will still be charged 50%
A workshop for singers working on amazing songs from musical theatre. From classics by Rogers and Hammerstein to new musicals like The Greatest Showman and Mamma Mia, you’ll explore a world of musical delights under the tuition of leading professional musicians and vocal coaches. Experience is not essential – come along and have fun with us!
10.00am – 12.30pm
Cost: £20. Payment due at time of booking.
Non-residential. Any cancellation after 1 March 2020 will still be charged 50%
Working with professional musicians and vocal coaches, learn more about your voice with singing exercises and discover how to make a vocal mash up of traditional songs, spirituals and rock and pop music. Ideal for a developing singer looking for an exciting challenge. Singers should be able to hold a tune and have some group singing experience (in a band, choir, a cappella group for example) to get the most out of this workshop. Be ready to improvise and have fun in this exciting workshop!
1.30pm – 4pm
Cost: £20. Payment due at time of booking.
Non-residential. Any cancellation after 1 March 2020 will still be charged 50%
A unique 3 hour workshop for young people aged 8 – 16 years old to learn the art of DJ-ing and an introduction to music technology in a fun and educational way. Use mixing consoles to beat match, blend, cut, paste and scratch music to create a DJ mix. No previous musical experience necessary.
9am – 12pm for 8 – 11 year olds
1pm – 4pm for 11 – 16 year olds
Cost: £30. Payment due at time of booking.
Non-residential. Any cancellation after 1 March 2020 will still be charged 50%
Studying for a grade? This workshop will cover all the core skills needed for your supporting tests. Session skills such as:
Creative improvisation
Sight reading Chord charts/melodic lines
Music theory/-Ear training skills
This workshop will be based around ‘Rockschool’ and ‘Trinity Rock & Pop’ exams but even if you aren’t studying a graded exam these skills are a vital part of any musicians development.
9am – 12pm Grades 1 and 2
1pm – 4pm Grades 3 and 4
Cost: £30. Payment due at time of booking.
Non-residential. Any cancellation after 1 March 2020 will still be charged 50%
Students who opt for the residential course will be looked after by a dedicated team of house staff and accommodated in one of the purpose built student halls at Royal Alexandra & Albert School. All of the accommodation blocks contain televisions as well as games rooms and outside of rehearsal time many fun activities are organised. Quiet spaces can also be arranged for pupils wanting to revise.
All meals and refreshments are provided throughout the day and always prove popular with the students.
