The English Folk Dance and Song Society, in partnership with Kent Music, are proud to present one of only eight free Youth Folk Sampler Days throughout England this year, to take place online on May 30^th 2021.

Play by ear and develop your creativity, explore folk music, and learn from inspiring professional musicians!

Challenge yourself and explore new genres with a professional workshop this May! Working with brilliant professional musicians from the English Folk Dance & Song Society (EFDSS), you’ll explore playing by ear, improvisation, and new playing styles, as well as pushing your creativity and discovering more about English folk music.

You don’t need to know anything about folk to take part – just come with an open mind!

If you enjoy the day, you’ll also have the opportunity to apply for the National Youth Folk Ensemble, an internationally recognised youth folk group of up to 25 members who create and perform inspiring new arrangements of folk music and work with leading folk artists. Auditions are open to players aged 14-18.

The ensemble celebrates excellence in youth folk music, bringing together talented young folk musicians from across England to create and perform inspiring new arrangements of folk music and work with leading folk artists. The workshops will be led by master musicians in a relaxed and supportive environment.

Despite having a rich history of folk traditions in the county, young people in Kent have limited opportunities to engage and experiment with the traditional music that is so much a part of the fabric of our land.

Kent Music are so excited to be a part of opening the doors of opportunity for confident and curious young players, some for the very first time.

All keen young musicians from across Kent aged 12 – 18 who are eager to explore new arrangements and styles of music are invited to take part in the creative and challenging day of workshops this May.

No previous experience with folk music is necessary and, unlike a classical orchestra, there are no restrictions on the type of instrument you play – just that you play it with confidence!*

Each Sampler Day of creative music-making features:

• engaging workshops on Zoom introducing young musicians to folk tunes, techniques and creative ideas
• information session with Ensemble staff
• an optional short audition, if you are aged 14-18 and want to apply for the National Youth Folk Ensemble

Spaces are extremely limited, with only 20 available at each session. Booking is essential, so we would encourage participants to sign up for their free place as soon as possible via Eventbrite at the button below.

Date and Time:
Sun, 30^th May 2021
11:00 – 16:00

*NB: National Youth Folk Ensemble’s repertoire is currently instrumental only, so the Sampler Day is not suitable for singers.

The English Folk Dance and Song Society (EFDSS) is the national folk arts development organisation for England. They champion the English traditional arts – music, song, dance, storytelling, customs and traditions – as part of the rich and diverse cultural landscape of the UK. They have around 3000 members nationwide. They are also a Registered Charity, with regular funding from Arts Council England as a National Portfolio Organisation. They run the National Youth Folk Ensemble, which celebrates excellence in youth folk music, bringing together talented young folk musicians aged 14 – 18 from across England to create and perform inspiring new arrangements of folk music and work with leading folk artists.

For more information, visit their website.