Do you know a young concertina player (14 to 17)? Are they interested in folk music? Then they should be at the Folkworks Youth Summer School in Durham School, Durham City, northeast England from August 19 to 21 this year.
This will be the place to be for any folk-minded youngster. Some candidates are put off by the cost, as the inclusive fully-residential price this year is £500. As part of our aim to encourage concertina playing, the International Concertina Association offers a bursary of £250 to a suitably-qualified candidate.
They need to fit into the age range and to play the concertina. Although the summer school is based on folk music, they do not need previous folk experience. No particular standard is specified but they would need to be above beginner level.
The 2024 Summer School will mainly involve working in mixed instrument groups, but the course will be tailored to the young musicians so there will be opportunity for instrument specific focus during the week. Sam Partridge (one of this year’s tutors) is a concertina player and will be able to provide support with this.
The young recipient will be expected to write a short piece about the experience for Concertina World, the ICA magazine. We could offer help with drafting this if needed. We would also like a photograph taken during the summer school. Folkworks should be able to arrange this.
If you are interested or would like to know more, contact Roger Gawley at bursary@concertina.org .