Families at the festival
Worcester Music Festival endeavours to be family friendly, and there are some exciting new developments in the pipeline for 2012. Watch this space.
Workshops and masterclasses we have put on for children and young adults include:
Ukulele!
Open to all ages was Steven Sproat’s ukulele workshop at the Elgar School of Music.
Join a rock band – no musical experience needed
Ever dreamed of joining a rock band, but never played an instrument? Worcester School of Rock & Performance gave youngsters the chance to have a go, providing all the instruments and coaching for free. This was open to 8-18 year olds.
Drumming showcase
Professional drummer Jason Bowld demonstrated his awesome rock techniques at Marr’s Bar in Pierpoint Street. This free session was open to all ages and was a must-see for anyone remotely interested in drumming.
Singing
Helen Russell ran a series of singing sessions for all ages at St Swithun’s Institute. This included Helen’s ‘All Stars Singing’ session for children aged two and up, as well as ‘Popstars Singing and Dancing’ aimed at older children. Later on was the Worcester Music Festival Community Choir for those who had never sung outside the shower.
Rappers and lyricists open mic session
The Rappers and Lyricists open mic session being held at Boston Tea Party on Broad Street from 8pm to 9pm. This will suit teenagers and upwards. So if you’re an aspiring rapper or lyricist please come along and join in! Free entry.
Lead guitar workshops
On Sunday Mark Archer is running two lead guitar workshops open to all ages at Elgar School of Music. The workshop for beginners starts at 10am and finishes at 12:30pm. The intermediate workshop runs from 1:30pm to 4pm. Participants must bring their own guitar but amplification will be available at the workshop.
Worcester School of Rock & Performance showcase
Students from WSRP showcased their talents at Marr’s Bar in Pierpoint Street. This was also an opportunity for 8–18 year olds into their rock music to find out more about WSRP and meet some of the students and staff.
Demo Derby
Musicians with a demo got to have their masterpiece scrutinised by a panel of experts. Paul White, editor of Sound on Sound magazine was there, along with Scott Garrett from MAS Records in Kidderminster and other industry experts.
Jon Gomm acoustic guitar masterclass
Jon covered everything from contemporary acoustic guitar techniques, such as tapping and guitar percussion.
"One of the world's most gifted and inspirational guitarists" - Acoustic Magazine
"Once you get over the jaw-dropping manouvres and technique, you will be rewarded with some spectacularly beautiful songs." - Blues and Soul Magazine
Worcester young musician’s showcase
Young musicians from Worcester and beyond showcased their talents with a mix of acoustic performances and band performances. The event was run in association with Energy Factory and Youthcomm Radio 106.7 FM.
