2012 Birthday Events

Wells Blue School Musicians' Project

We've invited Will Lang to lead a performance and composition project with the Wells Blue school music students and their teachers. Through-out May & June students and teachers will work with music & other materials suggested by Will and then will meet up to take part in two intensive weekend workshops developing their skills as musicians, as performers and as creators of original music.

This project will culminate in a performance of the students' work on Saturday 7th July on our main stage – Swildon's marquee. The concert will run from 11:00 to 13:00 and will be a free concert open to all.

We've suggested a theme of expressing dissent through music and arts as a way for these musicians to learn about how music (and particularly folk music) has been an effective medium for protest and dissent. Here are just a few names that come to mind... Woody Guthrie, Ewan McColl, Joan Baez, Roy Bailey, Billy Bragg, Bob Marley...

The students are really thrilled to be working with such a highly regarded and popular musician. We encourage students to study not only the music, but also the musicians themselves, and this project will offer a real insight into the music industry. The chance to discuss their own ideas and ask questions (teachers too!) about all sorts of aspects of music is a golden opportunity to think about their own hopes and dreams regarding their futures as musicians. We know it will also inspire them to aim high.
- The Wells Blue school music teachers
 

In recent years I have worked in a number of collaborations with young people and each new project excites me. As a contemporary British Folk musician it is important to me not only to study where 'our' music and traditions have come from, but also to explore where it can be taken with the new energy and interpretations brought to life by younger, fresher musicians whose own stories may be told through their music.

The power of music and its ability to communicate and resonate with others can be far greater than that of the mass-media or political parties simply because it has the power to communicate person to person. Songs of dissent reflect emotion, are cathartic and have the potential to enlighten and evoke the empathy and support of others. During the sessions with Wells Blue students we'll explore the origins and history behind some of these songs of dissent, their impact and effect on others and how they are relevant to today's social and political landscapes.

On a personal level, I'm really looking forward to working with Priddy Folk Festival and Wells Blue School. I grew up in Somerset and it is very important to me that young musicians in the region are inspired to make great music with strong messages, and keep Somerset Folk music alive and fresh.
- Will Lang

Awards

Halsway Manor residential course

In collaboration with Halsway Manor national centre for folk arts we are awarding two places on the Halsway Manor young folk musicians residential course in August, which leads to a performance at Sidmouth folk week. The winners will be chosen from the Blue school project and will be awarded for passion and commitment to the project and to the musician’s own musical development.

Club Tent Showcase and Open Mic prizes

…..and because not all up and coming musicians are ‘young’ we’d like to offer two awards of a day in a professional recording studio for the two artists/bands selected by the Club Tent audience and judges. 

We’d like to thank Halsway Manor and Orchard recording studios for helping us to offer these awards.

www.orchardrecordingstudios.co.uk

www.halswaymanor.co.uk

The Under 21s Scratch Band

One of the main aims of the festival has always been to promote music for young people so this year we’ve asked the Dyer:Cummings band to come and organise a workshop for young musicians, leading to a performance on the main stage on Sunday morning. We’re hoping their music will be heard everywhere over the weekend.

Priddy Folk Festival's 21st Birthday Party

At 1 o'clock on Sunday we plan to gather on the Green to sing ‘Happy Birthday’ to the festival and to share our huge chocolate and beer birthday cake. Bring birthday hats, party streamers and a big voice.