Cornwall Youth Folk Ensemble
Join a welcoming group of young musicians to learn and play folk music from Cornwall and beyond.
What to Expect
Fun tunes, funky rhythms and fresh arrangements in a friendly group supported by experienced music leads.
Who is it for?
Anyone aged 13 – 19* who can play a tune on their instrument
Any type of instrument welcome (yes – ANY!)
No knowledge of folk music needed
No ensemble experience needed
No need to read sheet music (playing by ear encouraged, with sheet music for those who want it – and we’ll start the tunes slowly!)
*If you’re just outside the age range but interested, get in touch – we may have some flexibility.
If you’re a complete beginner, we can put you in touch with local music teachers, please do get in touch (info@lowender.co.uk)
OUR MUSIC LEADERS
Ben Sutcliffe – A composer, musical director, and violinist based near St Just. As frontman of The People’s String Foundation, Ben brings rich experience in folk and theatrical music, having performed with artists like The Stranglers. Emma Oliver-Trend – A music leader and multi-instrumentalist from South East Cornwall, who has led youth music and folk projects across the UK. Emma is Artistic Director at Orchestras for All, championing inclusive, mixed-ability ensemble music and works with Sistema-inspired projects across the world.There will be:
- Collaborative, supportive music sessions
- Opportunities to perform in Cornwall and beyond
- Informal jam sessions
- Workshops with a range of awesome musicians
- Mash Up sessions with other Youth Ensembles
- Chances to lead/co-lead the group
- Creative music-making
- Chances for cultural exchange with international groups
Next sessions:
Click on date / venue to book. Book here for all 3 sessions.
The Perghenegi project comes at a pivotal time for folk music education in Cornwall. Cornish music and dance is enjoying an explosion of interest and Cornwall Council moves towards the implementation of Curriculum Kernewek. What place will Cornish folk have in schools? How can we create clear pathways for young people to discover their local music? What do young people want from folk music education? Lowender have secured seed funding to help answer these questions and to increase opportunities for folk music teaching in schools across Cornwall.
Your participation will be a crucial step in this journey, helping us all discover how Cornish folk music is passed on, in your local community, in your choir, in your school. We will also discuss opportunities for teaching folk music in schools in the next academic year and beyond.
The Cornwall Youth Folk Ensemble is a new venture with ASONE launched in the summer of 2024 aiming to create an ensemble celebrating distinctly Cornish Celtic music.
The Youth Advisory Committee is a group of young people who advise the board of Lowender. They ensure that young peoples views are represented in the running of the organisation and hold us accountable to the future that they want.
