This is a new Hands Up for Trad initiative called Paths to Songs. In this scheme we ask experienced singers to pass down their tradition to a younger generation of singers giving them a path to learn folk songs and ballads. We are very keen for singers to learn how to be the vehicle for the song and how to communicate its meaning. The agreement will be between the mentor and the mentee but we hope the arrangement will be for 1 year.
Read about the Paths to Songs Mentees
Read about the Paths to Songs Mentors
As you will imagine this is not a new idea and something that has happened for hundreds of years in the community through the oral tradition. We are not trying to reinvent the wheel just keep it spinning and encourage more singing of the old songs!
After each lesson with the tradition bearer the young singer will blog their experiences so the information they have learnt can be passed on. We also hope that the young singers will then pass on their skills to young singers in the next generation.
If you would like to be involved in this initiative please contact Simon Thoumire info@handsupfortrad.co.uk
Mentors involved or showed an interest so far include Sheena Wellington, Anne Neilson, Rona Lightfoot, Christine Kydd, Geordie Murison, Christina Stewart, Bob Knight.
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