Free Band Reel
More information of Free Band Reel and Furness Tradition Youth work
Current news of Free Band Reel

This project began when three school folkbands and Furness Tradition got together to begin a mammoth music-making project. Traditional music tutors from Furness Tradition worked with young players from Ulverston Victoria, Thorncliffe and St Bernards schools to improve music-making skills and experience live ceilidh-band playing.

Guitars, fiddles, whistles, flutes, djembes, maracas, guerros, melodeons and the occasional horn all combined in a glorious folk-style big band sound. The young people ended the pilot project in style - playing for a public ceilidh in Ulverston’s Coronation Hall as part of the Furness Tradition Festival. The pilot Three Band Reel was a success - so much so that Furness Tradition has expanded the project to become Freebandreel, throwing it open to otheryoung musicians from all over Furness.

Freebandreel brings young musicians together from across Furness to take part in band workout nights on Fridays fortnightly from 7pm to 9pm.

Ceilidh club workshops are led by traditional musicians with experience and expertise in all the elements needed to enable and encourage young music-making. Young musicians have the opportunity to perform in various different ways, including taking part in South Cumbria’s premier folk festival in July. Furness Tradition provides music and dance notation and refreshments.

As the project develops, there may be opportunities for studio recording and creation of a Freebandreel tune and dance book. Ideas for further creative development are welcome. In Freebandreel Furness Tradition is providing a unique opportunity to join together with other young people and learn the traditional music of this and other areas from inspirational tutors.

What we hope for from you, the young musician, is a similar level of enthusiasm and commitment. Be prepared to work at the music on your own, to join in the organising, and to put forward ideas for new opportunities.

Next club nights will be announced here as soon as possible

Come along to a Free Band Reel session. You will need instrument(s (if you have them - don't worry if you haven't), a signed consent form from parent or guardian, and 50p towards costs.
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This first stage of the freebandreel project has been made possible with public funding . Further funding is being sought to extend the project.

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