A COMMUNITY music project will launch with a free showcase of Winchester performers.
The city’s music makers, writers, teachers and performers will take over The Arc, in Jewry Street, to kickstart a new project designed to bring musical and creative people together and boost participation.
Sound Winchester launches with a free event on Saturday, February 17 from 9.30am to 3.30pm including demonstrations, jams, performances and workshops on music, poetry and dance. Visitors will be able to talk to the city’s creative leaders and have a go at playing instruments and writing songs.
READ MORE: Sound Winchester aims to boost participation in music
Swan Samba will open the show with a bang in the Performance Hall. Gary Munday, founder of Swan Samba and Roynon Music, said: “We’re delighted to be involved in the Sound Winchester launch. We've got involved as we're all about bringing a community together and supporting mental and physical health through music. I'm hopeful that in being a part of the event we can reach out to potential new members and new event enquiries but also further links with schools, community organisations and corporate links. We aim to show how the power of music education and performance can help with all aspects of life.”
Also on stage in the Performance Hall are Winchester Uke Jam, Winchester Fusion Choir and Winnall Rock School. There will even be a chance to dance with a fabulous ceilidh, a traditional folk gathering, organised by WinQeilidh.
Workshops will be held in the Arc Learning Room, including sessions with Hampshire Sound Therapy, traditional fiddle techniques with Rich Turner and advice about getting musical instruments fixed with Repair Café Winchester. There will also be performances from the Winchester Ukrainian Cultural Association.
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Meanwhile, guests can have a go at being orchestra conductor, playing guitar in a band or writing a song inspired by Winchester in the Tower Room.
Sound Winchester was founded by Winnall Rock School in the autumn. Peter Brown, project coordinator, said: “One year after seeking vital funding to maintain Winnall Rock School’s activities, it’s great to find ourselves creating and catching a wave of energy with other creatives and supporters to build ‘Sound Winchester’. We hope the launch event will inspire this collective to grow and motivate more people with latent ambitions to express themselves to take the leap and get involved in making and feeling sound.”
The launch event is part of the build-up for the first Winchester Community Music Festival on June 21. The inaugural event aims to introduce residents to the musical opportunities and talent on their doorstep and attract more groups to join the Sound Winchester collective.
The project has been funded by Youth Music, Winchester City Council and the National Lottery Community Fund. For more information go to soundwinchester.org.uk.
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