Young musicians strike the right notes
Young people across the county with a passion for music can choose from a bonanza of workshops now running at the Ryefield Centre in Ross-on-Wye.
Djing, band jam sessions, and vocal sessions are on offer with special guest artists on hand to coach, advise and help young people develop their musical talent.
If you're in a band or just a young musician looking for somewhere to jam why not come along on Wednesday nights from 6 - 9pm and join Ray Weatherill, former singer and songwriter of the band 'Immaculate Fools'
Ray's band toured extensively for twelve years playing with Bob Dylan, Iggy Pop, Simple Minds, the Stranglers and many more.
They also toured the USA and Canada with the Rolling Stones' Ronnie Wood.
Ray will assist young musicians develop skills in guitar, bass and song writing.
John Kendall will also be conducting a session and will be giving young people the opportunity to develop their Djing skills.
John has been Djing for 8 years, playing across the country at various events and club nights, and for the past three years he has promoted and performed at his own club night in Bristol.
The reputation of the 'Rubik's Cube' night has lead to other doors opening as well as DJ opportunities through Rubik Records his off shoot record label.
He has DJ'd alongside many well known industry DJs such as Shy FX, Roni Size and High Contrast.
John's Djing workshops are running every Thursday from 7pm - 9pm.
And if you're a young person and want to get tips, advice and a chance to develop and improve your singing, actress and musical performer Jenny Smith will be on hand every Thursday from 5pm - 7pm.
Jenny's love of singing originally took her to Bristol where she completed her training in Music Performance at the Bristol Royal Academy of Performing Arts.
It was here that she developed her range of vocal styles which include Gospel, Soul, Jazz and R'n'B'.
Over the past eighteen months she has toured the country as a soloist with the Vocalworks Gospel Choir, performed at celebrity weddings and showcased the forthcoming musical 'Your Not Singing Anymore' at Bristol City Football Ground.
Alongside this she has made an appearance in the BBC Hospital drama 'Casualty' and been short listed for the Norman Beaton award for radio drama.
"These sessions are a great way for young talent to get expert advise on developing their musical skills and abilities, said Barry Stevens, Herefordshire Council's Community Youth Worker.
"Young people with an interest in the music industry have the opportunity to work first-hand with a trained professional to get a real life perspective on working in the industry, not to mention some expert tips."
The sessions are free and part of the 24-7 project being put on by Herefordshire Council Community Youth Service in partnership with the Creative Learning Centre, The Basement Youth Trust and Newroots finance through the Music Pool.
For further information please contact Barry Stevens, Area Youth Worker, on 07792 880 197.
