This isn’t a sponsored post.
BrumHour is invited to share about THSH Birmingham throughout the year.
Via Claire for THSH Birmingham
FREE music sessions for young people with Town Hall and Symphony Hall
The music charity responsible for Town Hall and Symphony Hall is hosting a series of free online music sessions for young people aged 11 to 19. Run fortnightly from Saturday 24 April to Saturday 10 July 2021, the Jazzlines Gospel Ensemble is an exciting talent development initiative led by drummer, bandleader and educator Ray Prince and is free to young musicians from Birmingham. All instrumentalists and vocalists are welcome, and no previous experience is required.

The online music sessions include elements such as learning classic and contemporary gospel repertoire from ear and the chance to improve ensemble playing. The wide-ranging sessions also allow the participants to receive inspiring and professional tuition from world-class gospel musicians, as well as opportunities to socialise and create music with fellow young musicians.
Town Hall Symphony Hall’s Jazz Programme Manager, Mary Wakelam Sloan says,
While our iconic venues are closed, the music-making continues online at Town Hall Symphony Hall. We work with a team of experienced and respected music industry professionals who offer a fantastic mix of expertise and specialisms. I am delighted that Ray Prince is once again working with us on the Jazzlines Gospel Ensemble. Ray is an experienced educator who offers an inspiring approach to the genre and a commitment to broadening the opportunity for young musicians to engage with gospel music in the city. “
The provision, designed as a response to Covid-19 restrictions, supports all abilities from beginners to more advanced. It will be delivered by a team of world-class gospel musicians and mentors led by Ray Prince, using Zoom as the online platform. It is offered free of charge, with sessions lasting two hours from 3.30pm to 5.30pm on Saturday afternoons.
Programme Leader Ray Prince says,
I am thrilled to be part of Town Hall Symphony Hall’s pioneering work with young people. The Jazzlines Gospel Ensemble aims to respond to young people’s needs and fosters emotional wellbeing by creating meaningful exchanges that tap into and harness young people’s interests in gospel music.
The Jazzlines Gospel Ensemble is open to all young people in Birmingham aged 11 to 19. If you just want to come along and sing, that’s fine. If you don’t know how to sing, that’s also fine. And if you can play any instruments, then that’s fine too! Those who are looking to take part can expect fun; they can expect to rehearse and play great music in a safe space, make new friends, understand the history and the heritage of gospel music and what it means to the wider community.”
Town Hall Symphony Hall’s Jazzlines Gospel Ensemble programme is very kindly supported by PRS Foundation as Talent Development Partners, supporting and inspiring the next generation of the city’s musical talent.
To get involved, book a free space at: thsh.co.uk/event/jazzlines-gospel-ensemble-online-11-19-year-olds