Exciting sounds poured out of Cornwall’s Burrell Theatre and across the grounds of Truro School in July as singing groups KernowVoice held their end of term gig.

Based at the Hall for Cornwall, it is funded by Cornwall Youth Music Action Zone (CYMAZ), in an initiative to deliver better provision for the 11+ age range for singing in the county. KernowVoice attendance has been growing in numbers since it began in 2001.

The 11-15 age group were excited and eager to perform for friends and family and opened with an outstanding rendition of ‘Hunter’ by Dido, which was swiftly followed by compositions from Gershwin, Lennon and McCartney and Green Day.

KernowVoice has proved popular with the youngsters of Cornwall that it has been extended to include an older age group this year. KernowVoice 2 caters for the 15+ age group and also includes many adults. The laid back atmosphere coupled with the love of singing and learning in a fun, non-pressured environment where all levels of ability are catered for, has ensured that KernowVoice 1 and 2 have enjoyed full sessions with new people arriving weekly.

Leanne Rowe of Malapas said, “It’s fun, I met new friends and some of it was challenging”. Hayley Green started in KernowVoice 1 with the 11-15 age group and next term will be moving into the older group. “I like working with others” said Hayley as she commented on the group work they do and the new friends she’s made.

The groups were accompanied at times by electric guitar and led by Vicky Abbott and John Brolly with Rachel Bohadana. In the finale they all came together to perform the Scissor Sisters hit, ‘Take Your Mama‘.

Also performing were Angel Tongue, an accapella group led by Vicky Abbott and based in Penzance. An innovative 5-piece all girl group they recently sang at the Tate Modern and were joined by the newsreader, John Snow who also sang. Throughout the summer months catch them performing in Hayle with the Kneehigh Theatre.

Join KernowVoice

Anyone can join KernowVoice – there’s no audition and you don’t have to read music but just love singing and want to have fun. The vocal sessions will restart on September 14 at the Hall for Cornwall. For more information contact Isobel King
T: 01872 321971

Summertime Sound vocal workshops at the Hall for Cornwall are led by Vicky Abbott and Richard Penrose. To book places
T: 01872 262466.

For Further Information contact: Cheryl Brendish
PR and Marketing Officer, CYMAZ
T: 07789 692246 / 01872 264255
E: cheryl@brendish.com
www.cymaz.co.uk

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Editor’s Notes:

1. Youth Music funds and facilitates music-making for young people up to the age of 18, particularly those living in areas of social and economic need. By 2010, Youth Music aims to have reached 3 million children and young people in a nationwide strategy to support youth music-making. More information is available at www.youthmusic.org.uk

2. CYMAZ is one of 24 Youth Music Action Zones set up by Youth Music in England and Wales, providing music-making activities to young people who might not otherwise have the opportunity. Since December 2000, the Zones have been made up of established organisations from the public, voluntary and private sector. They cover all genres of music and deliver a wide range of activities including workshops, rehearsals, performances, one-to-one, teaching and mentoring. More information is available at www.youthmusic.org.uk