Folk Song 
The singing leader will take the pupils on a journey through Britain exploring the traditional folk songs of Scotland, Wales, Ireland and England. These fun and lively workshops will engage everyone with vocal warm ups, games and stories to link into the songs. The pupils will have the opportunity to compose their own lyrics, incorporate percussion instruments and movement. From traditional working songs, to sea shanties these simple songs are quick to learn and give a real insight into the work, landscape, celebrations and hardships faced by people over the years.
Sessional plan – Brief
Utilising my own skills as a traditional musician and performer ; using music, song and play, we will explore our region’s diverse and rich cultural folk heritage. We shall expand our musicality; learning basic rhythm, harmony and aural skills through using a range of bespoke educational resources and exercises developed throughout my practice. Will will explore movement and the physicality of voice, creating actions and signs for our songs. Our sessions will lead to increased confidence, sense of wellbeing and engagement with educational practice.
Biography – Bethany is an experienced community arts manager and practitioner, facilitator and musician. She has worked within diverse range of community settings, cultural organisations and learning environments teaching and facilitating music, song and cultural research projects. Bethany is Coordinator for Journey to Justice – an educational human rights organization, where she has designed and developed their NE pilot program (for info see: www.journeytotjustice.org.uk/projects/footsteps-to-freedom)
Bethany is a committed activist working within communities and alongside trade unions campaigning for regional, national and global issues; disability rights, women’s rights, young people’s rights and calling for more creative approaches to political campaigning – as demonstrated through her protest song work. Bethany is a singer, composer and community musician, performing her music all over the UK. Bethany studied Folk & Traditional Music and is passionate about the culture, musical heritage and sociopolitical history of the NE region.
– for further information please see: www.bethanyelen.co.uk
References –
Emma Coupe (Head of Creative Arts, Kingsmeadow Community School, Dunston, Gateshead)
Bex Mather (Sage Gateshead)
bishopaucklandschoolsbritishfestival 