Now in its seventh year, our popular Halsway Young Folk Juniors is a great introduction to folk music and song for ages 7 – 12. Led by an experienced creative team, this short residential will be filled with fun and imaginative folk activities, using local traditions and customs as inspiration. Children will explore music and song, and create and perform a show for family and friends.
“I’d never done anything like this before, I had lots of fun and I enjoyed making new friends. I liked the food too!” HYF Junior 2018 Participant
The course starts at 11am on Wednesday and finishes with a performance for family and friends at 2pm on Friday.
Who is it for?
For young musicians aged 7 – 12. Any instrument, and any level of proficiency welcome. The main thing is that you enjoy music, song and dance, and being creative!
Apply for a place by completing this form.
The Team
Ford Collier (lead)
Ford Collier is a Radio 2 Folk Award Nominated multi-instrumentalist, specialising in folk fusion. He plays low whistle, guitar, and percussion, and draws on a wealth of traditional Irish tunes, his 8 years of experience as an accompanist, and knowledge of the rhythmic language of Indian classical music to broaden his roots in UK folk. Ford regularly tours the UK and has played festivals including Glastonbury with his two bands; global folk collective Mishra with Kate Griffin, and electrified-folk duo The Drystones with Alex Garden.
Some of Ford’s first teaching experience came from Halsway Manor, where he participated in courses as a teenager and eventually became a tutor. He has since delivered a series of workshops in primary schools on local folklore in collaboration with Historic England and Halsway Manor, begun work as a peripatetic teacher at schools in Sheffield and taught one-to-one lessons privately.
Ford has been a core tutor on this course since it began three years ago; he has also himself been a participant on Young Halsway courses when he was younger!
Kate is a clawhammer banjo player, singer and composer on the UK folk and world scene. Described as “one of the top banjo players in the country” by virtuoso Dan Walsh, her innovative banjo style combines both traditional UK and American folk, whilst also placing the banjo in a contemporary setting.
In 2018 Kate formed award winning global folk collective Mishra, alongside musical partner Ford Collier, with their debut album released autumn 2019. She also performs as part of critically acclaimed transatlantic neo-folk band The Magpies.
Kate is also an incredible photographer, and we’re indebted to her for all the lovely Young Folk photos she captured in 2023!
Matt Norman
Matt is a performer, teacher, composer, arranger, workshop leader and conductor.
He predominantly works with traditional English music, steeped in the traditions of Devon and Dartmoor. He is also blues and classical musician, and a Dartmoor Step Dance Champion!
As a multi-instrumentalist, Matt plays mandolin, fiddle, mandola, banjos, piano and also sings. He performs solo and in bands including Gadarene and A New Vintage ceilidh band, and regularly deps in other line-ups. He’s also a singer and choir-leader.
Matt’s extensive teaching experience includes working in community and festival settings with all ages and abilities. He has a relaxed, fun and accessible approach to learning, tailored very much to the group. He has a broad expertise embracing mixed-instrument ensembles, choral and voice work, instrument specific tuition (mandolin, fiddle, banjo), and also step dancing.
Kerrie Seymour (Pastoral Support)
Kerrie is a community artist, youth theatre director and project manager with a background in Social Work, specialising in Youth, Education and Children’s Residential care.
Working extensively with schools, community groups and a range of support services Kerrie has delivered countless projects from small theatre performances to large scale outdoor events. She strives to be part of creating fresh, innovative, thought provoking and exciting work that can motivate, inspire, and engage participants and audiences. At Halsway she’ll be leading fun team-building and confidence-boosting games and creative activities to complement the musical tuition, whilst making sure each young person feels included and supported during their stay.