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Organisers of the 23rd Wigan International
Jazz Festival have challenged themselves to get the good folk of the
town strumming, banging and blowing.
In the run up to and during the 23rd festival, a team of teachers will
be on the streets introducing people to jazz music and encouraging them
to have a go at playing an instrument.
‘There will be trumpets, saxophones and percussion instruments available
to try out’. Explains David Little, Head of Instrumental Teaching within
Wigan Council Children and Young Peoples Services. ‘This is a great
opportunity for all those people who have wanted to play an instrument
but have never had the chance or have never been brave enough’.
The first of the free ‘Can’t Play A Note’ on-street lessons will take
place at 12.00noon on Thursday 30th June. There will also be a session
at main festival sponsor - Manchester Airport on Tuesday July 1st as
part of the Airport’s School’s Invitation Day.
David said, ‘Learning to play an instrument is not just about getting a
note out of it. It gives the player a whole host of other skills such as
self confidence, communication skills, self esteem and of course good
old having fun’.
‘And you never know, we may just discover some very talented musicians
out there’.
On the final festival Saturday (19th July. 10.00am), the teachers of
Wigan Music Service will be hosting a ‘Cant Play A Note’ practical
workshop for absolute beginners. The two-hour workshop at the Robin Park
Arena, Wigan is open to adults and children. Participants will be given
brief tuition on various instruments and at the end of the session, the
group will come together for a short performance. People will then be
signposted to further music learning opportunities available locally.
This final workshop is £10 per person and booking is essential.
The Wigan International Jazz Festival takes place from 11th – 19th July.
Artists appearing include Elkie Brooks, Matthew Ford, The Guy Barker
Jazz Orchestra, Synthesis Big Band, James Morrison, Bassist Avishai
Cohen, Dennis Rollins, Wigan Youth Jazz Orchestra, Liane Carroll and Ian
Shaw.
All tickets including the final ‘Can’t Play A Note’ are available from
Wigan Tourist Information Centre. 01942 825677. For regular updates
visit the official festival website:
www.wiganjazz.net
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NOTES TO EDITORS: For further information on this press release please
contact Keith L Bergman (Wigan Tourism Unit), on 01942 486951 (mobile:
07958 461421) or at
k.bergman@wlct.org Alternatively contact Phil Green, Public
Relations Officer for Wigan Council on 01942 827369.
PHOTO, RECORDING AND FILMING OPPORTUNITY: Editors are invited to
photograph, record and film any of the sessions taking place on 30th
June or 1st July (12 noon). We will be happy to involve journalists and
presenters in taster sessions for any media that are looking for
‘lighter stories’.
MEDIA OPPORTUNITIES: The WIJF are happy to arrange photo opportunities
prior to and during the festival period (July 11th – 19th). We are
currently negotiating opportunities for a number of artists appearing at
this year’s festival to make themselves available for media interviews
in advance of the festival. There will be a limited number of free media
familiarisation places available during the festival. Festival Press
Passes are also available. Contact Keith L Bergman.
The Wigan International Jazz Festival is organised by Wigan Leisure and
Culture Trust, Wigan Council and Wigan Jazz Club. The festival is now in
its 23rd year.
Sponsors: The Wigan International Jazz Festival’s principle sponsor is
Manchester Airport. Other sponsors and supporters of the festival are:
Stewart Milne Homes; Lancashire Life Magazine. John Smith’s Ltd; JJB
Stadium; and Leisuretec.
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