EYG Big Band 2024

EYG BIG BAND

The Edinburgh Youth Gaitherin' is back in partnership with Edinburgh Tradfest to offer an exciting opportunity for young musicians, with support from the William Grant Foundation.

The EYG Big Band is a three-day programme for ages 13–18. It will be led by some of Scotland’s finest musicians, who will support participants to learn traditional music together and create their own arrangements as a group.

New for 2024: there will be two optional taster workshops in advance of the EYG weekend, where young people can try out some music-making together and get to know each other and the tutors. We'd particularly encourage those who are newer to playing music to come along to these – however, all levels will be catered for by our experienced team of band and support tutors. Young people are welcome to attend one or both dates in addition to the Big Band weekend, or as a standalone musical experience.

WHO IS IT FOR?

This event is for young people who want to develop their skills on their instrument, play with other young musicians, sing, write their own songs and learn tunes. There will also be exclusive performances and Q&A sessions from some of the acts appearing at Edinburgh Tradfest. EYG Big Band is all about creativity, making friends through music and having fun.

We are looking for young people who are at roughly intermediate level on their instrument (around 2+ years' experience) who would like to learn about and play some folk music. Singers are welcome and encouraged, too; this year there will be also be the opportunity to write your own songs. Don’t worry if you’re new to trad music; the Big Band is for young people who are already comfortable playing their instrument but their experience can be from any style of music. Participants must have their own instrument and be able to bring it along every day.

Band tutors: Kirsty Law, Tom Oakes, Lori Watson. Support tutors: Shea Martin and Jonathan Foster.

DATES AND TIMES

Taster Workshops:

20th & 27th April, 10am–1pm at the Scottish Storytelling Centre, Edinburgh

Select these separately at checkout to register your interest.

EYG Big Band:

4th–6th May, 10am–4pm at the Traverse Theatre, Edinburgh.

Additional evening performance on 6th May as part of Edinburgh Tradfest's special commission show, 'Everyone's Welcome To Edinburgh'. Final concert timings TBC.

Participants should bring along their own lunch each day.

PAYMENT OPTIONS

This year we have a number of ticket options to enable young people to attend EYG Big Band and the additional taster workshops – no questions asked.

Free places

Pay What You Can – whatever is available to you at this time. This ticket option also works as a Donation, if you would like to contribute towards another young person's place. William Grant Foundation are lending us their generous support this year to subsidise more places. Without this, a place at EYG Big Band would be around £350 per person.

Partially subsidised £60 + booking fee

General ticket £150 + booking fee

If you have any questions about the event or would like more information, please contact Sarah Hayes at eyg@handsupfortrad.co.uk. Please get in touch if you would like to discuss any additional support measures for your young person attending EYG 2024.