Young people of the Tweed are once again being offered the opportunity to hone their music skills and perform in front of a live audience with the Youth Music Venture (YMV).
But you’ll need to be quick though as applications are about to close.
The YMV program supports young musicians to play in a band with mentoring by professional musicians over an 8-week rehearsal period.
The venture is open to young people aged 11 to 17 years who either sing or play a musical instrument.
The program, which originated on the Gold Coast, is now in its second year in the Tweed. It is run by a dedicated group of volunteer mentors, themselves talented professional musicians, many of whom have toured locally and internationally.
A performance at Seagulls
The free program will kick off on Wednesday 26 April and culminate in a live performance at Seagulls at Tweed Heads West on the Sunday 18 June.
This performance gives participants the experience of performing in front of a live audience in a professional gig setting.
The program has been a proven launchpad for previous participants as shown by talented singer and guitarist, Cody Leenders.
Cody has gone onto win several accolades and has also continued with the YMV program as an assistant mentor. He performed the national anthem at Council’s Australia Day Ceremony in January.
Ian Grace, founder of YMV, was thankful to Council and Seagulls for supporting the program again so young people in the Tweed could gain from the experience.
‘Over the 8 weeks, each participant will be supported to learn what its like to play in a band and perform live. They will grow their confidence and ability to play and collaborate in a professional setting – which is a huge opportunity for them,’ he said.
It takes a lot of courage
‘It takes a lot of courage to pursue music and perform so we are so proud of what our kids achieve at the end.’
Council’s Community Development Officer for Youth and Social Planning Amanda Micallef said Council was a proud supporter of the venture.
‘We want to thank the team for bringing this fantastic program to the Tweed once more. And to Seagulls for generously donating their venue again,’ Ms Micallef said.
‘We have such a pool of local talent among our young people here in the Tweed, so this program and the pathway it provides fits perfectly within our wider goal of supporting our community to thrive.’
To participate or to register visit: www.youthmusicventure.com.au or call Ian Grace 0424 143 140.
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