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Band-Aid returns to help young Surrey musicians play like pros

Free day-long workshop for teens and young adults at Surrey City Hall on Sept. 8
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The atrium at Surrey City Hall will buzz with young musicians during the city’s next Band-Aid event, set for Saturday, Sept. 8.

The free annual program is a youth-led development day designed for singers, songwriters, solo artists, bands and DJs between 12 and 22 years of age.

The young musicians will join music industry mentors for a jam-packed day of workshops, from 10 a.m. until 10 p.m.

Sessions will include the art of stage presence taught by members of the band Speed Control, and songwriting lessons from those who work at Turtle Recording Studios. As well, vocal skills will be taught by Marlie Collins, guitar by Arthur Smith, drums by Ian March and “music production and making beats” by Nimbus School of Recording & Media.

The day ends with a showcase and jam session that goes into the night, where friends and family are welcome.

Space is limited. To register, call 604-501-5566 (quoting course number 4616908), or visit webreg.surrey.ca.

• RELATED STORY: Free ‘Band-Aid’: Good for Grapes at youth music camp in Surrey, from 2015.

This year, for a $75 fee, a Musical Performance Masterclass will be given by Speed Control at different times from Sept. 5 to 7. “Are you in a band or are you a solo musician? Spend a full hour being coached on all aspects of musical performance with Speed Control. The band that knows how to rock and how to teach it,” says a post at surrey.ca.

The philosophy of Band-Aid emerged out of the community, according to the website’s event advisory.

”Youth musicians want to use their powers for good – to create a positive culture for young bands in Surrey. They want to collaborate, work together and learn together.

“Band-Aid is building a network where everyone is welcome to contribute to a positive and constructive music community by acquiring skills and relationships that benefit their development as musicians.”

The “ripple effect” is that Band-Aid “breaks down barriers and connects people. The musicians have continued to work together to plan events, build relationships and cheer each other on. The skills and direction gained at Band-Aid have resulted in more performance opportunities. Bands have since performed at many of the City of Surrey’s youth and community events.”



Tom Zillich

About the Author: Tom Zillich

I cover entertainment, sports and news stories for the Surrey Now-Leader, where I've worked for more than half of my 30-plus years in the newspaper business.
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