By Melanie Penner

Some young Morden musicians will be getting expert advice and hands-on practice performing on the big stage.

Chautauqua Spirit Music Events Manager Wes Hamm said they are holding a half-day workshop August 13 to prepare the musicians for their upcoming contribution at the Chautauqua Celebration.

All of the participants have been selected to perform at the Chautauqua Celebration which will be held September 26, 27 and 28 under a big top tent near the Rec Centre. The celebration will include many displays and two shows consisting of performances by musicians, a theatre company, speech arts and dance.

Hamm said the workshop will be focusing on three aspects of performance.

Paul Lepage, lead guitarist and vocalist with the J. P. Lepage Band, will lead a discussion on maximizing the use of a PA system, Jeanette Hoeppner, drama coach, will work with you on issues around body language and facial expression and Hamm will lead a section on staying focused in relation to playing with other musicians, playing through awkward moments, and playing in situations which are filled with distractions. 

He said most of the time will be spent “hands-on” with each of the performers playing their recommended piece followed by feedback from the leader, and discussion with peers.

“We want this to be a time when they feel encouraged and hopefully, it will also be a time which helps them develop into a better musician,” said Hamm, adding their recommendation to this workshop is an indication that they are capable of accepting constructive critique. 

The following youth have been invited to participate: the Loreena McKennitt Composition Competition winners Paul Bergman, Jordan Friesen, Nanau Lowen and Josiah Warkentin; Back 40 recommendees Mason Weselowski and Steve Keys; Morden Festival of the Arts recommendees Jennifer Schroeder and Candace Unrau; and youth jazz trio Jessica Friesen, David Persson and Justin Fraser.

There is no fee to attend the workshop as funding is covered by the Cultural Capitals of Canada grant.