Kickstart is making its return to the LINC Youth Centre and staff and local artists/instructors are gearing up for another great session!
Kickstart is a free music program for youth ages 10-18 years that was formed as a way of making music accessible to youth who may not otherwise be able to access lessons due to financial or other barriers. There has been a lot of interest this year — over 20 youth registered and spaces are filling up fast.
"Thanks to the 2011 Comox Taxi Golf Tournament, funds were raised to go toward music programs through Courtenay Recreation's The LINC Youth Centre and that is where Kickstart was born, explains Kristine Klupsas, youth services co-ordinator at The LINC. "We have a great workshop series lined up this year that will include, guitar lessons, vocal lessons, song writing, ukulele and percussion."
Kickstart co-ordinators have also recruited some fabulous local talent to facilitate these free workshops.
• Bobby Herron will conduct percussion (Saturdays, starting Feb. 8) and beginner's guitar (workshop at capacity). Bobby's connection to and experience in the local music community and his energy will be sure to help the youth gain knowledge, skills and abilities in these music areas.
• Jenn Forsland, local music teacher, and well-known vocal artist, will sharing her love of music with youth in the Vocal Workshop (Wednesdays, starting Feb. 5).
She shares, "I love working with young people and helping them to find the confidence to share their voice openly with others. Your voice is a gift you can share your whole life."
• Annie Becker, an accomplished singer/songwriter, who released her first album at age 11, will conduct beginner ukulele (Mondays, starting Feb. 17) and an intro to songwriting (Fridays, starting Feb. 21).
Annie is keen to teach and youth will learn basic chords and patterns and get them jamming together. In songwriting, youth will be encouraged to work together to build songs, and to bring in stories, poems or other writing and work at putting it to music.
If you are interested in registering for percussion, ukulele, songwriting, or vocals, call 250-334-8138, ext. 223 or stop by The Lewis Centre or The LINC Youth Centre to pick up your application today.
— Courtenay Recreation Lewis Centre