LISSA ALEXANDER
reporter@pqbnews.com
Local youth who like to play music can get involved in a new free music program starting at the McMillan Arts Centre tomorrow.
A new youth/teen drop-in music jam will take place every Wednesday from 7 to 8 p.m. beginning March 5. The first 26 weeks will be free thanks to a donation from Shaw, and organizers are hoping to get more funding to continue to run the program for free for local youth.
Young people aged 12 to 18 who are learning an instrument and currently practising at home alone are encouraged to come play in a group, along with those who are more experienced. People can bring their own instruments and there will be some available to borrow.
The songs and genre of music played will be the choice of those attending each week, but to start songs sheets will be printed out with tabs and chords.
Sharon Tomczyk, of the Coombs based band Counting Time, and Susanne Vigneault, a local singer/songwriter, will be facilitating the jams and some other professional and amateur musicians will also be joining the group. A maximum of 15 participants can attend each Wednesday.
Organizers at the MAC are still looking for donations of sound equipment, microphones, mic stands, amps, patch cords and music stands, and cash donations would also be greatly appreciated.
Contact the administrator at the MAC at 250-248-8185 or email info@mcmillanartscentre.com for more information.