Opportunities at NGHS come thick and fast and last week our Senior strings students had the opportunity to take part in something very special.

We were joined at NGHS by Leveret which is a ‘unique collaboration between three of England’s finest folk musicians: Andy Cutting (button accordion), Sam Sweeney (fiddle) and Rob Harbron (concertina) are each regarded as exceptional performers and masters of their instruments. Together their performances combine consummate musicianship, compelling delivery and captivating spontaneity’.

 

 

They came to NGHS as they were performing a concert at The Squire Performing Arts Centre in the evening and they very kindly agreed to take part in a strings workshop with some of our talented Senior School musicians before the event.

It was an absolutely amazing afternoon as Sam Sweeney led the group in a fascinating workshop playing the traditonal style of folk music for which the band is famed. Learning completely by ear, our students soon picked up the chords and melodies and learnt a whole piece which they played in rounds with the trio. It really was a treat to hear everybody playing together.

 

 

Our students also learnt a lot about the band and how their performances are like no other, full of spontaneity bringing a fresh approach to traditional English folk music dating back hundreds of years.

Everybody really enjoyed the workshop and we are incredibly grateful to Leveret for coming along to share their stories and skills with us.