Bree Manx trad youth group

Founded in 2006, Bree is a youth education movement celebrating Manx music and dance. Designed for school years 6 – 13 (ages 10 – 18), Bree, which is Manx for ‘vitality’, aims to both introduce and develop Manx culture within the Island’s young musicians and dancers and ensure that it remains a living tradition. This is realised through an annual weekend of music and dance workshops held in connection with the IOM Youth Service, monthly music sessions, competing in the Manx Folk Awards, performances at community events and busking in aid of local charities. As an umbrella group which includes members from all of the Island’s secondary schools and now welcomes year 6 students from the primary schools, Bree provides opportunities for youngsters who already sing, dance or play an instrument and are interested in Manx culture to socialise, share ideas and learn from more experienced musicians.

BREE WEEKEND WORKSHOPS

The main Bree workshop weekend usually takes place during October/November half-term. Voluntary tutors from the Manx traditional music scene offer tuition in vocal and instrumental techniques, group playing, arranging, performance skills, song-writing and composing techniques, Manx dancing and drama. The use of Manx Gaelic is encouraged throughout.

Each year has a theme, such as fishing, Hop tu naa, Manx National Songs, Manannan's Charms & the Celtic nations. All of the students perform in a concert on the final afternoon for family and friends. 

WATCH films from previous workshop weekends. Occasionally, other specialist workshops are organised, with local and visiting musicians.

There is also a Bree Supergroup AKA Scran, run by tutor David Kilgallon and consisting of some of our more experienced students. They have performed at Festival Interceltique de Lorient, and have recorded two albums.

MONTHLY SESSION

Throughout the rest of the year, Bree members meet one Saturday afternoon each month for an informal Manx music session at Culture Vannin in St Johns. The Bree group also performs at concerts, community events, local festivals and the group occasionally busk in aid of local charities. 

REPERTOIRE

We have our own 'mix and match' Bree Session Tune book, and we play many well-known Manx tunes, such as these in the Steady as She Goes Session sheet music or Session sheet music [whistle version]

Audio files to play along with.

BUSKING

Bree occasionally busk for local charities. Over the years, Bree buskers have raised thousands of pounds for Friends of Chernobyl’s Children, ACORN, Hands of Hope, BallaAfrica, the Youth Arts Centre, the Filipino Association of the Isle of Man, Mooinjer Veggey, the One World Centre, Isle Listen & Culture Vannin.

For further details email Dr. Chloë Woolley or tel. 01624 694758

Read the Culture Vannin Child Protection Policy