The Folk & Shanty Group aims to sing and play traditional and modern folk songs & tunes, sea shanties (normally sung unaccompanied), and old singalong favourites – covering the wide range of musical styles that come under “folk music”. Some songs covered so far include Drunken Sailor, South Australia, Streets of London, Dirty Old Town, All For Me Grog & The Leaving of Liverpool. Instrumental accompaniment has included guitar, ukelele, fiddle, harmonica, banjo, double bass & even an EWI (Electronic Wind Instrument – thank you, Gwyn!). Purely instrumental folk tunes, jigs & reels etc are also welcome.
We always welcome new members or anyone who wants to try out the group whether you wish to sing, play an instrument or just enjoy the music! No previous musical theory knowledge or singing experience necessary – the emphasis is on having fun and joining in!
Some hard copies of song sheets and/or scores are provided for each session, but to keep printing costs down all the songs sheets are stored in an online Google Drive – which members are given a link to – for download and print off your own copies. Many folk songs have interesting stories behind them and/or historic or social contexts, so some background information about the songs themselves may be provided too.
If you are interested in joining us, please contact the Convenor.
Here’s a short video of the first session
