OCFF Fostering and promoting traditional, contemporary and multi-cultural Folk music since 1986.
OCFF
Home
About
Join
Services
AwardsConferenceFolk Prints
ShowcasingYouth
Members
FestivalOrganizational
Art Beat
Contact
StaffBOD

“Overall, I really enjoyed the program. It did a good job of not filling up our time (giving us freedom to experience the conference ourselves), but making good use of the time that was allotted to the program. I really enjoyed the speakers.” Sam Levy, 2009 Youth Performance Program

“I had a great time at the conference! Thank you so so much for letting me be part of the amazing weekend. I am really glad to have had the opportunity to participate. I'm already looking forward to next year's event!” Solange Lacroix, 2009 Youth Performance Program

“Wanted to thank you for your persistence in getting me involved with the conference - it was worth every minute!  Right now I'm sitting at my desk checking out websites and CDs while listening to music that I otherwise wouldn't have found if it hadn't been for this weekend.  THANK YOU!” Andrew Payne, 2009 Youth Presenters Program

“I learned so much from everyone. I feel so lucky to have been a part of this.” Megan Jerome, 2009 Youth Program Mentor

The Ontario Council of Folk Festivals Youth Program is an annual program which will take place this year in Ottawa at the Crowne Plaza Hotel and runs concurrently with the OCFF Annual Conference. The program is open to residents of Ontario between ages 15 and 21, who are chosen for their interest, ability and experience. The program has two streams: Youth Performer and Youth Presenter.

The 2010 conference will see eight young people take part in the program.

Performer Stream:

Devynn and Lauren Quarles, Stouffville. These twins from a musical family were recommended by their piano and violin teacher, Greg Paskaruk. Both multi-instrumentalists, they have been song writing since they were only 10 years old.

Maria Tuillo, Port Hope. A finalist at the Shelter Valley summer showcase for the 2nd time, this 17-year-old singer-songwriter was recommended to the program by musician and former Artistic Director, Aengus Finnan.  
Drew Chester, Pickering. This student, entering Wilfrid Laurier University in the fall, has won the “Pickering Idol” contest, performed in several musicals, and plays keyboards in the band Patrons of Science, which just released its first CD. Drew was recommended by Magoo, musician and popular MC from Blue Skies Festival.

Aaron Mangoff, Orillia. 21-year-old Aaron Mangoff was recommended by his “home festival”, Mariposa. Founder of the Mariposa Songwriting Club, Aaron is already developing a reputation in that community.

Lauren Campbell, Orillia. Recommended to the program by Moe Berg (The Pursuit of Happiness), this multi-instrumentalist is performing and studying Music Industry Arts at Fanshawe College.

Presenter Stream:

Gabrielle Gwyn-Neumann, Toronto. This bilingual Toronto native is planning to study communications at Concordia. She is currently working with (and was recommended by) program alumni the Métis Fiddler Quartet.

Noah Sullivan, Maberly. Since attending first festival at three weeks of age, Noah has become a veteran attendee and volunteer at folk festivals across the province, often as a stage manager or member of the tech crew. He is recommended to the program by Joel LeBlanc, Artistic Director for Blue Skies Festival.

In the Youth Performer stream, young performers are teamed with established artist mentors for the entire weekend – they will spend many hours with the mentors in one-on-one sessions developing a showcase performance, attending a special conference orientation on Thursday evening, and participating in workshops and master classes on Friday and Saturday. The highlight of the performer stream is the Youth Showcase on Saturday afternoon, in which the young performers each perform a 15 minute set accompanied by their mentors. Participants are also encouraged to take part in a youth- and alumni-produced, after hours showcase on Friday and Saturday night, as well as the Gala dinner and networking events that take place on Friday and Saturday of the conference. The program provides young folk/roots performers with an excellent opportunity to shadow an established artist, to experience hands-on learning at the workshops and master classes, and to integrate into this tightly knit musical community.

In the Youth Presenter stream, participants are teamed with several industry professionals in one-on-one mentoring sessions and are offered access to the conference networking events, Gala dinner and access to all the showcases. Wherever possible we offer the young Presenter an opportunity for hands-on experience, either at the sound board or in assisting with the various official and sponsored showcases. The youth Presenters are also expected to participate in the Youth orientation session on Thursday night.
 

FUNDERS, SPONSORS AND PARTNERS | ADVERTISING | CAREERS | MERCHANDISE | VOLUNTEER

508-B Gladstone Avenue • Ottawa, ON • K1R 5P1
Phone: 613-560-5997 • Toll Free: 1-866-292-OCFF (6233) • Fax: 613-560-2001