Learn to play the squeezebox

January 26, 2007, 11:17 am

By Claire Ward-Willis

NEVER a group to let the grass grow under their feet, Devon Squeezebox Foundation have put their grant of £7,109 from the National Lottery, through Awards for All, into action.

The group, put together by community musician Ed Rennie, from Crediton and folk music enthusiasts Annie Rennie, Mark Bazeley, Colin Andrews and Alan Quick, aim to promoting the learning and playing of music, primarily from the English tradition, on squeezeboxes.

And so the foundation, which was launched at last summer’s Dartmoor Folk Festival, has been running workshops at which people can learn to play the melodeon.

On January 23, workshops will begin at Poughill Village Hall, near Crediton, and on January 11, workshops will start at the Old School Community Hall, South Brent.

The foundation also runs the Devon Melodeon Hire Scheme for those who wish to learn how to play but do not have access to an instrument.

Ed Rennie enthused: “This is a great opportunity for folks to try before they buy.

“We’ve been planning workshops for those with instruments in Mid Devon for a while, both for beginners and those who can play already.

“Now the workshops will be more widely accessible.”

The workshops, which will be progressive, are open to all from 12 years old upwards.

Though starting with the melodeon (which is an accordion with buttons instead of piano keys), the Devon Squeezebox Foundation is hoping to progress in the future to piano accordion and concertina lessons.

To find out more telephone Ed on 01363-774426 or visit the website: www.devonsqueezeboxfoundation.co.uk.

(this article was taken from middevonstar.co.uk)