OCFF

 


Supporting the growth and development of folk music in Ontario since 1986.

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"Participating in the OCFF youth program has been an absolutely amazing experience for me. There were so many workshops to attend, to further my musical abilities, and polish my techniques and to learn new ones. It was a fun-filled couple of days where I got to meet with and talk to other artists and be involved in an astonishing musical experience. Having my own mentor allowed me to get further integrated into the experience, and performing with her made it even more amazing. I can certainly say that this is an experience I won't ever forget. The diverse music, the people and the ability to learn from others has allowed me to gain more confidence in my musical abilities. Thank you so much!! I have been in such an amazing environment and I would love to do it again, thanks again!!”
Maria Tullio, 2010 Youth Performer Program

"I just wanted to thank you again for such an amazing experience at the OCFF conference! I really felt that I got a little taste of many different jobs in the music industry and I must say that the taste has awaken my appetite to learn more."
Gabrielle Gwyn-Neumann, 2010 Youth Presenter Program

“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 Performer 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 Presenter Program

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

Deadline: Closed

The Ontario Council of Folk Festivals Youth Program is an annual program which runs concurrently with the OCFF Annual Conference. The program is open to residents of Ontario and the National Capital Region, between ages 15 and 21, who are chosen for their interest, ability and experience.

The program has two streams: Youth Performer and Youth Presenter.

Youth testimonial video Please click here to view a short testimonial video featuring Tim Jackson, a 2009 Youth Performer Program participant, and his mentor, David Celia.

Performer Stream:

In the Youth Performer stream, young performers are teamed with established artist mentors for the entire weekend. The highlight of the program is the Youth showcase on Saturday afternoon.  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.

The program features many hours interacting one-on-one with the mentors:

  • developing a showcase performance;
  • participating in professional development activities;

and attending:

  • workshops and master classes on Friday and Saturday;
  • the Saturday evening Gala dinner;
  • industry networking events on Friday and Saturday;
  • the exhibit hall;
  • all levels of showcases.

Additionally participants are encouraged to attend or take part in the youth and alumni-produced, late-night showcases on Friday and Saturday.

Presenter Stream:

In the Youth Presenter stream, participants are teamed with industry professionals in a series of hour long one-on-one mentoring sessions.

Participants also are invited to attend:

  • the Saturday evening Gala dinner;
  • industry networking events on Friday and Saturday;
  • showcases;
  • workshops and info sessions;
  • exhibit hall.

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.

Additionally participants are encouraged to participate in planning and producing the youth and alumni-produced, late-night showcases on Friday and Saturday.

All Youth Program participants are expected to attend the program orientation session and jam on Thursday night as well as the Youth Wrap-up session on Sunday morning.

For more details, click here.

For information on The OCFF Taylor Mitchell Bursary, please click here.
 

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