2022 ARBA Youth in Blues Program Announced!

ARBA Youth in Blues Coordinator Erica Graf is pleased to announce the upcoming 2022 ARBA Youth in Blues Program. The 2022 program will be a series of masterclasses and rehearsals that will culminate in a performance that will be part of Star Theatre's Back 2 Back Festival.

Program Details and Registration

Program cost is $70 per participant. Registration cut-off date is October 2.

All rehearsals, masterclasses and the performance will be held at the Star Theatre, 145 Sir Donald Bradman Drive, Hilton. 

October 9, 16, 23 - Rehearsals and Masterclasses:
11am (1hr) - Bands 1, 2 & 3 rehearse
12pm (15 min) - Break
12.15pm (45 min) Masterclass
1pm - Bands 4, 5 & 6 rehearse

October 30 - Final Rehearsal & Concert
11am (1hr 20min) - Bands 1, 2 & 3 rehearse
12.40pm (1hr 20 min) Bands 4, 5 & 6 rehearse
2pm (1 hr) - Break
3pm (1hr) - Final Performance

All participants must be between the ages of 12 & 25

This is a “performance based” blues music program. All participants must be able to play an instrument with enough ability to play in a band and have an interest in learning and/or further developing their skill-set as a blues musician. Rudimentary through to advanced players are welcome. Participants will be matched and grouped into bands with similar skill level and age.

Participants will be required to bring their own instruments. There will be some backline provided (PA, Drum-kit, guitar & bass amps.) Participants will be assigned to either session 1 (11am to 1pm), or session 2 (12pm to 2pm). This enables us to maximise the space and quality mentor time. Rehearsals will be guided by the team of Youth In Blues mentors. Bands will learn and rehearse 2 to 3 songs within the blues idiom while applying and developing blues musicianship concepts.

All Youth In Blues participants will attend the 12:15pm masterclass where they will learn from the experiences of professional blues musicians in a group setting.

To conclude the program all bands will perform the songs they have worked on in rehearsals in a one hour showcase at Star Theatre’s ‘Back 2 Back’ Festival. The showcase will be presented in a theatre setting with full lighting and production.

Participants are encouraged to invite family and friends to attend this show. Tickets will be available to purchase for the final showcase soon.

2022 ARBA Youth in Blues Program Registration