Artist Interview - Jackie Oates
Acclaimed folk musician Jackie Oates is performing alongside Paul Sartin, Justin Wiggan, Musiko Musika youth music ensemble ECCO, and ATU's pop up intergenerational community choir, on Saturday 16th July at the ‘Voices in Harmony’ concert in Harmony Woods - celebrating 10 years of Andover Trees.
How did you become involved in folk music, singing, and composing?
My parents introduced my brother and I to folk music when we were very young and we were brought up going to folk festivals, sessions and gigs, and especially Morris dancing events. I learned the violin and the piano Classically at school, but became hooked on traditional music when I was about 10 and went to Sidmouth Folk Festival. When I left home at 18 I moved down to Exeter to study at university there, and discovered the ballad singing scene and became determined to sing. Composing and singing professionally grew as I graduated and realised that I wanted to perform and record albums. I then began performing at festivals, folk clubs and arts centres as a soloist and in various different bands, whilst also teaching violin and piano and recording.
How did you get involved with Andover Trees United?
I have known Paul Sartin for many years on the folk scene, and we have often worked together for special collaborations and projects. Being fairly local to Hampshire, he asked me if I would co-run some workshops with him and I was delighted! I hadn't come across Andover Trees United until that point, but I am excited to get to know the organisation.
What are the workshops and performances about?
We have been teaching primary school children traditional songs from the South of England, and introducing them to the style of music, teaching them songs orally as they would have been sung for generations. The songs centre upon trees and woods, and we incorporate the aims of Andover Trees United within the workshops. We are working towards a performance in Harmony Woods, to celebrate the 10 year anniversary of the first tree planting there, and for this we have specially written songs where the lyrics were suggested by the children, and the sounds the trees make form the accompaniment. We are also running some singing workshops for adults on the same theme.
Why do you think the local Andover communities would enjoy these events and who can come along?
Anyone is welcome. This is going to be a really special day for Andover, and a cause for taking great pride in the beauty of the area and its individual traditions and heritage. It will be a chance for communities to learn about local folk songs.
What happens at the workshops?
At the workshops, Paul and I introduce participants to our instruments and our style of singing. Using vocal warm ups and singing technique, we teach lots of different forms of folk songs; rounds, harmony songs, rousing songs and beautiful lullabies.
Get your tickets to Voices in Harmony concert now on our online shop here. Or email volunteers@andovertrees.org.uk for BACS details.
