Queen’s Hall Arts Outreach Projects - Schools and Community

Literature
A series of alternate fortnightly workshops at the Queen's Hall led by writer / tutor John Halliday.

Write Your Life Stories
Starts Thursday 12 January 10.30am - 12.30pm at the Queen's Hall Arts Centre, Hexham
Everyone has a story to tell. These workshops on memoir and autobiography look at learning how to write effectively about events and experiences, as well as creating lively and interesting characters.
£65 for all 6 workshops.
Book through the Box Office 01434 652477

Loving and Understanding Poetry - CANCELLED
Starts Thursday 12 January 10.30am - 12.30pm at the Queen's Hall Arts Centre, Hexham
Listen, read and discuss poems in a way which will increase your understanding and enjoyment of poetry. There is no writing involved and no experience needed; just bring your love of poetry with you.
£65 for all 6 workshops.
Book through the Box Office 01434 652477

Young People’s Writing Group
Led by a professional writer, sessions are held every other Saturday from 11.00am - 1.00pm at the Queen’s Hall Arts Centre. Meet other young people interested in writing, share your work, learn new skills and give and receive feedback in a creative and supportive atmosphere. The group is for writers between the ages of 12-18 years and is completely free. For more information contact Laura at laura@newwritingnorth.com or call 0191 233 3852.

Music
Tyne Valley Big Band
Thursday nights in term time 6.00pm - 8.00pm at the West End Methodist Church
Starts Thursday 12 January
Directed by the jazz trumpeter Dave Hignett, we are delighted to announce the formation of the first Tyne Valley Big Band! Reading musicians on sax, trumpet, trombone and rhythm section (piano, bass guitar, guitar and drums), with a passion for Big Band Jazz, are invited to play a traditional and modern repertoire in a unique community jazz band for adults and students.
£20 per term
To sign up to this exciting venture contact the Queen’s Hall Box Office or for more information contact Dave on david.hignett @virgin.net

Hexham Junior Strings
Saturday 10.00 – 11.00am during term-time at the Torch Centre, Hexham
Starts Saturday 7 January
An exciting opportunity for young orchestral string players, aged 7 – 13yrs, to come together and enjoy the experience of playing in an ensemble.
£35 for the term
To find out more and for bookings please contact Jacky Craig at jacqueline.craig@northumberland.gov.uk

Hexham Intermediate Strings
Meets fortnightly during term time
Saturday 11.15am - 12.15pm at the Torch Centre, Hexham
A new and exciting opportunity for more advanced string players (approx grade 2 - 4) to come together and enjoy the experience of playing in an ensemble.
£25 per half term
To find out more and for bookings please contact Jacky Craig at jacqueline.craig@northumberland.gov.uk

Down in the Attic
Mondays 5.45pm - 7.15pm at the Queen’s Hall Arts Centre.
Starts Monday 12 September
An exciting youth folk band led by Sophy Ball. Down in the Attic is currently full - if you are interested in being part of a new band please contact the Box Office
£40 / £30 (conc) for the term

Tynedale Community Choir
Mondays 8.00pm at St Aidan's Church, Hexham
Starts Monday 9 January
Sing, relax and unwind with folk songs, shanties, rounds, gospel, contemporary songs and more! Led by director David Oliver, the choir offers challenges and rewards to beginners and experienced singers alike.
£15 per half term (concessions available)
For more info contact Jane Dammers 01434 604512
Have a look at the Choir's website. Click here.

Singing Babies (Hexham)
Sessions start on Tuesday 3 January 9.30am & 11.00am at St Mary’s Church Hall.
A live and interactive musical journey through imaginative songs and dance designed to stimulate and captivate.
£39 for six week term (inc. coffee and cake)
Ring Louise on 01434 604667 for more info and to book

Singing Babies (Horsley)
Mondays 9.30am & 11.00am at The Hearth.
Starts Monday 9 January
A live and interactive musical journey through imaginative songs and dance designed to stimulate and captivate.
Ring Louise on 01434 604667 for more info and to book

Squeaky Feet (Hexham)
Sessions start on Tuesday 3 January at 1.00pm & 2.30pm at St Mary’s Church Hall.
Joyful exploration into rhythm, dance and song for toddlers from age 1. Baby siblings also welcome.
£36 for six week term (inc. coffee and cake)
Ring Louise on 01434 604667 for more info and to book

Squeaky Feet (Horsley)
Mondays 1.00pm & Wednesdays 9.30am and 11.00am at The Hearth.
Joyful exploration into rhythm, dance and song for toddlers from age 1. Baby siblings also welcome.
Ring Louise on 01434 604667 for more info and to book

Prudhoe Singers
Tuesdays 10.00am – 11.50am term time.
At Prudhoe Community Church.
Join in with this weekly chance to sing. All welcome.
For more details contact Keren T: 01661 830035 or E: banningkeren@aol.com

Wylam Wailers
Monday 7.30pm – 9.30pm
At Wylam Methodist Church Hall
All welcome at this weekly chance to sing in Wylam.
For more details contact Keren on 01661 830035 or E: banningkeren@aol.com

Theatre
Queen’s Hall Arts Youth Theatre 
Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Saturdays in term time
At the Queen’s Hall Arts Centre, starting on Tuesday 10, Wednesday 11 and Saturday 14 January
Down Stage:      8-11yrs Tuesdays 4.00pm - 5.30pm
Stage Note:        11-15yrs Wednesdays 4.00pm - 5.30pm
Up Stage:           Autism Specific; 8-10yrs Saturdays 10.30am - 12noon

Develop your creativity through this popular skills based theatre group. Your ideas, your words, your actions, create your own drama! For 8-15yr olds continues at the Queen’s Hall Arts Centre led by Sue Mitchell.
£40 / £30 (conc) for the term
Book through Box Office 01434 652477 or contact Queen's Hall Arts Development on 01434 652482 to find out more.

Highlights Community Touring Scheme
Highlights is a Community Touring Scheme which brings high quality entertainment to your doorstep. Queen’s Hall Arts supports local promoters at Greenhead, Wark, Haydon Bridge, Henshaw, Newbrough, Bellingham and Prudhoe and provides funding for performances of music, theatre, puppetry and comedy from around the world. To receive a Highlights brochure or to find out more, contact 01768 353954 or info@highlightsnorth.co.uk

Dance
There are growing opportunities in Northumberland for young people to dance. QHA Outreach manages the Northumberland Dance Hub - in partnership with Dance City as part of Youth Dance England  - an ambitious programme of community and after-school workshops in all styles of dance, led by the county’s best dance leaders and choreographers – visit www.youthdancenortheast.co.uk

Youth Dance Project
Mondays in term time 4.00pm - 6.00pm. Starts Monday 9 January
Do you want to dance, perform and /or choreograph and are aged 8-15yrs? The Youth Dance Project could be just for you! Led by Nadia Iftkhar, students work with choreographers and take weekly technique classes, leading to performances across the region.
£35 for whole term

Pulse Northumberland
Monday 5 March 7.30pm
At Cramlington Learning Village
A dance showcase for the talented young people of Northumberland as they come together for an evening of skill, fun and pure energy. Two groups will be chosen to represent Northumberland at The ARC on Saturday 14 April.