Music Unlimited looks to strike a chord with Kawartha Lakes teens

Matthew Fretz, associate director of Kawartha Lakes Youth Unlimited, has noticed that there aren’t a lot of intermediate-level music programs for youth in Kawartha Lakes. He’s hoping to change that with Music Unlimited. 

The new program will be offered to students in Grades 8-12 and will run from Oct. 8 to May 27. There are 20 spots available, with the goal of providing youth with tools and guidance while letting their creativity spark. 

The program will run essentially as a workshop. “We will have experienced music and entertainment professionals,” Fretz said. 

One of these guests is Eric Warner, a creative industries professor at Toronto Metropolitan University and president of indie record label We Are Busy Bodies. “Music Unlimited gives young artists the opportunity to develop their skills, collaborate, perform, and build confidence alongside experienced music and entertainment professionals. Programs like these are vital to nurturing the next generation of Canadian musicians, espiecially in smaller communities.”

“It’s a program I wish was around when I was in high school,” said Matthew Sweeney, one of the program’s volunteers and member of the Juno-nominated band The Elwins. 

“A lot of the primary focus of this program is song creation, writing, and giving a blank canvas to creative individuals to learn how to articulate and express themselves. We’re giving them foundational tools so they can then spread their wings and do their own thing,” Sweeney said. 

Once a week, the students will meet at St. Andrews’ Presbyterian Church from 7-8:30 p.m. They’ll have opportunitied to perform what they’re wokring on to each other, in the community and they’ll have an end-of-year concert. 

“Some of the best material that comes out of this will have opportunities to be recorded, produced, and released. It’s pretty ambitious, but doable,” said Fretz. There will be opportunities for collaboration. A lyricist might be able ot put thier words to a guitatists meoldy. 

Those applying are asked to submit an audition tape; both original works and covers are welcome. “That can be a little daunting, but that is something that will make sure that the kids are at a level where (the program) is beneficial to them, to help them improve,” said Sweeney. “We want to give permission to go for it. (They) have the green light to just go wild and express themselves.”

Applications are due before midnight on Sept. 25. The program costs $50 per semester with payment due after students are accepted. For more information or to apply, go to yfc.ca.