Our vibrant Silver Programme actively involves people over the age of 50 in an eclectic spread of exciting music activities including singing of all kinds, steel pans, guitars, recorders, folk ensemble and more.
This wealth of daytime opportunities brings many groups to The Sage Gateshead every day and more across North East England.
We provide a daytime programme with a structured, yet relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere. Working with experienced and accessible tutors, through workshops, performances, visits and intergenerational work, the Silver Programme expands the current and dormant skills of members, as well as encouraging and developing new and emerging ones.
Silver Breves - classical music singing group. A group for those who like to attempt more complicated and challenging sacred and secular work, from Elizabethan madrigals to contemporary settings of religious works. There are many performance opportunities. Acquaintance with using written music is helpful, but not essential.
Silver Singers are community based choirs outside of The Sage Gateshead for anyone over 50 who likes to sing. The material is a mix of world music, popular songs, folk songs, spirituals, Geordie songs, anything from Cole Porter to Annie Lennox! There are regular 'Big Silver Sings' where all of the groups meet and sing the joint repertoire.
Silver Blues - new for 2009, this is a chance to sing blues and jazz standards. Under the leadership of an expert tutor, you will have the opportunity to 'free-up' your blues and jazz voice and sing a mixture of accompanied and a cappella songs with confidence.
Going Platinum - auditioned group for those who enjoy the challenge of performing within a small group. Going Platinum are regularly asked to perform at events and conferences, on behalf of the Silver Programme.
Silver Divas - performance orientated group for men and women accompanied by piano, working on everything from popular songs to Broadway classics. There are plenty of performance opportunities both within The Sage Gateshead and across the region. No experience necessary, just a good dose of passion and gusto!
Silver Belles - a group of ladies who like to sing together for others. This group visits older people's residential care homes to work with the staff and encourage singing activities with the residents. The Belles also entertain with performances across the region. Places in this group are dependent upon the current need for particular voices.
Silver Sounds Guitars - classes for both beginner and intermediate players. Don't worry if you don't currently have a guitar ' we are able to provide them for the session and can also help you to find your own when you feel ready.
Silver Ukuleles - there are different groups and workshops available for the varying standards of Ukulele players.
Silver Beginner Pans - many people have never had the chance to experience the delights of these instruments ' but this is the perfect opportunity. In the beginner sessions you will start to get to grips with basic techniques and simple rhythms. When you want to move on to more complicated pieces there is the intermediate group and when you're a pro you can continue to the advanced class!
Silver Satellite Singing - groups run by external providers, which are part of the wider Silver Network.
Silvers Rock - an exciting new group in which you will have the chance to perform your favourite songs from the 60's and 70's ' for anyone who plays guitar/bass/keyboard/kit drum or sings. There will also be the opportunity to do audio recordings of your rehearsals and performances. Come along and 'rock out' to anything from The Beatles to The Who!
Silver Opportunites
As well as regular weekly classes, the Silver Programme also runs many other sessions and events. All opportunities are promoted in our regular newsletter the Silver Bugle, which is available from the Welcome Desk and the Silver registration table at The Sage Gateshead. Any enquiries or questions please phone (0191) 443 5034 or contact silver@thesagegateshead.org
To visit the Silver Programme online community, click here.
