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A free nine-week program for young musicians will kick off on Thursday, offering them the chance to collaborate and create.
JamLab will be held at Wareena Hall in Swan Street each Thursday of this term between 4pm and 6pm.
Led by local musician Dave Johnstone, JamLab is run by Amplify (formerly the FReeZA program), and is open to 12 to 20-year-olds interested in songwriting, recording and music production.
There's no need for participants to book - they just need to turn up and enjoy the chance to learn the basics of audio engineering, make use of accessible, affordable gear, then perhaps team up to write, record or perform in a live band.
Dave, who brings to the youth program experience from his time with Banyule City Council's Jets Studios, is a lifelong musician who recently relocated to the North East.
He's looking forward to offering some guidance to young musos from the district so they can harness their creativity and record their own music.
Dave said all levels of ability and interest were welcome.
"If they are established bands, they can get information on the recording side; if they want to be in a band and haven't found their people yet, it's an opportunity for that too," Dave said.
"If they have instruments, they can bring them along, and it will be open to every kind of music - we want to make it as diverse as possible.
"It's about having fun with music."
Dave said there could be scope for an open mic session at the end of term to showcase the area's young talent.
"I'd love nothing more than to see at least one band form from this," Dave said.
* JamLab organisers are on the lookout for rugs to help soundproof Wareena Hall for the sessions. If you can help, email youth@wangaratta.vic.gov.au





