About the Silver Programme
The Silver Programme provides a wide variety of daytime musical activities for people over the age of 50, within a relaxed, informal and supportive environment – including singing of all kinds, steel pans, guitars, recorders, rock ensembles and much more.
With sessions at The Sage Gateshead and increasingly throughout the whole of the North East of England, participants work with experienced and accessible tutors. Through workshops and performances the Silver Programme expands the current and dormant skills of members as well as encouraging and developing new and emerging ones.
Ever fancied having a go at an instrument? Or singing with other people? Whether you’re a beginner or have lots of experience, we’re sure to have something for you. Why not come and give it a try?
Silver Breves
A 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. Once a month we hold an open rehearsal out of The Sage Gateshead building.
Silver Blues
This is a chance to sing blues and jazz standards. Under the leadership of an expert tutor, you have the opportunity to free-up your blues and jazz voice and sing a mixture of accompanied and a cappella songs with confidence, within a supportive environment.
Going Platinum
An auditioned singing 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.
Silvers Rock
An exciting group for anyone who plays guitar/bass/keyboard/kit drum or sings, in which you have the chance to perform your favourite songs from the 60s and 70s. There are also opportunities to do audio recordings of your rehearsals and performances. Come along and rock out to anything from The Beatles to The Who!
Silver Sounds
Guitars Classes for both beginner and intermediate players. An opportunity to develop new guitar skills or improve your current standard within a small group environment – all sessions have the support and guidance of our expert tutors. 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 Beats
Classes offering opportunities on a range of percussion instruments and styles, varying throughout the terms. No experience necessary.
Silver Ukuleles
A range of ukulele classes and workshops to suit all levels of ability. Silver Beginners Ukes and Silver Uke Workshop happen at The Sage Gateshead, with the Silver Ukulele Band and Silver Uke Squad taking place at St Joseph’s Church Hall, Gateshead.
Silver Recorders
Recorder classes for intermediate players and a Recorder Consort for more advanced players. Both of our recorder groups learn a wide variety of repertoire from medieval dance music to The Beatles. There are many performance opportunities and often both groups play together in a massed recorder ensemble.
Silver Steel Pans
Many people have never had the chance to experience the delights of these instruments, but now you have the perfect opportunity. In the beginner sessions you begin to get to grips with basic techniques and simple rhythms. When you want to move on to more complicated pieces you can move into the intermediate and advanced groups. The sessions are lively, informative and great fun.
Silver Chimes
The Silver Chimes group use bell plates, which are a modern alternative to hand bells. Lead by Sofia Castro, the group play folk, popular songs and classical pieces.
Silver Singers
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 Divas
A 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 Satellite
Singing Groups run by external providers, which are part of the wider Silver Network.
Deep Tyne Gospel
Our group for those that like to sing songs of faith. This group covers everything from traditional gospel songs through to African church music. No previous singing experience necessary – just plenty of enthusiasm and a desire to have fun!
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 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.
Visit the Silver Programme online community website.