This is a really exciting new project which unites our children’s services to extend the benefits of music to Nuneaton’s young people.
County Councillor Heather Timms, portfolio holder for children, young people and families
Music is at the heart of a new programme in Nuneaton helping young people unite communities and understand world cultures.
Following a grant of almost 18 thousand pounds from the Youth Music Power Play programme, Warwickshire County Council’s Youth and Community Service is working with the County Music Service, Positive about Young People and WCVYS, to develop a youth music training programme.
From September, it will give more than one hundred 11 to 19-year-olds in and around the Camp Hill area of Nuneaton the opportunity to discover, learn and celebrate music from across the globe. However taster sessions will be available next month.
Young people from six youth groups will be offered the chance to play instruments ranging from African djembe to Japanese Taiko, developing their own performances as well as using those skills to teach others.
Community musicians will deliver sessions alongside youth workers, who will explore new ways of delivering positive activities through music.
Clare Mitchell, Youth Arts Development Worker for Warwickshire County Council’s Youth and Community Service, said: “I haven’t met anyone who can resist banging a djembe drum and I can’t think of a better way to learn about the world and gain new skills.
“Thanks to Youth Music the young people of Nuneaton have a fantastic opportunity to learn about a whole variety of different cultures and ways to make music as well as have a lot of fun.”
Andrew Atkins, Director of the County Music Service in Warwickshire, said: " I am delighted to be working in partnership with the youth service as not only is it natural expansion to our multicultural ‘Global Beats’ music programme but we are also working with new groups of young people who may not have thought about using the music service in the past.
“Music is a great leveller and transcends social, cultural and economic boundaries in a way which brings social cohesion to our communities."
County Councillor Heather Timms, portfolio holder for children, young people and families, added: “This is a really exciting new project which unites our children’s services to extend the benefits of music to Nuneaton’s young people.
“The opportunity for them to experience music-making in a world context will be a valuable one.”
For more information about the World Music Programme or to find out how to take part in taster sessions, contact Clare Mitchell on 01926 742486.
To find out more about Warwickshire County Council’s Youth and Community Service visit www.warwickshire.gov.uk/youthandcommunity or for more on the County Music Service visit www.musicforlife.net.