by Author DaDaFest

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BLOG: Young DaDa Ensemble soundcheck, Liverpool Philharmonic Hall, July 6 2016

Drake Music's Abigail Ward writes a blog on the Young DaDa Ensemble soundcheck, Liverpool Philharmonic Hall prior to Young DaDaFest: Music on July 6 2016.

Young DaDa Ensemble is a 2-year out-of-school accessible music project for young disabled musicians in Liverpool. It is funded by Youth Music and delivered in partnership by DaDaFestDrake MusicResonate Music Hub and Live Music Now.

Tyler – a talented multi instrumentalist who plays in both ‘Explore and Evolve’ groups from the Young DaDa Ensemble

The project was put together with a number of aims: to tackle the provision deficit for disabled young people aged 16-25 in this region; to provide clear progression routes (there is a beginners and intermediate group); to put young musicians in contact with professional disabled and non-disabled musicians; to expose young people to a broad range of musical genres through workshops and concert visits; and to promote accessible music making in schools and across the sector.

Kyle – guitarist and beatboxer extraordinaire from ‘Evolve’ group

Thursday July 6th saw the culmination of the first year of delivery: a concert at Liverpool’s prestigious Philharmonic Hall in front of a sold out audience.

Young DaDa Ensemble ‘Explore’ group said:

“We are a rock and roll band with drums. We make our own music and rap. We’ve been playing together for eight months. We play music on different instruments, in different styles, with different people – a mix of young people and musicians  – you learn all different types of music. We love playing drums, making up our own songs and playing guitar and keyboard. It helps us use our imagination. One thing we can say about all of us is we play music no matter what! We are cool!”

Young DaDa Ensemble ‘Evolve’ group said:

“We like joining in, playing instruments, meeting new people, inspiring each other. Everyone really respects each other and listens to each other. We like working together as a team, playing piano, guitar, bass, singing, drumming, playing violin and cello. Sometimes we just get together and start playing and an amazing jam happens as if my magic! Other times one of us brings in something which they teach to the group – we enjoy sharing these things together.”

A professional filmmaker shot the actual performance and we will share this when it is finished.

The video below captures the soundcheck prior to the performance and some thoughts from the young musicians and workshop leaders involved in the project.