by Author Parissa Zarifi

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Springing into action with the Kidz Konnekt Music Inclusion Project - what have we been up to?

Since January, the Music Inclusion Project has sprung into action! We are now engaging higher numbers of children and young people in music-making across Greater Eston, and with musical abilities soaring towards success, we are aiming to dazzle audiences at our final performance event 'Live at Liberty's' in May.

What have we been up to...?

Music Making at Music Room 24 young people ages 12-16 are currently attending weekly Music Room sessions to establish and improve their musical skills, raise their self-esteem and work towards performance opportunities. Music Room sessions allow young people the space to express themselves both musically and creatively and have fun in the process! Within the sessions, young people are beginning to develop Arts Award Explore portfolios in order to achieve accreditation for their participation in our music project and for their work towards the 'Live at Liberty's' performance event (see below for more info!)  

Music Room on the Move at the Teesside Musical Inclusion Young People's Gathering Event! 9 young people from Music Room participated in the Young People's Gathering Event on 19th March, organised by musinc - Teesside Musical Inclusion Resource and Hartlepool Exchanging Notes Project, bringing together various music projects from across the region. The day provided opportunities for the young people to participate in exciting drumming and band workshops, interact with others through fun musical games and express themselves through a group song writing session.  Following the event, the young people who attended are beginning to complete an Arts Award Explore; a means of reflecting on the day of activities and further inspiring them to achieve through their own musical development.

Kidz Konnekt Youth Clubs 30 children and young people have been continuing to engage in singing, dancing, guitar and ukulele sessions provided by staff within Kidz Konnekt Junior and Senior Youth Clubs as part of the Music Inclusion Project.

Engaging through Education - Primary and Secondary Schools

Songwriting and Composing at St. Peter's Secondary School, Southbank The music team have been supporting the delivery of music for Years 7 and 8 pupils; engaging 75 young people of varying abilities through composition, song writing and fun musical games. Working in local schools has been a fantastic way for staff to get to know young people and recruit emerging talent for the project.

'Where We Live' at Wilton Primary A 10 week project in Wilton Primary School, Lazenby village, enabled 44 children from Years 2-6 to express their views and hopes for their local area through writing and performing songs inspired by where they live. Performing for their parents through a dramatic drumming entrance and engaging the audience in their songs and powerful message, the children ended the showcase on a high with a super-size version of Sally in the Alley!

Southbank Primary School Vikings and Kung Fu Fighting! The music team have been engaging with 94 children in singing and song writing on the themes of Vikings and China. Year 3 and Year 4 performed dramatically as Vikings for the rest of the school, singing 'Long House' written by the children themselves and displaying the Viking Long Houses that they had created. Year 1 and Year 2 classes performed songs together for their parents, including a Chinese song and their own version of Kung Fu Fighting! Watch this space as we embark on our next theme - the Olympics!

Upcoming Events:

19th May 2016 - Live at Liberty's In Town, Under 18's event Live at Liberty's is a performance event for young people who have been involved in the MIP and as celebration of the pilot year of the project. Young people are busy devising and rehearsing their acts for the exciting performance opportunity and gathering interest for their audience - keep your eyes peeled for more information!  

Total number of children and young people participating in the project: 269