by Author Rhythmix

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Raising the profile of young people’s music in Hastings

Sam Halligan, Make Waves project manager reflects on the developing partnership with Hastings Music City and the impact that’s having on raising the profile of young people’s music in Hastings.

About a year and a half ago the Make Waves project was approached by a small but enthusiastic body of people to back the idea of a Hastings and Rother Music City. As project co-ordinator I said ‘yes of course’ but what does that actually mean and what difference has it made to the project we run?

Hastings and Rother Music City

It may sound funny that one urban borough and one largely rural district has labelled it self a ‘Music City’ but what that really means is that there is now a commitment from both Rother and Hastings councils to

  • recognise and protect the roll of music in enriching lives and culture across the area
  • co-ordinated action between venues, educators, performers studios and music industry professionals
  • nurture and promote grass roots and new music in the area.

What is the impact for Make Waves?

 We have had far more exposure to new partners who share our project aims of promoting new music opportunities. For Make Wave it has meant that we have

  • made contacts with local professional music studios
  • assessed additional funding
  • supported young people to take part in performances, gigs and festivals
  • put a number of local young people through professional training courses

Why is this important?

We have been able to use our influence as a youth project to highlight and direct the efforts of the music city. We have been able to ensure local music scene is more inclusive of all ages as audience and performers. We have been able to work together to promote locally produced ‘new music’ which is a central focus of the groups activity.

What’s next?

If you had told me a year ago  that I and a participant will shortly be interviewed for Kerrang Magazine because of our project and it’s Music City links I would never have believed you but here we are!

Good things happen when like minds come together.

Make Waves is a partnership between Rhythmix and Targeted Youth Support (East Sussex County Council) and supported by Youth Music and East Sussex Music Education Hub.