'Making it work'…in an area of rural isolation. Practice sharing film 2.

How do you make Musical Inclusion work in a rurally isolated area? And in one which is also an area of high socio-economic deprivation, where young people are dealing with many of the issues more usually associated with urban areas?

‘Musical Inclusion - Making it work’

A series of films sharing practice, reflections and experience of Musical Inclusion from Teesside

Making it work….in an area of rural isolation

How do you make Musical Inclusion work in a rurally isolated area?  And in one which is also an area of high socio-economic deprivation, where young people are  dealing with many of the issues more usually associated with urban areas?

We are glad to be able to share our experience of ‘Making it work’ in the villages of East Cleveland – an isolated area of former mining villages lying between Teesside and the North Yorks Moors.  Young people here have few opportunities.  Transport links even to the nearby town of Redcar are poor.  Aspirations are low, with many young people anticipating a future of unemployment, and seeing no further than the village they have grown up in.

In this film, Neil Walker and other music leaders from ‘Club Creative’ share their experience of engaging and supporting young people through ‘Gig School’, a musinc commissioned project which gave young people a ‘Summer School’ experience usually only available in urban areas or to those whose parents can afford to pay.  The project brought young people together from the two local secondary schools, breaking down barriers and enabling young people to form new friendships as well as develop their musical confidence and skills.  

It gave ‘bedroom musicians’ the chance to play and perform with others – and has linked these young people with local cultural resources, with the group going on to perform at the new Tuned In!  My Place facility in Redcar.

What we learned:

That the opportunity to play with others in a band situation brings music alive for young musicians who have been learning and practicing alone

That young people really value the chance to meet others, from another school, who share their interests and musical passions and  with the right support they can quickly overcome initial nervousness and reservations.

That the intensive, summer school experience enables the development of deep, lasting friendships and musical relationships.   Some of the young people are continuing to meet up and play together independently.

That local knowledge and support is key.  ‘Club Creative’ is based in the area, and one of the music leaders is also a peripatetic teacher for Tees Valley Music Service.

That short projects can demonstrate the value of music making and unlock potential resources– Freebrough School itself has now engaged one of the music leaders directly to continue  a weekly after school band session.

That creative problem solving can yield the best outcomes – originally this was planned as two shorter projects, one at each school.  When building work meant that one school could not be used, the two were amalgamated bringing together two isolated groups of young people in a shared, creative experience.

Watch 'Making it work'…in a pupil referral unit here Watch our compilation film, which includes elements of 10 projects commissioned by musinc, here