Rock School at Bullfrog Arts

Here in Leicester, Bullfrog Arts have been running an exciting music project with young people in residential care. An interview with Bullfrog Director and professional musician Maxwell Thomas reveals how the project came to be and reflects on some of the highlights and learning during its course.

How did Rockschool come about?

“It began a little over two years ago and was really an exploratory project that followed from a visit to a young persons residential home in the city. We wanted to guage the level of interest for music, particularly singing, amongst the young lads there.   It’s the legacy of a project funded by Sing Up which then led to a valuable and successful partnership between Leicester City Council, the Leicestershire Schools Music service and Bullfrog and onto a project funded by Youth Music and Leicester City Council.

We knew the approach had to be very relaxed and informal and needed to be led by the interests of the guys. It needed to be as open as possible in order to unlock the potential. So it started off with both Dan and myself turning up with a range of instruments, music technology equipment and just playing, experimenting and trying to engage with anyone who showed an interest.  We found that one lad was really into singing pop songs and so that’s where we started off. We went in on a weekly basis until a small group began to develop.”

And how did Rockschool develop from that tentative beginning?

“It’s been amazing.  It’s grown slowly and patiently with some members joining and leaving but there’s been a core group who’ve remained dedicated all the way through. We’ve supported and nurtured the group who’ve formed a band called the Man of Numerous.  Whilst some of them played instruments at the start they’re now becoming more accomplished in their technique and abilities.  The band have performed at a number of important events most notably the Celebrating Success event for children in care before Christmas. They performed to an audience of 500. They also recently recorded one of their self-written songs. They’ve come a long way.”  Click here to listen to their first ever recording The Mon is On

That sounds very inspiring. What have been the highlights for you as a music leader?

“Probably one of the greatest moments was when the band came together to rehearse and perform alongside the Foster Carers choir that Bullfrog Arts have also been running. Seeing these two groups come together was moving; witnessing the unity and cohesion across our work.

Ah there are so many to choose from! Generally, the looks on their faces and seeing their happiness at their sense of achievement after every performance and just seeing them enjoy themselves is great. Also, how, through their music they manage to forget the difficulties and adversity they face. It’s powerful.

We’ve also managed to signpost two of the young people to opportunities for continuing their education. Previously they weren’t engaging with formal education but they’ve been inspired by the music and have signed up to music related courses at local colleges. That feels like a massive achievement and a relief in some way for us to have such a tangible outcome of our work! “

What do you think has been key to the projects success?

“We’ve been very lucky to have the strong support of the Director of Children’s Services at Leicester City Council. To have support at that level, and of that intensity has been crucial to the continuation and success of Rockschool. Similarly, the support of the staff at the residential home; we were lucky to have a good relationship with them which was really why that particular home was the base for the project, the staff were keen and supportive.

But another key point has been the duration and longevity of the work. So many projects flash up and disappear. Being able to go in over a two-year period has enabled positive working relationships to develop and for the band to form and establish itself properly.”

 So what are your dreams for Rockschool?

“I’d find some lovely premises, probably in a woodland, somewhere rural, and set up an alternative education centre. It would have educational outcomes in mind but use an alternative methodology. We’d drum our Taiko drums in the morning and dance to Diana Ross at our evening discos…..”