Welcome to our new trainee music leaders
Despite the challenges of the last few months, we are excited to be into the new year of our mentoring programme! Here are some little welcome videos from our new trainee music leaders.
Baz Bix
Welcome, Baz, he is working in north Devon alongside our Daisi music leader, Sam Lythgoe Jones, dealing with the complexities of the large rurally isolated area of north Devon, where there are huge amounts deprivation and challenges that prevent young people locally, from being able to access musical opportunities. He will be working with Sam in a variety setting's and youth clubs, to develop skills working across ages and abilities, and learning to be flexible and creative in his approach. We have been working Sam for three years in one setting in Ilfracombe, a supported living centre run by Young Devon. He has been setting up 1:1 music sessions and group sessions with young people supporting them to make music with a special focus on rap and grime, for some of those young people the opportunity to play music with Sam is the only thing that gets them out their room, Callum a participant there, commented on his experience: "I've enjoyed these sessions so much as they've given me the chance to express myself" We have been working hard with Sam to find creative ways to work online, and deliver virtual sessions to those young people who need these musical opportunities more than ever, and this will be great and challenging opportunity for Baz to get involved in.
Rebecca Grinham
Welcome, Rebecca, she'll be working with DYS Space and mentored by experienced Daisi and Space* music and youth leader Adam Copeman. She will have the opportunity to work alongside Adam leading sessions with regular groups at their youth centre in Exmouth, building skills around music delivery to range of ages and abilities. We also support DYS Space each year, to employ two young music peer educators, Rebecca will also be working alongside Erin and Max, to support the weekly Music Monday sessions. These training opportunities have enabled past mentees and peer educators to go on find further work in the field, and share their learning and inclusive practise with others.
Leonie Prater
Welcome, Leonie, she'll be joining our partners at BSharp, working with music leader Jacques Verhaeren, in East Devon. Bsharp is music charity based in Lyme Regis, with a wealth of experience and a range of opportunities to support Leonie in developing new skills working with young people in challenging circumstances. Not only is this a huge learning opportunity for the trainee music leader and mentor, but the organisation benefits from having a diversity of perspective. Ruth Cohen the director of Bsharp said: "we have set aside time each week to plan and reflect with her, which has strengthened our organisational practice, and improved our delivery." Leonie is currently working with Jacques and delivering music sessions online.
Our mentoring programme has been such an excellent part of our inclusive music programme, developing an inclusive workforce, who are knowledgeable and have the skills to be flexible and creative in their delivery of music is essential and integral to making musical opportunities accessible for all. If you want to find out about Daisi and our Inclusive Music Project please follow the link to our website https://daisi.org.uk/sound-waves/