Partners

“Brass is Back”

Following the success of the 'Bedlington to Ashington Building Brass' initiative, we are delighted to announce that Youth Music have agreed to support our ongoing Northumberland brass band regeneration project once again!
  
Over the last three years, we have worked closely with primary schools to create 'mini brass bands' who meet at lunchtime, or after school. These mini brass bands have provided a progression route from their whole class project brass tuition. 

This new round of funding will see the project expand into Bedlington, Ashington, and St Benet Biscop Academies. Our current project at Meadowdale Academy will also be expanded. Students will have the opportunity to progress and experience different instruments such as baritone, trombone and tenor horns.

Our outcomes built into the project are as follows:

• The creation of school mini bands will give  students the opportunity to increase their musical ability and technical skills.
• To raise students aspirations to be involved and continue to be involved in music.
• Improved group cohesion and mutual respect amongst the students throughout the project.

 Find out how to increase your musical opportunities below:

• 'Brass is Back'
• Youth Music

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"Why being involved in Brass is Back is increasing my musical opportunities"

    

   

On Saturday 16th November 2019 100 brass pupils from Bedlington and Ashington schools travelled to Sage Gateshead for workshops and performances at the annual Brass in Concert event.  Pupils from Meadowdale and St Benet Biscop Academies took part in a rehearsal and performed on the concourse before joining the six primary schools in an enthusiastic and rousing performance on the stage in Sage One. 

They then watched some of the innovative and entertaining performances by the Brass Bands who were taking part in the Youth competition.  It was an inspiring day for all who took part and a proud day for the many parents who came to watch their children perform at Sage Gateshead.

Quotes from students involved:

"I feel as if my self belief has gained a lot throughout the project, being in the band I have met new people who had faith in me and helped me when I needed it."  

"I love playing my cornet - It makes me feel peaceful. Music really helps me because it lets me know I can be successful in something!"

If you would like to know more about the project, please contact: Fiona.Johnstone@northumberland.gov.uk

MPN recently received funding from the National Lottery 'Awards for All' to run a series of music workshops engaging with refugee families living in Northumberland.

Djembe drumming workshops took place in Blyth and Cramlington. Participants range from under 5’s to grandparents, and they come together to meet socially as well as to participate in the workshops. The project will create a common interest and requires the families to work together to create a finished product.  

If you would like to learn more about this project, please contact Jacqueline.Craig@northumberland.gov.uk

The Children’s University is a national organisation that provides 7-14 year olds with access to exciting and innovative learning activities inside and outside of the classroom. As well as school based activities, children can also attend workshops and lectures, visit libraries and museums, and get involved in sports and creative arts such as music.

This programme rewards children’s participation through the National Certificates.  For every hour they take part in an activity they receive a stamp in their passport. These stamps contribute towards their National Children’s University Award Certificate. (Any Music Partnership North event can also help students earn stamps).

Students who are over 14 can also sign up to become a volunteer. There is no upper age limit, so parents can get involved too!.  The volunteer system runs alongside the student passport scheme with evidence and stamps being collected while gaining experience in volunteering and learning new skills.

Schools can sign up to become a member or parents can purchase their child’s passport independently at a cost of £5.  However, many areas within south east Northumberland have purchased passports for all the children within their school.

If your child has a passport and would like to have their activity evidenced and stamped then please contact Fiona Johnstone 01670 624039.

Leading Link manage this programme in Northumberland and for more information on purchasing passports and the support they can offer please visit their website: www.leadinglink.co.uk

For more information on the Children’s University please visit their website: http://www.childrensuniversity.co.uk/