NW Update

Stockport CP
The weekly sessions are continuing to go well for both the beginners group and the performance group. We have brought in Sam Yates and Fil Hill to deliver these weekly sessions, giving them new energy and flavour. There will be a Christmas performance of lively electronica with a twist of festive spirit on Friday 18th December, 1.15pm at the Moore Top Pub, Stockport. Please contact gemmanash@drakemusicproject.org for more details.

Camarata
From January 2010 we are working with two schools in Chester (Dorin Park and Upton Heath) to deliver another series of mixed media workshops culminating in a cross-artform performance as part of Chester Performs, May 2010. Songs of the Earth will act as a stimulus for the project content, to compliment other aspects of the programme, such as Mahler’s das Lied von der Erde, which is based on the idea of the seasons.

Sheffield University
Ray De Grussa is a disabled person who has been given a place on Sheffield University’s Music and Creative Media course. Ray has a significant impairment and experiences physical barriers accessing this course. Since September 2009 we have been training and Ray and his Tutors in assistive music technology to enable Ray to start the Musical composition: styles and techniques next term. Fil Hill has been delivering the training, and advising the University on appropriate equipment. There were a few delays as it took some time for the University to order Ray’s equipment. We will be working with Ray again next term.

Individual Support
We are continuing to get individuals asking for music lessons. In some cases they have been able to use their individual budget to pay for these lessons. We have worked with two people so far and received very positive feedback. One individual is expecting to receive more funding to enable him to purchase more lessons per week from January onwards.

Digital Beginnings
We are continuing to work with two SEN schools in Wigan. One school is mainly for children who are autistic, and the other is mainly for children with physical impairments. The workshops are going well and are proving to be a very valuable resource in helping the schools meet their yearly targets. This is particularly relevant for one school, which is currently in special measures, and needs to meet various targets before April 2010. The schools have links with JBB Stadium, and are going to approach them for support and to arrange a visit for the children to get their inspiration. The Inset day is planned for January 2010.

Lancasterian School
We recently delivered an eight week MOO project culminating in a CD of exciting electronica and hip hop. The school loved the work so much that we are going to help the school apply for funding to deliver another project in either the spring or summer term.

Training
Music Leader North West have provided funding for professional development and networking for Drake associates, trainees and volunteers. Next year we will be organising specific training around soundbeam and live software, as well as another networking day for the NW team.

Future Partnerships
We are in discussions with various schools and organisations, such as Imperial War Museum, Band on the Wall, FutureEverything and Full Circle Arts, regarding exciting new projects, showcases and performance opportunities…. Watch this space!