Give It A Go success in more ways than one. In a bold development of their second Autumn Music Course, Sheffield Music Hub have taken steps in some exiting new directions. The Give It A Go workshops gave 35 youngsters the opportunity to try an instrument for the first time, and Brass Bands England’s Rachel Veitch-Straw was on hand to assist. The workshops began with the new musicians sampling woodwind, strings and brass, followed by fun sessions learning basic techniques and tunes, and culminating in a performance for eager parents. The children enjoyed every minute of the very active sessions.
“I liked when you could play the baritone. You could go ‘Wooo’ really loud”. Ethan aged 7 “I enjoyed playing an instrument, … I had a chance to play real music, the music made me smile inside” Nadia aged 8
Lots of excitement over the two days – but the best is yet to come. Rachel explains:
“Sheffield Music Hub value the fact that in the Sheffield Brass Network, there are ten bands working together to offer safe and high-quality musical opportunities to young people in the area. They have made the amazing promise that every child who wishes to play brass will have the chance to do so. This is made possible by the connections we’ve facilitated between the bands and the Music Hub”
After this simple and successful first step, Brass Bands England and the Sheffield Hub are meeting to plan new collaborations which will offer more exhilarating music-making adventures….watch this space! Rachel is available to share the story of the Sheffield collaboration with Music Hubs in other regions. Any Hubs or other arts organisations wishing to link with local brass bands are invited to contact their regional Liaison Officer: Yorkshire & Humberside, North, North West: Rachel@brassbandsengland.co.uk Midlands and South West: Darren@brassbandsengland.co.uk East Anglia, London & Southern Counties: Vicky@brassbandsengland.co.uk