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Exploring Diversity and Music from around the World

Pictured above is The War Memorial to the men and women of Highfields, it is a poignant feature as you enter the village.

A lasting impression was made on me after a school trip visiting the vast war cemeteries in Normandy, my view on remembrance is simple. We should remember, and understand that war is what happens when communication and respect are devalued.

The first things we learn in 90 Minute Music are the dynamic value and values of communication and respect.

This week we looked at music from around the world, acknowledging our own cultural heritage and spoke about how language and music are learnt together.

We got our hands on a Mbira and Djemba from Africa. A Tabla from India and explored the musical elements that reflect the cultures.

We also used this Guiro (vase) I found at our local charity shop for a pound, so keep your eyes open for a bargain. Thanks to everyone for attending on a wet, cold miserable night

These young people are a credit to their families and are showing the confidence and skills which will transfer to their daily lives to support health, resilience and opportunities for progression.

SiFly health and education

Highfields Boxing Club

Back to School week and another great turn out. As always it is great to have young people from the local area attend. I must give credit to the parents travelling from Adwick and as far away as Warmsworth to get their children to our sessions.

I think we were all feeling the back to school blues this week. Good to see some new faces that told us that if we weren’t there, then they would be just kicking around on the streets.

When we were younger kicking around on the streets was Hide and Seek, British Bulldog, Double Dutch and of course Football. It is a different world now and we are proud to play our part in providing safe activities for young people to do. Thanks as ever to Liz for providing the venue.

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Atlas Primary Academy

Great enthusiasm and expression at Atlas Academy in the heart of Doncaster this week with use of Microphones and Samplers. The students embraced the opportunity to use the technology. Although we bring with us state of the art equipment, we always encourage freedom of expression and in recent weeks we have introduced a shopping trolley, a tape measure and improvised drum kits into our music making.

Thanks to Neil the caretaker for his help, looking forward to seeing you all again next week.

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A Dynamic Contrast

HIGHFIELDS BOXING CLUB : A busy day of delivery yesterday, building numbers in the group at Highfields with some new additions. Everything we do is focused on using music as a tool for development with communication and discipline at the core. Thanks to everyone who shared on social media and the parents for travelling from outlying villages.

ME PROJECT : We began our long anticipated work with ME PROJECT last night. Our usual all action hands on session was sprinkled with open group conversation as we explored how music can be used as a tool to reduce anxiety and cope with the increasing pressures of adolescence. Big thanks to all who attended and the staff for joining in and supporting. The due diligence and meeting of professional guidelines for developing this kind of workshop is massive. Utmost respect to Kath and Paige for getting to where they are.

ATLAS PRIMARY : We were back in the centre of Town for this one. Bringing together young people from different cultures and backgrounds. The starting point for this one was chaotic and challenging for every one of us. Our training in recognising SLD’s was helpful as we steered the group into respect, communication and genuine dynamism. We do this work because we know it can be challenging, but we also trust in our understanding and experience to bring out the best in everyone and the young people grew into it with gusto and enthusiasm. Thanks again to the staff for their support.

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A Decade of 90 Minute Music

For the last 10 years we have been supporting young people with our mobile provision and in that time we have often worked with young people who have become disengaged with education and training. We use our very particular set of skills to ensure they come away with a positive view of themselves through achieving bite-size challenges.

“I didn’t like 90 Minute Music – I Loved it”

L. G. WEST ROAD PRIMARY

“I can not recommend Simon and 90 minute music highly enough. He gets results and makes a difference! And always with fun and laughter.”

Clare Galliers – Tutors & Exams

  • 90 Minute Music Hold the UK Youth Quality Mark for working with young people
  • 90 Minute Music are members of EXPECT Youth
  • 90 Minute Music are fully trained in Recognising Specific Learning Difficulties

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Highfields Boxing Club

Exploring what we have around us and visualising what may come in the future, recognising family, pets and pastimes as inspiration and support.

We put pen to paper to creatively explore rhythms and the building blocks of Music. The group responded well to more use of the technology this week.

Sometimes my role in 90minutemusic stems from the youth work which started the journey 9 years ago. Back then some of the kids just needed another adult around as a role model, and sometimes to remind them what is good in their lives. I think we did a little of this tonight.

Thanks again to Liz for the venue, the Parents for travelling from outlying villages, and of course the young people themselves, fantastically creative!!!

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Astrea Atlas Academy

Energetic Intensive Effort

We were Invited to work with Astrea Academies after meeting Fran Lightfoot at a Community Wealth Builder networking event.

We identified a need to engage with pupils who needed further support. Fran linked us up with Head Jonathan Moody and we decided to focus on pupils with Additional Needs and Specific Learning Difficulties.

Great enthusiasm, whole heartedly connecting with the technology yesterday. We worked on composing, choosing appropriate sounds and learning how to chop beats while keeping good time.

Thanks to Isla Foundation for not only funding, but also for having the patience to stay with us through the difficult times we have faced. The credit also goes to the Barrier Buster fund, for agreeing a match fund to support young people in the most challenging situations. This will give a boost to their confidence, resilience and development.

Atlas is close to Doncaster’s famous St James Street Tower Blocks.

While studying for my degree a good friend lived on the very top floor of the block next door to this one, It’s a magnificent view over the Plant Works and out towards Cusworth Hall.

Big thanks to the young people, the Parents for returning the consent forms, Grace and Jonathan for inviting us and Neil the caretaker for supporting.

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Well Doncaster at HBC

Developing New skills

Massive thanks to Well Doncaster, Liz at Highfields Boxing Club, Miss Cordingley from Adwick Primary, and anyone who shared the promotion on social media.

Great effort from the group today

A successful session with parents joining in too which has been a positive feature recently. It is good for us as it shows that 90minutemusic is as much about tools for development and resilience as it is about the building blocks of Music and our relationship with technology.

Big respect to the parents for travelling from outlying villages and getting hands on.

We will be back every Wednesday for the next 5 weeks and we may have space for a couple more participants. Get in touch, book through the website https://90minutemusic.co.uk

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An Invitation from the Children’s University

We are always looking for organisations and affiliations to further promote positive outcomes for young people. We met Heather Coulthard through an EXPECT Youth members meeting and she kindly asked us to support.

The CU work with partner organisations to collate different activities that young people take part in outside of school time. They receive a stamp from us on their passport and when they reach a certain number of hours, their experience is celebrated with others who have achieved the same. This gives an opportunity for young people to share their experiences and build confidence through a variety of different activities.

We are proud to add to our list of affiliated organisations such as Higher Rhythm Recording Studios, who offer opportunities for progression, EXPECT Youth and UK Youth who supported us in achieving our quality mark.