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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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Eve Merton Dreams Trust

We were kindly asked to support Eve’s Trust by Clynton Johnson, who told us about their incredible outreach support work for those enduring the effects of Cancer.

Our family have been personally affected and we were more than happy to join them in Bentley.

I worked with a very focused and creative group of young people who added value due to their mutual respect for each other.

After the adults had finished with the serious business of running the charity, we asked them to get hands on with the group and they didn’t let us down.

You can support Eve’s Trust through https://evestrust.co.uk and don’t forget the DRFC Legends game on 7th May 2022

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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.

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Active Fusion Winter Camps

Just a quick word from some of the young people who we have been working with in December

Big thanks to the children at West Road for sharing their positive views

Once again thanks to Lindsy and all the wonderful staff at Active Fusion for their support, also the staff and pupils at Kirk Sandall, Windhill, and West Road for their commitment in supporting not only a boost to the education of their children, but much needed support for local families who have been affected by the pandemic.

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Tribal Band: Our Indigenous connection to Music.

How did music come into your life ? Something you heard on the radio, songs you sang in school, maybe even small black discs that you had to get on a bus to get hold of?

From the womb onward, you are affected by music in the world around you.

In 90 Minute Music we highlight the two symbiotic elements that set us apart from millions of other species.

Music and the Development of Technology.

In 90 Minute Music we carefully employ elements of technology to give a shortcut to the reward circuits of the brain and use these to promote positive development.

Humans have evolved by developing traits and functions to promote survival. Music and the development of technology have been constant throughout our evolution.

What tribal or indigenous elements are relevant today ?

  • Education (Aboriginal people around the world use music to support the telling of stories linked to survival, these stories are passed on through generations.) Nursery rhymes are a modern take on this.
  • Communication (songs are used to learn the rhythms of language) Babies mimic the rhythmical language of their parents native tongue.
  • Work music (From sea shanties to field music, music helps support resilience)

What can music do for me now?

  • Group music making can be a real confidence booster, which can support a strong and positive identity. (We remove the barriers of hierarchy and musical knowledge to promote a hub of creativity and expression)
  • Forming relationships around music can give people lifelong support networks which offer resilience and can support positive mental health.
  • Music can be used to manage mood and is used to reduce pain and anxiety in medical settings. (Many of us experience pain and anxiety…….recent research has shown significant reductions in pain perception with hospitalised patients listening to familiar music.)

Why is technology important?

  • Technology can offer accessibility to those with Specific Learning difficulties or have additional needs and gives an opportunity for people of various levels of experience to instantly share music creation.

90 Minute Music offer a unique experience using state of the art music technology equipment to remind us of the often overlooked elements of music while mirroring Ofsted best practice for music education which is based around practical collaboration. Find out more: https://90minutemusic.co.uk