SiFly health and education, music production

Doncaster Royal Infirmary Children’s Ward

Big respect to all the staff who joined us
Instruments from South America and Germany

A real pleasure to be asked to to join young people on the Children’s Ward. Our studies over the last 10 years have been focused on how music and music technology can positively affect health

We were supported by staff on the ward and their experience shone through as they engaged in the session.

Time passes slowly for young people in hospital so a one off session like this breaks up the boredom and also provides an activity which can be shared with parents and staff.

The technology we use provides an opportunity to engage on a level playing field regardless of age or ability.

We had very young people exploring the musical instruments from around the world and it was a highlight to see them engaging with the technology.

“absolutely fantastic”

After the session the staff told me that they thought the session was “absolutely fantastic” which was great to hear.

Thanks to Jill for inviting us, we look forward to working with you again soon.

SiFly football, health and education, music production, sport

Eve’s Trust Legends 2023

Last year we attended the Evestrust Legends game and had a really awesome family day out. This year thanks to the support of my family and friends I dusted off my boots and played alongside other fundraisers and club legends from Doncaster Rovers and Liverpool.

We won the game 8 – 6 and I was proud to raise around a thousand pound for Evestrust, a cancer support charity in Doncaster. Big respect to all the ex pro’s who attended including Akinfenwa, according to FIFA, the strongest footballer in the world pictured below.

He was living his dream of playing in a Liverpool shirt and managed to get a powerful header into the roof of the net.

For me getting involved in a couple of our goals and sharing it with my family was a truly wonderful experience, there are too many people to thank, so I thank you all

It was a nice touch to meet Razor Ruddock, all the ex pro’s were fantastic, signing autographs and giving time to the young people watching. But the real hero’s of the day were the fundraisers below.

The event raised thousands for the charity and winning the game was the icing on the cake.

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S.T.E.M……..THE FLOW.

Instant engagement is the key to delivering any kind of work with young people. Over the past 3 years our partner organisations have shared the benefits of our work such as reducing anxiety and building social confidence.

It’s fulfilling to hear the positive feedback we have received and we are blessed to have found partners who share our passion.

When you work with tools everyday they can almost become invisible to you, I think we sometimes take for granted our privilege of being able to use state of the art equipment and we often ignore the obvious elements of Science and Technology in our work.

  • This week we have given an opportunity for young blind people to closely communicate using the technology as a tool. We were Invited by the Ridge Employability College who are focused on giving young people employment opportunities in the community.
  • We have also spent time at Highfields Boxing Club where we opened up the conversation about how young people used technology and we all had different views of what a mobile phone is for.
  • We embraced sound design at Bentley Myplace this week and came up with a classic house groove. We sculpted sound using a synthesiser and made collaborative choices on what we were aiming for.
  • The STEM acronym is used a lot nowadays and there can be a fear factor surrounding maths and science, our focus is on the fun, so we feel the flow rather than the…….. Errrrrrrr no.

We have places available at Highfields Boxing Club on Wednesday night from 4.45pm

Also Bentley Myplace from 7.00pm on Wednesday.

SiFly health and education

Edlington Eco – Bullcroft Memorial Hall – Myplace Bentley

Another busy week with focus on collaboration and inclusion.

After a chance meeting with Sam Siddall MBE, who was awarded her honour for community work, we were Invited to Edlington and were given a warm welcome by Lynn and the team.

We enjoyed an energetic jamming session with a wide age range as mum’s enthusiastically supported their children. It is a always a pleasure to work with children who have additional needs, especially in mixed groups as it adds value to all who attend on a social development level. Great to see lots of smiles and we look forward to seeing you all again.

Myplace Bentley was a little different this week as we decided to write a song based on the positive messages which are artistically written all over the youth hub walls. This presented a couple of challenges which were overcome with some creative collaboration. As always the timing of introducing challenges is crucial to build confidence and develop essential skills. Once again it was the girls who took the lead and proved that music technology is not a male only environment.

Carcroft this week was all about communication and Jamming. We had an increase in numbers due to a bit of canvassing outside the local school. We also welcomed attendees from across town who whole heartedly contributed.

Thanks again to Well Doncaster and Director of Public Health, Rupert Suckling who we met with this week. We look forward to sharing some more detail of our recent success stories.

Bentley Myplace from 6.00pm Wednesdays

Carcroft Bullcroft Memorial Hall from 4.00pm Thursdays.

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Active Fusion Easter Camps 2022

Awesome to be asked to return to support Active Fusion on their Easter camps across Doncaster. We delivered to over 350 young people and it was personally rewarding to hear some, who I had worked with last summer relaying information which they had retained from our previous session.

We gave the young people with previous experience a chance to pass on their knowledge, which empowers them and supports confidence building, it was also good to see the Active Fusion staff rewarding this supportive behaviour.

We worked on communication, discipline and explored music from India and South America. 100% engagement. Well done to all who took Part, special thanks to the staff and volunteers who got hands on to make this project successful.

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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.

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How do we do it?

Simple. We engage and explore.

What does it look like?

A 5 second snip of what we do

How do we get it?

You can contact us at 90minutemusic@gmail.com

Is it really FREE?

Yes….. All we ask is that you fill in a short survey, or video interview, such as the one here….. 90minutemusic.co.uk /2022/01/21/active-fusion-winter-camps/

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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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Boost to the Acoustics!!!

Due to the unique way we deliver 90 Minute Music, we always draw on the experiences of working in Live Sound and Studio settings. The frequency ranges of the instruments need to be carefully considered.

We have been on the look out for a Schlagwerk Log Drum for a long time and were struggling due to the cost of these high-quality acoustic instruments. Everything we use must be safe, durable and fit with the framework of principles in which we work. Mission Accomplished!! Tried and tested on over 500 young people this summer. For some this was the first musical instrument they had ever played and as expected, turned out to be a real confidence booster.

Another addition we have acquired is this Aluminium Darbuka. These instruments are helpful when working with people who have mobility issues or have weakness in their hands. We pride ourselves on being able to use the knowledge we have gained through experience to maximise the possibilities for all within our sessions.

These instruments will provide a source of inspiration hopefully for years to come. Thanks to everyone who has supported us so far!!!