I have always been reluctant to share the awesome!!! work of The ME – Project. I have been working with them over the past couple of years with their Artfully Adapting programme.
It is a targeted programme which practically highlights artistic activities to support specific areas of young people’s lives. I always commend the participants for just turning up. The difficult part of the work for us, is sharing with the public just how much fun it is, while respecting confidentiality of the attendees.
When parents say to their kids “hey go down and try it” it must fill them with dread as they don’t know what they are walking into. I think everyone who joins is pleasantly surprised. The facilities are awesome and I always look forward to returning for a chocolate cookie, they always get the really nice ones.
Kat, Paige and the team are like a family. I think what has made it work so well is that they do it like us, they carry the deep knowledge and experience, which they keep inside like a book on a shelf, while being more focused in the moment of having fun and engaging.
So far every participant has enjoyed it, we have had a lot of fun, and at one point last night we had a 5 minute laughing fit with tears rolling down cheeks as I looked back and shared one of my stories from my school days.
The latest 6 week programme to support 12 to 16 year olds may still have a place left as I write this, check below for details.
Awesome to welcome the birth of a new group in Highfields this evening. At this time of year its important to offer safe activities for young people, so thanks again to the Well Doncaster team at DMBC for their continued support.
We are proud to welcome our latest volunteer, Emily from Doncaster University Health and Social care. Providing opportunities for young people to develop through leadership is an important part of our ethos.
It’s not always easy to make the connection between health and music. The health benefits of social development around music can be life changing. We add the value of being experienced industry professionals with a strong awareness of current healthcare practices, which we are proud to pass on to the next generation.
We have also been back at Bentley Myplace where we have been finding out about young people’s aspirations and sharing our thoughts on how using music technology equipment could support essential skills for their future.
We will be back on Wednesday Highfields from 4.45pm and Bentley from 7pm
I’ve loved it today and I would really like to do this again. E. B. age 8
Over 150 session attendances over the past week. Great to be teaming up with Active Fusion again.
Creating partnerships is vital for the work we do in the community and it is a special feeling to be able to support our local area.
One of the children today stated that he didn’t like music before the session began, but went on to contribute well with the group and engaged well with technology.
We have encountered this a few times over the years and showing young people that they can do things that they don’t feel confident about is important to us.
We are not going to pass on 24 years of experience in a short period of time, but we can show them that there is a place for them in the world of music.
Returning to join up with Active Fusion has given us the opportunity to build on the foundations of our previous work on communication and respect. We moved on to exploring music from around the world to coincide with the commonwealth games. The young people benefitted from being allowed to experiment with instruments from far and wide which in many cases they are experiencing for the first time. We believe in giving opportunity by removing barriers of cost and geographic location.
We will be back supporting Active Fusion again soon, big thanks to the staff as always for making me feel part of the team and thanks to the young people for their effort and enthusiasm.
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.
Recently we have completed a 6 week programme in Askern.
The dynamic of families engaging together has been so valuable. We have been supported by Well Doncaster to provide our sessions free for the participants.
It was rewarding to experience parents getting involved in jamming, songwriting and DJing. At first some were a little bit reluctant to get involved, but after some gentle encouragement they began to flow with ideas and we explored what we liked about the local area, later discussing what we would like to see to develop it.
Although our sessions are about fun, we are able to provide them for free through support from Well Doncaster. They have recognised our focus on health and development through our partnerships with Active Fusion and EXPECT Youth.
Personally it was good to further engage with the homeschooling community. After working with young people for the past 9 years we have come to understand being a teacher and a mum or dad must be a challenge.
Over the course of the 6 weeks we had a couple of real success stories. One of which was one of the mums who had started a new job, received training and was pumping ideas out about growing fruit in the community to support wellbeing.
Thanks to all who attended and Thanks to Isiasha who is passionate about rebuilding the community and is prepared to stand up for local residents.
If you are interested in boosting prospects, promoting wellbeing, and learning skills, We are welcoming young people to our groups at Bentley Myplace on Wednesday from 6.00pm and Carcroft Bullcroft Memorial Hall on Thursdays from 4.00pm
Working alongside Young People in Central Doncaster
Introduction
After Speaking with Fran Lightfoot of Astrea Academies, we became aware of a need to help young people in the most disadvantaged area of Doncaster, which is as it stands is the 2nd most disadvantaged area in the country. The School is host to 24 different nationalities and is very culturally diverse.
We worked with a group of 5 Young people age 8 years in the form of an after-school club. They were chosen specifically as they were identified as in need of additional support.
We joined them for six weeks for what they affectionately called “Music Club”
Foundation
On day one It was obvious that there were Children with ADHD or ADD or possibly mild ASD. There was a huge difficulty in focusing and little respect for the feelings of others, they all seemed to jostle and fight when they wanted something, rather than speaking and listening. The young people engaged well, but it was clear that they needed not only our support, but an awareness of the support they were able to offer each other.
Addressing challenges
One of the challenges when presented with a group containing individuals with a hyper focus is getting them to understand that the others in the group can add value to them.
We adopt an incredibly simple method of achieving this through simple counting beats and using our “speak to me session”
We used Acoustic instruments and actively explored the building blocks of music, including Tempo, Dynamics and Melody.
The teachers came in during the second session and took photographs and commented that good progress was being made.
What we did
After 6 weeks of working together, we played together as a band, used Synthesizers and Samplers. We explored world music from India, South America and Africa, taking the opportunity to play genuine instruments from those areas.
We created music from things we had found (Including a shopping trolley and a Tape measure) We used our voices creatively and sang. We used microphones, created DJ mash-ups, and free-styled versions of songs that the children knew. We also composed beats and simple melodies which we recorded.
Data Collection
Collecting data for these young people had to be empirical and qualitative in its nature. I conducted short video interviews which although weren’t in depth, they showed some of the character of the children. We found it useful to collect valuable feedback from the class teachers (below)
What the teachers said about 90 Minute Music.
Over the course of the music sessions, Simon has been fantastic. He has been understanding of the different needs and cultural issues that our school faces. He has also had brilliant communication with not only me but with the children and created a strong bond with them. Each child that has attended has progressed in themselves. (We have added in italic our own 90 Minute Music notes regarding each child)
What the teachers said about the Young Peoples development
GM –
He is a shy young boy who wants attention from all adults he comes into contact with. Over the music sessions he has become more resilient and understanding of other people’s thoughts and feelings. GM has also shown a love for music and asks every day ‘When is music club?’- GM has started to communicate with other people that he wouldn’t normally, and is using vocabulary that he has heard from adult interaction. GMs mum has also expressed how happy she is that GM has found a love and talent for something.
GM was initially shy, but quickly engaged and was very stimulated by the music equipment. He had a clear picture in his mind of how the music should sound and managed to convey it well. He had a strong will for doing things his way and his way only, which we had to work on. He was always happy to join us and after a couple of incidents of pushing and pulling, he showed increasing respect for other members of the group.
BG-
Before BG started music club he had difficulty with concentration and staying in his seat. Since music club has started, he has become more focused in class and will sit down for a longer period of time. This is a big improvement for him. BG has had an improved attitude and behaviour towards learning and school.
(BG) Has really made the most tangible progress, he has a passionate interest in using synthesizers to sculpt sounds and shows great communication skills and empathy. He has taken on a Zen like calmness and shows a lot more patience with others in the group
AR-
AR has poor attendance in school. Since the music club, AR has increased his attendance and has become excited to come to school for music club. AR also struggles with anger. Since the club, he has become calm and able to communicate how he is feeling and when he needs time to calm down.
(AR) Initially Seemed very competitive and reflected a negative attitude towards the only girl in the group. After dealing with a couple of small incidents he became more relaxed and apologised to the others. He showed a more compassionate side in the later sessions and was an enthusiastic member of the group.
DD-
DD has low self-esteem and confidence. The club and Simon have been able to build on this and have welcomed her with open arms. DD is now smiling a lot more and is willing to talk to a mixture of different people that she comes into contact with. This has also impacted her communication.
(DD) was timid and quiet at the beginning, she gave the impression that she needed an environment which was less chaotic and competitive than the one in which we started, we were able to offer that, she thrived, became more talkative and was always smiling.
TS-
TS has struggled with communication and interaction with other peers. Since going to the club he has started to communicate with peers in his class and some from other classes. He has also started to use stronger vocabulary when interacting with adults. We have seen an increase in his participation in conversations and class activities.
(TS) began quite introverted and felt uncomfortable engaging in the hustle and bustle of the first session. He went on to create his own space within the group and favoured the log-drum which is a type of marimba. Using the instruments allowed him to find a voice.
Quotes:
‘I love using the drums and making loud noises’ AR
‘The equipment is brilliant. I want to do more music with Simon.’ BG
‘Making new sounds is great. I like using all the buttons and microphone.’ GM
Impact
The impact after 6 weekly sessions has been truly life changing for these young people. They communicate better, are more resilient, they have a real love of music, and they flourished in an environment where they didn’t have to fight back or bunker down, giving them healthier routes to conflict resolution.
Although it wasn’t a typical teaching environment, for these children it was a catalyst for learning and development. The children were able to retain a lot of the things we did in previous weeks and were always repeating the one rule of 90 Minute Music “We don’t waste our time”
All the children wanted to do more 90 Minute Music and we have discussed with teachers the possibility of doing this as they would like to roll it out across the School.
Thanks to our funders.
The impact of this investment goes far beyond positively changing the lives of the young people. It transcends to a more positive family life and has led to integrating and celebration of cultural differences creating stronger more resilient communities.
As a company the funding has offered us an opportunity to be sustainable after coming through the Covid-19 Pandemic. Over the past year we have built capacity supporting over 1700 young people.
Thanks again to Isla Foundation and Well Doncaster.
Thanks to the Staff at Astrea Atlas Primary for inviting us into their School and for making us feel welcome.
For us technology has enabled us to do what we love every day. Supporting young people with their development while working creatively with music.
But has the development of technology made things worse? Do we have shorter attention spans? Are we becoming more anxious? Is anybody truly bored anymore?
Our philosophy in 90 Minute Music comes from researching how humans utilise technology and exploring how we can add value in terms of sociability and building resilience.
There is often a perceived conflict between us and technology especially when it goes wrong.
When technology fails
In our experience some young people are more likely to be enthusiastic about engaging with technology than each other.
We use this to our advantage by using the technology to focus on the things that technology has begun to erode. We share our knowledge of music, production and the world of DJing to identify how we can synergise groups of individuals by learning about their primary needs.
We have supported thousands of young people with their development by identifying areas of support and quickly putting that support in place through our training and expertise.
Although our aims are to support health and development, the nature of our work is having fun and sharing each others qualities.
I didn’t like 90 Minute Music, I loved it.
C. B. Age 10 Doncaster
We will be at Myplace Bentley from 6.00pm on Wednesday 8th of June.
Norbreck Communal Hall Askern from 5.00pm on Thursday 9th of June.
Bullcroft Memorial Hall from 7.15pm on Thursday the 9th of June.
Follow us on Facebook to find out when and where you can access free sessions for young people.
Great to spend an afternoon with my own kids. We took some drums down to the Eve’s Trust legends charity game between Doncaster Rovers and Sheffield Wednesday. Rovers were schooled by the ex pro’s from the Wednesday team with tidy performances from Chris Brunt and Paolo Di Canio. An honourable mention goes out to our own James Coppinger and Colin Douglas who kindly gave my son an autograph. I spoke to Duggie after the game and he said that he may be aching in the morning but as everyone who gave their time he was happy to support such a positive cause.
Myplace Bentley
We bring everything to create Electroacoustic Music to your venue
Another busy week of delivery as we began our return to Bentley. As we had discussed with senior youth leaders and identified a need for our provision, it was good to get going. We were proud to have our new volunteers supporting, both did a great job of engaging and I’m sure will go on to do great things. Our vision is to nurture, build confidence and resilience and ultimately give young people the tools to be both cooperative and assertive. We began this work through volunteering 9 years ago, so we recognise the value to not only the community but the volunteer and their family.
Norbreck Communal Hall Askern
Week two at the Norbreck, a great vibe as our growing group shared humour and we learned of the growing number of events for local people. It is always rewarding to hear the young people reminding me of what we did the previous week. The simplicity of our approach gives a great framework for fast progress and cohesive group work. We got hands on with the digital equipment and created beats using the step sequencer, we also had the adults on hand to write a rap, which was excellently delivered.
Bullcroft Memorial Hall Carcroft
This venue is beginning to gain momentum and is a fantastic resource for the community. We had primary aged children, who engaged really well with the Digital gear. Big respect goes out to the parents who got involved whole heartedly. Massive thanks to my new colleague Tina for bringing her boys and spreading the word in the local area. We are in the early days at Bullcroft but already seeing a positive attitude and learning of essential skills.
We still have places available at all venues next week, but they are limited so get in touch.
Our last week of delivery in Highfields this week. We have learnt about Djing, Production and have discussed many issues Including Identity, Diversity, Home and Family, War, Friendship and of course Sport. Many came from Outlying villages to join us as many do to receive the top class Boxing training and experience of John and Liz Loosemore. The young people have been wide ranging in age, but the culture of respect and communication added value to all. I can’t wait to come back and work with you again, it has been a pleasure.
Great Characters who provided plenty of laughs and support.
We began our long anticipated work in Askern this week. Norbreck Communal Hall is the venue and we’ll be there every Thursday from 5.00pm till 6.30pm. We had good attendance, but we still have capacity for more to join. We worked on aspects of communication and I spoke about how breathing can be useful when playing together in a group. The young people spoke about how music may fit in with tribal culture, which is the basis of all our cultural past. Well done to everyone from 17 all the way down to the youngest, who showed that music is valuable, as a mechanism of bringing us together. There is much more to it of course and I look forward to sharing it with you in the coming weeks.
Pleased to play a small part in the growing number of activities in Askern
Our 2nd new venue this week was Bullcroft Memorial Hall where we will be at 7.15pm every Thursday. We had a small group attending, but they had to leave early as they were aged 11 and an 8.45pm finish is late. There may be an idea of splitting into an older and younger group, we will see who joins us next week and decide. We have had further interest over the last few days, it would be great to see you join us next Thursday.
Industry Standard Equipment isn’t always available to young people.
I met a group of older lads who were passing outside, some were into Djing and knew one of the local MC’s I have been working with, so I told them to check the website because even though they were 17 and older than our usual participants I would not want them to miss the opportunities that we can offer through employment opportunities and further training through our partner organisations like Higher Rhythm.
Thanks to John and Liz at Highfields. Isiasha at Norbreck and Tracy at Bullcroft for Kindly proving the venues.
Massive thanks to Well Doncaster and DMBC for providing funding and sharing support through Doncaster Chamber and the Community Wealth Builder.
All about creation this week. We start with nothing and work together to create something by focusing on goals and finding creative ways to get there.
Following on from our work of recognising the value of others and an introduction to the building blocks of Music, we created some beats and looked at how rap music uses syllables, and the relationship to phonics in school.
The facilities at the New York Stadium are great and provide a positive environment for young people to develop. It was rewarding to see young people gaining confidence, by finding their voice through our informal youth led approach.
We were also back at Highfields Boxing Club for our penultimate session. We took part in a challenge to create a full arrangement and song within the time frame of the session.
Incredible focus and team working. We produced an original song with 4 different sections, music and used audio effects to support the production. I’m really proud of the way this group have developed and also the way they have introduced new comers to the group.
As always thanks to Liz and John for allowing me to use the Boxing Club as a venue, also thanks to Jonny at Rotherham United for supporting grass roots providers such as 90minutemusic.
90minutemusic.co.uk 