Make Music Day 2024 - “It was the best day of my life!”

Children rock along to Back Chat Brass in the York St John University Chapel

Our region has a rich musical history from the Arctic Monkeys to the Minster Choir, film composer John Barry to the National Centre for Early Music. But how do we make sure we’re cultivating the next generation of diverse musicians? That our region’s young people not only listen to music, but are inspired to create music as well?

Our annual Make Music Day in York in June brought together almost 300 schoolchildren to a school trip with a difference – a day of inspiring music making, playing instruments old and new, singing their hearts out, and all in the inspiring purpose-built Creative Centre at York St John University.

“The day was all about celebrating children's natural musical talent, supporting their wellbeing, and raising children's musical aspirations. This year children experienced playing in a ‘Gamelan’- an orchestra consisting of a set of ancient percussion instruments, took part in folk and brass workshops, learnt to perform a piece of popular music from scratch as a group, composed their own piece of rap music, and much much more,” said Cathy Grant from the Foundation.

And the children’s’ feedback speaks for itself! Here are some of the quotes we received from children after the event and some of the wonderful photos from the day…

(photos courtesy of Duncan Lomax at Ravage Productions)
“It was the best day of my life!”
“I learnt what a snare drum looks like.”
“I learnt Celtic names for instruments.”
“The best thing about the day was making up a rap with my group.”