Singing and drumming our way through the half term holidays – October 2022

Photo from our holiday club at Easterside Academy, Middlesbrough

In October half term we held music holiday clubs at Pickering Community Junior school and Easterside Academy (Middlesbrough). Each club included a morning of musical games and singing followed by an afternoon drumming workshop from Billy Hickling otherwise known as ‘Trashbang’ man.

“What an amazing day our children had on Wednesday, it was filled with fun, energy,  zest and a love of music. I do believe we have several developing drummers! Trashman made a huge impression on every child; parents were exteremly proud of them and the stunning performance to close a successful day was priceless. Thank you all for the fantastic opportunity, it was a pleasure to support such a sensational event.” – Easterside Academy Teacher

During each of the clubs children practiced popular songs including Emilie Sande – Wonder and The Bold Gendarmes. Along with adding their own actions and dynamics.

These songs were then performed to family and friends at the end of the day along with a drumming showcase along to popular rhythms such as We Will Rock You.

Some of the feedback we received from the children includes:

“I learnt that we are born with music in you”

“That you don’t need an instrument to make music”

“We could be in school and play and learn music”

Part of the aim of the Richard Shephard Music Foundation is to offer musical opportunities and experiences to local children. As a composer, conducer, teacher, and performer Richard Shephard changed the lives of hundreds of children across York and North Yorkshire (including Middlesborough) and the goal of the Foundation is to extend that legacy and experience to thousands more children across the region.