Songwriting, Samba and lots of Singing!

In February half term we held a variety of community activities with the aim of bringing the benefits of music to as many children as possible!

We started the week with a Songwriting workshop in Pickering giving children across Ryedale the opportunity to contribute towards the composition of an exciting new song for the Ryedale Festival's Community Song Cycle. More information about the concert will be coming soon!

On Wednesday we were at Easterside Academy in Middlesbrough which was our largest holiday club yet!  We held workshops for two different age groups (7-11 years and 4-7 years) who came together for a combined performance at the end. Both groups got to try out Samba drumming with feedback such as “I was really excited to come” and “I learnt how to keep the beat”. One parent noted that it was a “very impressive performance”. Well done everybody!

We then spent Thursday at Clifton Green Primary School, York, with a really enthusiastic group of 7-11 year olds! Thanks to the school cook, we were able to provide breakfast and lunch for the group leaving them full and ready to make music! There was singing in the morning, with time for craft before a drumming workshop in the afternoon. One participant said: “I enjoyed every second of this club!” and another learnt what agogo bells and samba funk are!

We ended the week with our first Ryedale Primary choir rehearsal of 2024. This also marked the first year of our choir running! We warmed up with a few games and activities ready for a full day of singing. Musical knowledge was learnt throughout the day with lots of practicing “piano” and “forte”!  An informal performance was held at the end of the day for parents and carers with feedback such as: “He has grown so much in confidence with his singing since starting the choir.”

At the Richard Shephard Music Foundation we aim to bring the benefits of music to all children. One way we do this is by offering community musical experiences throughout the region in the school holidays. If you would like more information or would like to join our mailing list, please email: info@rsmf.org.uk