PILOT MUSIC PROJECT TO HELP DALTON YOUNGSTERS DISCOVER THEIR MUSICAL X FACTOR (Kirklees Liberal Democrats)

Kirklees Liberal Democrats <info@kirkleeslibdems.org.uk>

PILOT MUSIC PROJECT TO HELP DALTON YOUNGSTERS DISCOVER THEIR MUSICAL X FACTOR

April 22, 2009 8:55 PM

Dalton Ward Councillor Rochelle Parchment (Lib Dem)

Young People in Dalton are going to be given the chance to discover the joys and benefits of playing music thanks to a new pilot art project which will be run in their area.

The project has been initiated by Kirklees Council after Dalton Ward Councillor Rochelle Parchment (Lib Dem) raised the concern that lots of young people in her area were failing to get in involved in music as an extra curricula activity.

As part of the project, a £24,800 investment will see School Children in Dalton participating in music workshops run by Community Artists Mansamitra during Art's Week at the end of May. Young people attending the Teen Open Access Zone will also be able to access music sessions supported by the council's young people's services. Activities will culminate on the 4th July with a special "X Factor" style event. Hands on musical workshops will again take place on the day with advice and information being given to young people and parents about taking up an instrument and other musical opportunities in the Kirklees area.

The Dalton and Library and Information Centre will also be supporting the project by running rap poetry sessions.

Huddersfield South Area Committee agreed to its contribution to the required £24,800 at its meeting on 21st April.

The committee will contribute £6,400 with a further £14,000 coming from Dalton Locality Funds. The remaining money is currently being raised from other sources.

Cllr Parchment said:

"Music is an extremely positive activity for young people to be involved. It has proven educational benefits and allows young people to develop a whole host of other important life skills such as patience, persistence, cooperation and team work."

"One of the biggest barriers to picking up an instrument for many people is lack of knowledge about costs and the type of instrument to get and whether their son or daughter will enjoy playing a particular instrument. It can be a really big investment. The events planned will provide the young people and their families with the opportunity to try out different instruments and see which ones they feel most comfortable with. Expert music providers will also be there to speak with people and help them to really understand what is involved. As a parent myself, this is exactly the sort of project that is needed if we are to get more young people involved in music. I am very glad that through my work with the council the project is being pilot in the Dalton area first. Hopefully it will be a great success and other areas of Kirklees can benefit in the future".