Belfast City Council is backing a unique music education project for 8–18 year olds in the Sandy Row area. Entitled New Songs From Sandy Row, the initiative will encourage a group of young people from the area to work with professional musicians to create new pieces of music from and about their locale.
The New Songs from Sandy Row project kicks off on 23 November with the first of a series of taster workshops that will delve into a wide range of areas, including song-writing, performance, percussion and guitar. These workshops will be led by a trio of local musicians.
New Songs from Sandy Row has been funded through Belfast City Councils Development and Outreach Initiative. It is also supported by one of Sandy Rows leading businesses, Weavers Court Business Park and Arts & Business Northern Ireland`s Reach initiative, which encourages connections between culture and commerce.
The initial taster stages of this innovative venture will be followed up with additional workshop sessions in the new year. The project will culminate with the production of a new CD of music created and performed by the young people of the area and a showcase event as part of the 2011 Moving On Music Festival, which takes place from 22 to 27 March.
The New Songs from Sandy Row project will be managed by Belfast-based music promotion/education organisation Moving On Music, in partnership with Sandy Row Community Forum and Sandy Row Residents Association.
Speaking about the project, Councillor Conor Maskey, Chairman of Belfast City Council`s Development Committee, commented:
“Over the years, Moving On Music has developed a reputation as one of our most exciting and innovative promoters – an organization which consistently breaks down barriers to the enjoyment of music, and brings that enjoyment to new audiences.
“This latest initiative is another example of this work, helping young people to explore their heritage and their culture, and to tell their stories, through the medium of music. I applaud the initiative, wish it well and look forward to hearing the end results next year.”
Tom Ekin, Managing Director of Weavers Court Business Park, remarked:
“We have always been committed to the regeneration of the Sandy Row area of Belfast and are delighted to be associated with this exciting new project, which will bring the locality to life, through the sound of music”
For more information about New Songs from Sandy Row, please contact Moving on Music on 028 9024 8818 or send an email to ailis@movingonmusic.co.uk.
