This article has been has been brought to you by Slough Borough Council's Communications Officer, Gemma-Jo Leary, for the attention of Slough Schools.
The council’s Music Service has launched a crowdfunding project to create free multicultural after school drumming clubs, to encourage 9-16 year olds to learn an instrument, work as a team, and enjoy an after school activity that’s local to them.
As well as crowdfunding for the drumming clubs to run, the Music Service is also raising funds for the project to culminate in a drumming festival in the town centre next summer, which will be based around performances from the children learning the drums. There will be an opportunity for them to learn Drumline (Marching Drums), Dhol Drums and Samba Drums.
Recent research by the Music Service has shown that children are more likely to attend an after school activity if it is very close to their home. The main inspiration behind the ‘Sticks Together’ project is to develop these small clubs, and encourage participation through ease of access and free lessons. Slough Music Service has many talented music teachers on its books that will be involved in the project.
“I passionately believe in the project we are crowdfunding for, to provide multicultural drumming clubs in several areas of Slough, so that all young people have access to high quality music provision for free. Whilst bringing together different cultures in Slough, through combining different drumming cultures from around the world. This will culminate in a multicultural drumming festival in the town centre in Summer 2020 which will bring together these clubs and other drumming groups from the community and from schools."
- Glynis Murphy, Head of Music Service (Slough Borough Council)
To succeed however the Music Service needs help. There is a crowdfunding page set up, where you can pledge your donation. No money will be taken unless the target is reached. If the target fails, the project fails.
We are grateful for any pledge no matter how small, for this fantastic cause. The donation page is open until 2 December: https://www.spacehive.com/sticks-together
If you would like more information, please contact the Music Service team on Music.service@slough.gov.uk or Tel: 01753 875732.
“It’s extremely important that we help our children develop and learn with extra curricular activities. We do sadly have children in poverty in Slough, and this crowdfunding project will remove the barrier of cost to provide local music lessons for free. I will be supporting the project, and would ask anyone who is able, to make a donation.”
- Councillor Martin Carter, Cabinet Member for Children and Schools