MMNE News

Awards Ceremony celebrates work with young people

2010-04-01T10:00:00.004+01:00

High Sheriff for Tyne and Wear Gavin Black and Olympic swimmer Chris Cook this week presented awards to 51 community and voluntary groups from around the area.

Over 300 young people enjoyed a fabulous evening at the 19th annual High Sheriff Community Awards for Tyne and Wear held at the Customs House and presented by Olympic swimmer and Commonwealth medallist, Chris Cook.

Two Making Music members were among those who received awards, which ranged from £400 to £2,000. Music in the Minster is a Sunderland-based charity which provides chances for the whole community, particularly young people, to get involved with opera and its constituent elements of music and drama. North East Melody Club is a new studio space providing opportunities for disadvantaged young people in Elswick to make and record music.

Young singers Mel Warwick and Abi Carlisle receive Music in the Minster's award from High Sheriff Gavin Black and Olympic swimmer Chris Cook.

Alison Barton, Music in the Minster's Artistic Director, said "We're thrilled to receive this recognition of the exciting work we're doing on Wearside. We're already working on our plans for the coming year, when there will be more opportunities to develop young people's musical, vocal and theatrical skills. Buzzwords from our recent production cast included concentration, fun, and enjoyment."

For more information about the Community Foundation website.

Youth Music Week 2010

2010-03-31T14:29:00.002+01:00

From Wednesday 27 October to Wednesday 3 November 2010 Youth Music will be promoting the power of music to transform young lives and it wants you to be part of it.

Youth Music Week is the biggest annual national celebration of young people's music making. It's the ideal opportunity to raise awareness of your work, be part of a major national campaign and publicise your event through Youth Music's website and potentially through other Youth Music Week promotional materials.

For more information visit http://musicispower.youthmusic.org.uk/youth_music_week/ or e-mail info@youthmusic.org.uk.

Speedmatching - get support from media professionals

2010-03-24T09:53:00.001Z

On 14th April Newcastle Volunteer Centre will be running a 'speedmatching' event at the ITV news centre in Gateshead, where members of the news team will be available to help you develop your communication strategies and help you with any other media needs.

The event will run from 6.30-9pm and drinks and snacks will be provided.

If you are interested in attending, please send details about your charity, a paragraph about your current media needs, and a current telephone number to mediamatching@mediatrust.org.

You can find out more about Speedmatching at www.mediatrust.org/media-matching/speedmatching

There are only ten places for this event and they will fill quickly!

Durham International Brass Festival 2010 needs volunteers

2010-03-23T16:23:00.002Z

BRASS: Durham International Festival is a two-week celebration of internationally acclaimed brass artists and ensembles. Drawn from across the broadest of musical spectrums, BRASS illuminates the strong musical and cultural bond that connects the North East with brass music.

This year the festival will take place from 3rd to 18th July.

BRASS needs volunteers and it's a great way to develop new skills and professional experience, enhance existing skills, meet new people, hear music and find out how an international festival works!

Volunteers are needed in a variety of roles, including:
- Chaperoning bands as they play in venues in Durham City and across the County
- Being the first point of contact at events for members of the public who require more information about the festival
- Distributing marketing information about other brass festival events
- Supporting the evaluation of the festival
- Selling merchandise and programmes to members of the public
- Distributing publicity and promotion in the weeks before the festival

Volunteers will be provided with briefing sessions, free BRASS merchandise and a pair of free tickets to a festival performance of your choice.

For more information about volunteering contact Rosie Legg, rosie.legg@durham.gov.uk. You can also visit www.brassfestival.co.uk to find out more about the festival.

Whitley Bay Playhouse hosts Steelband Spectacular

2010-03-19T10:12:00.002Z

One of the biggest steelband events ever staged in the north east will be taking place at Whitley Bay Playhouse on Thursday 15 April.

North Tyneside Steelband, the oldest community steelband in the north east, is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year; as a thank you for all the support and encouragement from the North Tyneside community during those two decades it is offering free tickets for this anniversary concert to all its supporters.

Concert goers can be assured of a very varied and entertaining programme from NTSB's four bands and several soloists, ranging from Bach and Handel through jazz, latin and calypso through to recent popular tunes. There is also a special guest appearance from the Brendan Murphy Percussion Ensemble; Brendan is an old friend and colleague of NTSB as well as a stalwart of the north east music scene.

Tickets only from www.northtynesidesteelband.org.uk, no entry without a ticket.

Chernobyl Contonuity Project

2010-03-17T11:36:00.003Z

Chernobyl Continuity is a local charity that offers respite holidays to teenagers from Belarus who are living with the effects of the Chernobyl disaster. The after effects of Chernobyl continue to effect Belarus and these respite holidays offer great relief to a number of young people. The charity is looking to recruit a number of volunteer hosts.

What does hosting involve? It is hoped that interested families will host a guest for four weeks, usually in July, and take the youngsters to the events on the programme's calendar.

How are the hosts supported? By a bi-lingual group leader. The charity also organises a comprehensive programme and provide clothing.

Raising both funds and awareness is a major fundraising event, the Youth4Youth Concert which will be held this year on Friday 23 April at the Royal Grammar School in Jesmond at 7.15pm. Tickets cost £6 each.

For more information about the project, becoming a volunteer host or to buy concert tickets telephone 0191 250 2040.

(Source: VODA)

Making Music North East ebulletin

2010-03-17T08:00:00.000Z

The March issue of our North East ebulletin is out now!

This month's issue contains details of a chance for singers to become a guineapig choir for trainee conductors, surgeries for music groups in the Tees Valley, the latest consultation from Arts Council North East, details of grant-giving organisations in the North East and more.

To download the March issue click here (downloads as PDF file). The ebulletin is sent out to over 400 musicians and music-lovers in the North East every six weeks. If you would like to subscribe to the ebulletin contact kirsty@makingmusic.org.uk.

Singers needed to form guinea pig choir

2010-03-11T12:09:00.000Z

We're looking for experienced singers who read music to join our 'guinea pig' choir at our Lead the Choir conductor training session on Saturday 17 April at Royal Grammar School, Jesmond. You'll work with the trainee conductors as they explore conducting techniques and rehearsal practices, under the expert guidance of Keith Orrell and Peter Broadbent.

The music to be covered includes Derufle's Requiem and a wide range of shorter pieces. Singers will be provided with tea and coffee, and sandwiches at lunchtime. Ideally singers would take part for the whole day but we can also accommodate some who can only attend for half the day (morning: 10am - 1pm, afternoon 1.45 - 4.45pm).

For more information or to register your interest contact Howard Layfield, howard.layfield@talktalk.net, 01661 871105.

Big Busk - Community music and dance

2010-03-10T09:22:00.002Z

This summer, all genres of community music and dance will be united in one upcoming event. Performing in streets, market places and shopping centres, these amateur music groups will consist of all varieties of music - including steel pans, folk and samba. The event will also include free "drop in" workshops for members of the general public alongside the performances.

This will be a chance for children and adults to get involved and enjoy the experience of music and dance.

Making Music's "Big Busk" will take place in Ashington High Street on Saturday 24 July, at Blyth bandstand on Sunday 25 July, and at Dalton Park on Saturday 31 July 2010.

For more information and to find out how you can get involved in the events click here or contact Kirsty on 07855 642308, kirsty@makingmusic.org.uk.

To read the full press release click here

Scientists discover link between singing and stroke recovery

2010-03-06T09:00:00.000Z

As anyone who sings in a group or choir will tell you, the physical and mental benefits of singing are plentiful. Now scientists have discovered that teaching stroke patients to sing can actually help 'rewire' their brains. By singing, patients use a different area of the brain from the one used during ordinary speech.

Dr Nina Kraus, a neuroscientist from Northwestern University in Chicago, says that insights into how the brain responds to music also provide evidence that musical training is an important part of children's education. You can read the full article at http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sci/tech/8526699.stm.

(Source: Voluntary Arts Network).

Awards for Young Concert Artists winner announced

2010-03-05T14:50:00.003Z

After a week of auditions, we are delighted to announce the following young artists on the 2010 Philip & Dorothy Green Award scheme:
Mae Heydorn - mezzo soprano
Philip Higham - cello
Boyan Ivanov - clarinet
Huw Morgan - trumpet
Olivia Sham - piano
Valda Wilson - soprano

These artists are now available for Making Music member organisations to book for recitals and solo performances for the fixed fee of £225, and members can reclaim a subsidy of £110 towards the engagement. For more information visit www.makingmusic.org.uk.

Over £200,000 awarded to choirs

2010-02-12T10:05:00.002Z

The BBC Performing Arts Fund, in association with Making Music, has awarded over £200,000 to choirs and singing groups from around the UK through its Choral Ambition scheme.

From the 350 applications that were received, 98 choirs - with a total of almost 6,000 choir members between them - will receive funding. This funding will go towards 14 commissions of new music and 84 projects including training for choirs and choir leaders, workshops open to the public to attract new members, support to tackle ambitious new repertoires and support to put on large scale events.

Robin Osterley, Chief Executive of Making Music said: "Making Music was delighted to be able to help the BBC Performing Arts Fund with Choral Ambition and of course it is marvellous that the programme has been so brilliantly successful. Many congratulations to the PAF and to the winners."

Northern Harmony concert, workshop and ceilidh

2010-02-11T09:23:00.003Z

Northern Harmony, a choir based in Vermont USA, is renowned for its command of varied world ethnic singing styles. This group, led by Larry Gordon and Patty Cuyler, world authorities on a capella vocal traditions, will be involved in a vocal workshop, concert and ceilidh in Tynedale.

Concert in Hexham Abbey, Friday 12 March 7.30pm
Vocal Workshop at Allendale Village Hall, Saturday 13 March 1.30pm - 5.30pm
Informal Ceilidh at Allendale Village Hall, Saturday 13 March 7.30pm

Supported by Queen's Hall Arts.

For more information visit http://www.queenshall.co.uk/whats-on/seasons-diary/209.

Training courses at Baltic

2010-02-04T12:05:00.000Z

Artsplan (the in-house professional development department of ENYAN) is delighted to have an exciting programme of youth arts training courses taking place this year in partnership with the Baltic in Gateshead.

Upcoming courses include:
- Using the Arts with Juvenile and Young Offenders - 17th March 2010, 10am - 4.15pm
- Creative Facilitation - 6th May 2010, 10am - 4.15pm
- Using the Arts to Develop Aspiration, Leadership and Potential - 24th June 2010, 10am - 4.15pm

For more information on the course or to book a place, please contact The Artsplan Team, on artsplan@artswork.org.uk or call 02380 682 535.

McDonald's volunteers

2010-02-03T11:46:00.002Z

McDonald's is being lined up by Olympics organisers to help recruit and train 70,000 volunteers to help at the 2012 games.

The expertise of the burger giant in teaching staff good customer service is to be used to recruit the assistants, nicknamed "McVolunteers".

Volunteer roles include interpreting, first aid, checking tickets and giving travel advice to the expected nine million spectators.

Although more than 300,000 people have already registered interest via Locog's website, Games chiefs want to ensure they have the right mix of skills and can be confident of retaining recruits, some of whom will take up their roles a year before the Olympics.

For the full story and more information on how to volunteer for the 2012 games click here.

UK Young Artists 2010

2010-01-26T16:40:00.003Z

The first UK Young Artists event will take place in the Autumn of 2010. Artists who are selected to take part in this event could also be selected to represent the UK at the XV edition of the Biennale of Young Artists from Europe and the Mediterranean.

Work should be new and can be from any art form including visual arts, performing arts, literature, applied arts, film and fashion. Artists must be between 18 and 30 and be a UK citizen or have been resident in the UK for at least one year.

To register your interest and be notified when the call goes live visit www.ukyoungartists.co.uk/content/biennale-2009.

(Source: Voluntary Arts Network)

Applications sought for Newcastle Brown Ale Fund

2010-01-26T16:40:00.002Z

Newcastle Brown Ale Fund is looking for applications from organisations working across the West End of Newcastle, Byker or Longbenton who can show how they are working with young people aged 18-25 to be more healthy, improve their well being and increase their confidence and self esteem, particularly through education, training or physical activity.

Grants of up to £5,000 are available for direct project costs, activities and equipment. For more information click here.

Northern Chords Young Musician of the Year

2010-01-18T09:51:00.002Z

Making Music member group Northern Chords are running a music competition open to young musicians aged 11-18.

The prize is the chance to perform alongside world-class chamber musicians at The Sage Gateshead, a city centre concert of their own and a place performing at The Journal Culture Awards.

Further information is available at www.northernchords.co.uk/awards.

Boost for live music as government announces plans to exempt small venues

2010-01-18T09:44:00.001Z

Live music performances for 100 people or less will no longer need to be licensed, under proposals announced by Licensing Minister Gerry Sutcliffe.

An exemption from the Licensing Act for small live music events would make it easier for a wide range of venues to put on live music, and help musicians who want to play to a live audience.

Premises such as pubs, clubs, cafes, restaurants, village halls and record shops would be able to host events without the need for a specific licence.

But to ensure that any concerns of people living close to venues are taken into account, the exemption would only apply to performances that are indoors, and take place between 8am and 11pm.

For more information: www.culture.gov.uk/reference_library/consultations/6499.aspx

(Source: Voluntary Arts Network)

Making Music North East ebulletin

2010-01-15T17:09:00.002Z

The January issue of our North East ebulletin is out now!

Packed with information on funding, opportunities, workshops and more.

To download the January issue click here (downloads as PDF file). If you would like to subscribe to the ebulletin contact kirsty@makingmusic.org.uk.

Get out of the shower and get on stage!

2010-01-11T12:17:00.004Z

Learn to sing for free in 2010. Unlock your inner diva, banish the January Blues, get fit and de-stress through the power of your voice at Learn to Sing, a unique series of singing coaching sessions run by Making Music and Choir of the Year.

Each course lasts for six weeks and participants will be taught the basics of singing, including how to look after the voice and sing in harmony through to performance skills, rhythm and voice development across a range of different styles of music from rock and pop through to the classics.

In the North East the Learn to Sing course will take place in Newcastle with Tynemouth Choral Society on Monday evenings from 15 February - 22 March. For more information click here.

For information on other courses visit www.makingmusic.org.uk/learntosing.

Learn to Sing is open to anyone of any ability, from total novice to shower soprano and karaoke enthusiast.

Young composers' competition

2010-01-11T12:14:00.001Z

BBC young composers' competition opens for applications

Young musicians aged between 12 and 18 are being invited to enter the BBC Proms Young Composers' Competition, which is now in its 12th year. The competition will give the winners a BBC commission and see their work performed by professional musicians.

Composers have until 28 May to submit their entries.

The BBC is also calling for young composers to sign up for its Composer Labs, which aim to give young talent across the UK the opportunity to explore new ways of composing and get a taste of what it means to be a composer in the 21st century.

Full information about the competition and the Composer Labs can be found at http://bbc.co.uk/proms.

Musical Inspirations special needs conference

2010-01-06T08:41:00.004Z

Musical Inspirations is a 2 day conference for those who work with children and young people with Special Educational Needs.

Organised by MusicLeader it will be held at The Sage Gateshead/Newcastle University on Tuesday 19th and Saturday 23rd January.

Sessions will include workshops, discussion groups, ideas for the classroom and discussion of issues.

For more information, including prices and how to book, download the full information here or contact north-east@musicleader.net, 0191 443 4592. A 25% discount is now being offered.

Amateur choirs on Classic FM at Christmas

2009-12-21T10:12:00.003Z

Following Making Music's call for recordings from amateur choirs, Classic FM will be broadcasting several of our members on Christmas Day afternoon, following the Queen's speech - a time when they get some of their highest listening figures.

Eleven Making Music member choirs will be broadcast during this time. Avebury Vocal Ensemble, Yorkshire Philharmonic Choir, Plaxtol Scholars, Amabile Girls' Choir, Harrogate Choral Society, Bournemouth Sinfonietta Choir, The Whitehall Choir, Barbara Walton Singers, Aire Valley Singers, Chantage, and Goldsmiths Choral Union will feature between 3pm and 4pm.

The perfect accompaniment to your Christmas day!

BBC Radio 4 to feature amateur choirs

2009-12-21T10:02:00.002Z

The musician Robert Wyatt will be guest editing an edition of the BBC Radio 4's Today programme on New Year's Day, in which he will be promoting the singing of amateur choirs.

Robert says that he prefers them to professional choirs because there's a greater sense of commitment and meaning in their singing.

Robert would like any Today listeners who are involved in amateur choirs to send in recordings of their work which he will play on the programme on New Year's Day.

If you think the choir you sing in deserves a public hearing, you will need a two-minute recording of your choir in a digital format which you can then either upload, email or post on CD.

For more information and details of how to send in your recording visit http://news.bbc.co.uk/today/hi/today/newsid_8406000/8406457.stm

(Source: Voluntary Arts Network)