Christmas Crackers and a Small Turkey - 05/02/06

Taster sessions with trainees at Werrington Juvenille Detention Centre (for 15-17 year olds) were led by artists Si Waite, Ornette Clennon and Scott McCluskey with shadow artist, Alex Green. 

Warning System Overload Switch to Manual …

Despite technology failure, the artists and trainees worked well together to create lyrics, melody and beats using Werrington’s West African drums and recordings using other equipment.  

Says Ornette, “After experimenting with some pre-programmed beats on the Roland Fantom XA keyboard, he adapted the harmonic progression of the Moonlight Sonata to compose new material for a song. This formed the basis of a melody for another’s lyrics.”

The gear is now working and has been installed in a modest space which the prison has agreed for use as a studio ready for the main project in February.

More, More More …

Highly successful taster sessions at Drake Hall were led by artists Charmaine Baines and Peter Churchill focussing on young women 18-21 in the YO wing.  The artists gave the women a snap shot of what they might expect if they take part in the main project in February 2006.  As a prison officer commented: “the girls involved thoroughly enjoyed themselves and were full of enthusiasm and praise for the project and can’t wait for more!!!”