Sonic [db] moves up a gear - 01/03/07

Sonic [db], a partnership between Staffordshire Arts and Museum Service and Make Some Noise (Youth Music Action Zone) is being jointly funded by Arts Council England, West Midlands.  The project provides young people involved with a solid grounding in the basics of one of the most popular industries – the music industry.  This innovative approach through music technology and industry training is also a great way of helping to increase confidence, self-esteem, team work and problem solving.  As a result, it is hoped that the participants will continue making music and developing skills relevant to the workplace upon release.

Following a series of successful taster sessions, the Sonic [db] project is now well underway at Werrington Youth Offenders Institute in Stoke-on-Trent and Drake Hall Prison in Eccleshall.

Sonic [db] Trainee Music Workers are now being sought to shadow one or more highly skilled artists and take an active, hands-on-role in the delivery of Sonic [db] at one of the four participating Young Offenders Institutions across Staffordshire.

So, if you are a musician, have had some experience working in community settings and are interested in developing your skills working with young people at risk Sonic [db] would love to hear from you.

Clare Smith, Sonic [db] Project Co-ordinator said: ”There is huge potential for the creative and work skills development of some of the most disadvantaged members of our communities through Sonic [db]. Creativity and learning are essential to social and personal development.   Sonic [db] aims to educate and rehabilitate through music, encouraging participants to build on their creative energies and to use that in a positive way in the future.”

Cara Ankins, Prison Officer at Drake Hall said:  “The girls involved in our sessions thoroughly enjoyed themselves and are full of enthusiasm and praise for the project and can’t wait for more!”.

Charmaine Baines, a 'trainee’ artist, working with the project at Drake Hall said: “Each participant was initially a little nervous at the beginning of each session, but as the session progressed they were surprised at how their barriers had come down and celebrated being an active part of the group.”

County Councillor Maureen Compton, Cabinet Support Member for Libraries and Culture said: “This project is an excellent example of how the arts can be used in such a positive way. Through music these young people will be able to express themselves creatively and expand their learning skills.”

Closing date for 'shadow’ artist applications is 30^th April 2006.  For more details and an application pack please contact Clare Smith, Sonic [db] Project Co-ordinator on 0121 4491215 or email: clare@claresmith2.wanadoo.co.uk .