Partners:  The Garage

About the project:

Funded by Youth Music’s Vocalise programme, “Overdrive” aimed to encourage young people aged 13-18 from deprived areas of Norwich and Norfolk to try out vocally based activity including singing, beat boxing and vocal production. The project began with workshops designed to engage young people and build vocal skills,  using a variety of styles -  including activity that particularly encouraged boys to take part.

We worked with young people from Brundall Youth Club,  from a low level secure unit for young people rehabilitating from brain injury and/or mental health , and young people not in education, employment and training.  Music leaders supported participants to develop the skills required to create an end product, including a live music night at youth club and recording of composed piece.

Culture Works delivered this programme in association with The Garage including designing, delivering and evaluating activity, developing relationships with partners and participant recruitment. We also supported the development  of two Music Leader trainees  on the programme. Elli Chapman, Culture Works Director, was also lead Music Leader (Vocal) on the project.

To progress, participants were then offered the opportunity to work alongside musical theatre professionals in “Musical Theatre Mission,” an intensive week long project aimed at exercising and developing an electrifying musical performance.  For 9 to 12 year olds interested in singing, run alongside this  there was “Mini Musical Theatre Mission” where younger participants had the opportunity to take part in pacey workshops full of fun, games and song! Children were recruited through singing tasters delivered by Culture Works project trainees at primary schools across Norwich.

Working as a group young people created an original performance including songs from one of the big west-end shows and piece of musical theatre, rap and beat-box fusion!   

Impact:

The programme aimed to develop vocal and performance skills, as well as personal and social skills.

What they thought:

Parent:

“Just wanted to send a huge thank you to Elli and everyone who helped make last week such a great experience for the girls.  They thoroughly enjoyed it and we thoroughly enjoyed the performance.”

Young Person:

“While on this project I became more confident and singing and not being shy. The staff were WICKED! Very helpful and supportive.”

In Our Gallery:

Watch out for our mega Overdrive video coming soon!

Links:

www.thegarage.org.uk
www.musicleader.net
www.youthmusic.org.uk