The Carnival Streetband  led by Oi Musica (with Marcus Britton & Mat Clements) offers an accessible and fun programme in drums and brass, culminating in a celebratory performance. We offer two strands to this project:

Strand 1: Trumberbone Band

This programme is targeted for up to 20 care experienced children and young carers in East Lothian. It is organised in collaboration with East Lothian Youth Services, Social Work department, and voluntary project Who  Cares?

The  children are recruited through the social work team and Who Cares. Participants who have previously attended are encouraged to return ( as well as new enrolments) to build on their skills in an intensive 3  full days of drum and brass workshops, which is supported by social work and youth work staff. Signposting to further musical opportunities is provided. The workshops culminate in a festival performance (eg 3 Harbours Festival or Haddstock)).

Strand 2: A 9 week programme in collaboration with East Lothian Council Instrumental Music Service for S1s and 2’s. A targeted group of young people, who may be less likely to take up an instrument in the school are encouraged to take part, as a ‘taster’ / inspiring opportunity. Based on the success of last year’s uptake at Elphinstone Primary school, the IMS tutors will again shadow and support the YMI music practitioners, build connection with the young people, and encourage them to continue with their musical learning through IMS, once the YMI project has finished.

Both strands will involve: games, rhythm exercises, movement, words, rhymes and improvisation.  Musical content ranges from Brazilian and African material to current pop tunes and film themes. Pupils learn the music by ear and play from memory, with additional material tailored to the needs of the class such as warm-ups and theme tunes.

• Participants learn simple music by ear and play instruments including bass drums, djembes and repeniques. The use of plastic trombones, which are light and easy for children to hold, make the learning quickly accessible.

• Learning outcomes: Alongside developing basic technical ability on the instruments, participants will develop skills in listening, teamwork, how to support each other to learn, and how to contribute to a group creative process. The aim is to build self confidence, esteem, and encourage greater uptake of brass and percussion playing at school. The opportunity to perform on a public stage is integral to the outcomes of the project, giving young people a chance to shine.

YMI outcomes for this project are:

• Young people who would not normally have the chance to participate take part in music making opportunities
• Organisations in the music sector and beyond work together to strengthen the youth music sector for the benefit of young people.