Pictured: Legendary jazz trumpeter Abram Wilson gets in the
mood at the 'Musical Picnic'
A project to introduce jazz to community neighbours of Town Hall
and Symphony Hall has been hailed a great success.
The Birmingham Jazz and THSH 'Connecting to Jazz' project was
supported by health insurer and employee benefits company BHSF
based in Ladywood, Birmingham.
The project included a three-stranded programme of work with
legendary jazz trumpeter Abram Wilson.
Part of the programme of work took Abram into different settings
in Ladywood including Regents Park Primary, St George's Primary,
Somerfield Primary, Brookfield Primary, Newtown Play Centre,
Nechells Play Centre and Small Heath Play Centre.
Abram gave an introduction to jazz through a series of
participatory workshops with children, encouraging them to take
part in his performance of Sing, Swing and Stomp that thing at a
'Musical Picnic'.
The project also included 'Creative Ensembles' project with
young people from Handsworth and a mentor professional development
programme with emerging jazz musicians.
This project has been a real success with positive feedback from
participants and teachers.
"Abram was really good fun. I learnt so much about jazz and
where it comes from," one student commented and another said: "I
learnt so much about the saxophone and musical instruments. I can't
wait for the next session."
A teacher said: "Abram's delivery of the session was phenomenal.
He really engaged the children for the full 60 minutes. They got so
much out of the session and developed so many musical skills".
In order to advocate for this work, the Education and Community
department commissioned Birmingham-based film-maker Harmeet
Chagger-Khan to create a five-minute film that captured
participant's experiences and feedback from the project team.
Andrew Jowett, Director of Town Hall & Symphony Hall, said,
"We hope this valuable project will inspire and encourage
communities to come together, to dip a toe in the water and
discover what Town Hall and Symphony Hall have to offer.
"Our community engagement projects are designed to break down
perceived barriers that might exist and encourage families to
engage with our halls. It's also an excellent opportunity for us to
get to know our neighbours and build relationships with our nearest
audiences. The very welcome funding from BHSF has enabled us to get
this pilot project off the ground."
Town Hall & Symphony Hall are managed together as a
registered charity and depend on additional financial support to
deliver education and community projects.
Any company or organisation wishing to find out more or how they
can help the charity's work should please contact Karen Daw on 0121
644 5075 or e-mail Karen.daw@thsh.co.uk
For more information about BHSF, please visit their website
here: www.bhsf.co.uk