JOY FOR ALL Music Project

IN THE COMMUNITY
FOR THE COMMUNITY
About the Project

Sponsored by the Neighbourhoods Fund in Southwark borough, our project set out to introduce youngsters to the joys of music and orchestra, fostering teamwork and positive personal relationships. Music, with its powerful ability to overcome communal divisions, has the capacity to inspire and unite people from diverse ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds in a common cause.

Our Group was dedicated to harnessing this power to address youth cohesion issues in SE22. By purchasing instruments and facilitating opportunities for young people to cooperate in recording, editing/mixing, and performing their own music, we aimed to create a supportive and inclusive environment.

A volunteer music tutor taught the youngsters, delivering four two-hour sessions and one one-hour performance per month, outside school hours, for 48 weeks. This structured program enabled the participants to learn, practice, and perform under professional guidance.

At the end of the 48 weeks, we successfully organized and delivered a community concert themed ‘Mixed Communities Playing Diverse Musical Traditions,’ showcasing the talents and hard work of the young musicians. We also had the opportunity for outdoor performances in Peckham and East Dulwich on few occasions. Additionally, after every training session, the youngsters were provided with a meal, ensuring they were well-nourished and ready to learn.

Our group is proud to have contributed to this project and made a meaningful impact on the lives of young people in our community. Through this initiative, we have seen first hand the transformative power of music in fostering unity, breaking down barriers, and building lasting relationships among the youth of SE22.
The best part was meeting new friends from different schools and backgrounds. Performing in the community concert was so exciting; my family was so proud. The tutors were super supportive and made learning fun. Plus, the meals after each session were delicious and gave us the energy to play our best.
Emma, 12

Joining the music group was the best decision ever! I used to be really shy, but playing the flute and being part of the orchestra helped me gain confidence. It was awesome learning different types of music from all over the world. The volunteer tutors were amazing and really patient with us. I made so many friends and looked forward to every session, especially the performances.
Aisha, 13

This project was a game-changer for me. I’ve always been interested in music, but I never had the chance to learn properly until now. I learned how to mix and edit music, which is something I’ve always wanted to do. Playing with other kids in the orchestra taught me how to work as a team and respect each other’s ideas. The concerts in East Dulwich were the highlights; seeing people enjoy our music was the best feeling ever.
Jamal, 14