Young people aged 11 and over are being invited to join free, online music mentoring and support sessions in Richmondshire.
BlueBoxt Productions, a voluntary run performing arts organisation based in Wensleydale, has received £5,000 of lottery funding through the Arts Council England to hose the sessions.
The organisation’s activities were suspended with no prospect of being able to restart for the rest of the year due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
“We had to suspend all contracts, all our fundraising activities were cancelled and there is no support available from the Government initiatives.” said chairman and music leader Colin Bailey.
“We don’t operate a PAYE scheme, we work in shared office space and community buildings so we don’t have a business rates account. We’ve fallen right through the gaps like so many organisations in the sector.”
However, support has come from Youth Music, using public funding from the National Lottery through Arts Council England, who chose BlueBoxt as one of the recipients of their emergency Covid-19 funding.
The £5,000 grant will allow mentors to keep in touch with young people who are studying from home and looking to develop their skills.
The scheme will provide individual and group support using video and telephone conversations.
There is provision for those not fortunate to have internet access to help tackle social and digital isolation among young people.
“We want to hear from young people who have an interest in all aspects of music and the performing arts.” said youth leader Dan Harwood,
“I really miss not been able to meet friends and perform music.
“Having access to remote support has really allowed me to keep in touch and progress my music theory and music production skills.”
The scheme can offer support with learning an instrument, music theory and music production.
Young people will be able to participate in online study sessions, discussion groups and take part in collaborative recordings and virtual performances. There are opportunities to study Arts Award, instrumental grades, music theory and music production.
Anyone interested in attending the taster session should register in advance.
For more information and registration details, visit www.blueboxt.co.uk or contact Colin Bailey on 07711 211169 or by email at info@blueboxt.co.uk.
