Springboard and Pop Recs have joined forces to launch a new music project for learners with SEND, in memory of Dave Harper.
The Dave Harper Music Award
aims to engage learners through the art of music, and to help build confidence and life skills. Springboard
learners have the opportunity to work with talented and gifted musicians, working towards a large-scale public performance.
Pop Recs Ltd is a cafe, music and arts venue and community hub, established by Frankie and The Heartstrings in 2013, located in the heart of Sunderland.
“A huge part of Pop Recs’ ambition is to engage the wider community and to contribute to an inclusive culture of music and art in the City. The opportunity to work with the SEN group at Springboard was something that we jumped at. Our aim is to provide an environment where the learners can develop their skills under the guidance of Ian Black, a professional local musician (Slug, Field Music) and give the group a sense of ownership in the venue, culminating in a Summer performance at Pop Recs.”
Dan Shannon, Director, Pop Recs
The learners taking part in the Dave Harper Music Award all have additional needs, including physical, social and emotional difficulties. Learners
have been stripping back songs with the help of Ian, then they will build these songs back together, whilst learning how to play instruments and understanding how music works. The end goal of the project is for our learners to put on a small scale summer performance, in front of an audience, demonstrating the confidence and skills they have developed.
“I am delighted to have launched the Dave Harper Music Award in partnership with Pop Recs. This project supports those young people most in need across the North East to access specialist knowledge, support and the fantastic Pop Recs facilities, offering our learners a unique chance to be part of an inclusive and thriving music culture.
Huge thanks go to Dave Harper’s friends, bandmates and family members for working with us to provide such a unique programme increasing opportunities for young people with SEND, without whom this would not have been possible.” Steve Reay – CEO, Springboard
You can read the recent Sunderland Echo article via this link.
Images courtesy of Sunderland Echo – Sunderland Echo
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