Music tuition for 70 disadvantaged London children

Recently, the 51^st State Band performed at Putney Arts Theatre. Over 70 young, talented musicians performed a richly textured programme to two full audiences. They also had the opportunity to perform alongside a host of acclaimed musicians: leading saxophonist Patrick Clahar; world-class trumpet player Byron Wallen and sixth Generation Hungarian violinist Laci Olah. The 51^st State Band also performed an award-winning original composition by the incredible Tony Kofi which has only been played before by the BBC Big Band.

Eighteen of these young musicians only had the opportunity to do this because they are supported on bursaries as a direct result of your funding through this project, and we would like to thank you for giving these young people access to skills and experiences that they will treasure forever.

South West London TV who covered this remarkable concert summed up the event: “I think what’s so special about an evening like this is how inspiring it is. It’s a night where local youths create a show that the local community can enjoy which brings people together.” We would also like to thank everyone who volunteered their time to help at the theatre reception, as ushers, crew and more – your support constantly contributes to the enjoyable and welcoming culture of The World Heart Beat Music Academy.

At the Taste of Winter Nectar Party at World Heart Beat Music Academy last week, our young musicians performed their original songs, classical instrumental solos, Gypsy music pieces as well as a whole Jazz Programme of music. This event showcased the talent, flexibility and age range of our young performers who are able to learn such a range of musical styles thanks to your generosity through GlobalGiving.

Other news at World Heart Beat Music Academy is that we have also recently finished installing a recording studio to enable our students to record their work so that they will be able to play their songs on World Heart Beat Music Hour on Wandsworth radio station. We hope that this will enable them to gain a more rounded view of the music industry and create greater aspirations and opportunities for these young people.

Links:

• The 51st State Band in Concert at Putney Arts Theatre

The World Heart Beat Music Academy would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who continues to donate and support our projects. Your donations are making such a difference in the lives of our young musicians, inspiring them through music and helping them become confident performers.

Recently, some of our students performed at Battersea Art Centre for an exhibition and reception for Friends of Battersea Power Station.

“We pride ourselves on providing a community environment for excellence in music and it’s fantastic to see the community sharing the same values. Understanding that the arts are important to the wellbeing of all people, to the community and the spirit of any successful and prosperous region, we are very excited to be a part of the Battersea Arts Station event. Initiatives like this go hand in hand with the developing potential of our young people and we are very proud of this partnership. The regeneration project offers hope in the same way that our young musicians will become the life blood of this community.” – Sahana Gero, Artistic Director

We have seen first-hand how music has the power to change lives and inspire young people to new heights. Your funding has helped us to provide one young musician (14) with a bass guitar and lessons. His progress has been incredible, and he has already picked up 13 tunes. His confidence and skills have grown so much that he was able to play at the Battersea Arts Station event after only learning for a few months.

Recently, our students also had the opportunity to get involved with the Whisper to Katrina event, a creative commemoration of a decade since Hurricane Katrina ripped through New Orleans. This event drew on the history of New Orleans Jazz to create a stunning soundscape and reminds us again of the regenerative power that music has.

“New Orleans is the only place I know of where you ask a little kid what he wants to be and instead of saying, I want to be a policeman or I want to be a fireman, he says, I want to be a musician.”

15 more young people who have benefited from your funding will be performing at the 51^st State Band concert next month alongside award-winning British Jazz artist, Tony Kofi. They have already had the unbelievable and rare opportunity to work alongside Tony to learn an original score composed by him for the band; it is not often that musicians get to work with the composer themselves!

Links:

• Whisper to Katrina
• Battersea Art Station
• 51st State Band in Concert