Introducing Young People to Music
Kendall had never played an instrument before. Now at 11 years old, she is learning how to play the drum with her friends off the Donegall Road in south Belfast.
The project from the Belfast Bands Forum aims to introduce young people to "positive cultural expression through music" while also helping to "challenge negative stereotypes and misconceptions".
"I was quite nervous the first time I came but now my confidence is really high," Kendall said.
Danika, aged 12, shared her motivation for joining: "I thought it would be fun to do something new, my uncle used to be a bass drummer."
"I would encourage other kids to just go for it. Try something outside of your comfort zone to see what you really like. My confidence was quite low, but now it's high."
Kids Get to Express Themselves
During a session at the Greater Village Regeneration Trust, all eyes were on Riley Mcauley who tutors the group. He delivers lessons on how to hold drumsticks, learning rhythms, accents, and beats.
He teaches tempo and builds confidence, all within an hour-long class.
"I think it's important that kids could be out there doing other things on the street that they'd rather be in here learning to play the drum. Kids get to express themselves more," Riley said.
It's Something Different
Harrison, who is 14, joined a marching band at age 11.
"It's something different for a kid my age. Normally when I'm learning something new, it's like how to play a PlayStation or Xbox or schoolwork or maths. You can practice in your own time, and whenever you are practising in your own time you just get better at it," Harrison said.
Fun to Do
Carson, aged 10, has been learning how to drum for 18 months after finding one "just lying around."
"I just picked it up. It's very fun to do just learning all types of new drumming. It's very good like," Carson said.
The Belfast Bands Forum has stated that for many participants, this was their only opportunity to access "structured musical tuition." The project has been implemented in six settings including schools and community groups.
Breaking Down Barriers
It is hoped the project will also help break down barriers by challenging misconceptions surrounding cultural traditions and identity.
Darren Leighton from the organisation said:
"As soon as you lift a drum or a flute, you become the bogeyman. Projects like this is how we are going to break that negative stereotype and actually show people there is a positive side to culture and identity."
Leighton described the talent of the participants as "unbelievable."
"Some of the kids we've engaged with are absolutely incredible."
He added that the projects are working in primary schools that do not have a music curriculum.
"There's quite a lot of integration and cross community work within the schools, so we are right across the board," Leighton said.
Harder Than It Looks
Zara Gregg from the Greater Village Regeneration Trust commented on the project's impact:
"The elements of young leadership, mentoring and role model setting has been also been positive."
She noted that many of these children "would be out on the streets" otherwise, and that the project gives "them a focus once every week."
"It's much harder than it looks," she added.
