Songwriting in Bexley
Over the last few months we have been busy in Bexley, with four community and school songwriting projects.
Young people and music leader, Barbara, recording their song.
Bexley Virtual School
Back in August, we held a week-long summer holiday project in partnership with Bexley Virtual School for Looked After and Previously Looked Children. Some of the young people had taken part in our project last summer and were super excited to further develop their creative skills. The group were encouraged to write and record their lyrics with music leader, Barbara, and translate their ideas onto music software with music leader, Damien. It was great to see the young people sharing their own personal experiences, stories and journeys to inspire their original music.
The Virtual School staff and ArtsTrain music leaders built a fun, creative and safe space for the young people to express themselves. It was amazing to see the group’s passion for other art forms like movement and art too. The group had the exciting opportunity to showcase their music, alongside choreography for the songs, at a Bexley awards show in October.
Those who completed the evaluation on the last day of the project felt their creativity and motivation had been enhanced due to this project by over 75%, with two participants reporting they felt their creativity had increased by 100%.
“It was refreshing being involved in a project where the young people felt confidence describing their feelings through sound and movement.”
“The project was really fun, enjoyable and energetic!””
Trinity C of E School and Shenstone School
During Autumn, we delivered songwriting days at Trinity C of E School and Shenstone School. We worked with music students at Trinity C of E School located in Erith, introducing them to songwriting. During these workshops, students developed confidence and a sense of agency over their own original music.
At Shenstone School, a SEND school based in Belvedere, students created lyrics and soundscapes on the theme of the environment. Activities centered around communication, self-expression and emotional regulation through music and sound.
““The project is perfect for us because it is tailored to meet the needs of our individual students. ArtsTrain music leaders (Phil and Barbara) were very intuitive concerning the participants needs and behaviours and modified the sessions instinctively.””
Check out some of the students’ lyrics below!
Bexley SNAP
In November, we brought music and songwriting to Bexley SNAP as part of their fortnightly activity club. ArtsTrain music leaders, Damien and Kadi, led a music making workshop on the theme of ‘celebration’. The session centred around writing lyrics, recording percussion and creating soundscapes together - giving each individual a chance to express themselves through sound. It was amazing to see how much energy and enthusiasm the young people brought to the session!
Thank you to Jack Petchey Foundation for funding the session and to Bexley SNAP for having us.
