Adam Gellibrand

Thanks to The National Lottery Community Fund grant awarded to Wellspring last year, I have had the pleasure of running some more music workshops this year. These have been great fun and reached many young people with disabilities, giving them the chance to express themselves creatively, use great equipment and have fun with their friends and peers.

The sessions have included children and young people with disabilities from The
Ashdown Centre in Worthing, Manor Green College in Crawley, PACSO in Chichester and sessions at QM Studios in Horsham.  Many of the children attending the sessions have gained confidence making music and they have
accessed equipment that they’d never used before!   Over 80 young people with disabilities have enjoyed our workshops, gaining knowledge using music software, learning beats, playing drums, singing and recording.

A new addition to our equipment has been three new Mac computers which we use regularly use at QM Studios as well as offsite workshops.  We have installed Logic Pro X on the machines giving users access to a great library of sounds, editing facilities and of course the chance to record music.  Another new piece of kit is the SKOOG.  This is an accessible electronic instrument that has proved to be valuable with young people with complex needs.  It’s great fun as it links with music streaming apps enabling sounds to be triggered in tune with peoples’
favourite tunes. We also have a Makey Makey and new iPad too to add to the sessions!

The funding has been an opportunity to give training and work opportunities to Jack Coledrick.  Jack has just finished a music degree at Bath University and has been delighted to gain experience as an assistant music leader, helping him develop his own career in music.

I am always humbled and inspired seeing people with disabilities enjoy music making.  It’s so important for people of all abilities to be creative.  These opportunities allow the children to access music and have the time and a safe space to explore and have fun!

Some quotes below:
“It’s lovely for our students to have the opportunity to explore music regardless of their abilities and behaviour needs.  Adam and Jack were extremely calm and knowledgeable, giving the students the time they needed to explore the drums and equipment.”
Teacher at Manor Green College

“The tech is awesome!”
Young person from PACSO

“It was lovely to see my daughter come alive and enjoy the sessions.”
Parent of a happy workshop participant.

If you want to know more about the sessions please contact Adam Gellibrand.
Email: [email protected]

Read about Adam's ​Afro-Brazilian percussion workshops here.