Rhythm and music transcend disability
The unique thing about music is that it creates an open arena enabling creativity for everyone.
I’ve been fortunate enough to have been associated with Wellspring for a number of years and facilitated many rhythm and music workshops for children and young people with disabilities, funded by Wellspring.
This year with funding from the Sussex Community Foundation, I am delivering a programme of Afro-Brazilian percussion workshops in West Sussex; four of which have been warmly received by Chestnut Tree House, a children’s hospice offering respite provision.
I am passionate about creating an opportunity for everyone to enjoy the activity; I will always try to create a platform for anyone with any level of ability to participate. This is the foundation to my work; ensuring that no matter what level of ability, I will find ways to ensure all participants are able to join in. An example of this was demonstrated when a young person with profound disabilities and limited movement, joined the session with their support worker. I didn’t feel content to simply assume he would enjoy the session as a passive bystander, so I encouraged the support worker to guide his arm so that he could take a lead role in conducting the group. This meant that he was not only included in the workshop, but played a fully participative role. His face lit up! He was aware that he was leading the group through an exercise and he felt part of the session.
In general, the sessions comprise of participants exploring dynamics (playing loudly and softly as a group), playing together in rhythm, learning Brazilian based call and response parts and learning Brazilian influenced rhythms. Part of my role is to continually assess the needs and abilities of the group as well as the dynamics and adjust the session content accordingly. This allows for me to encourage individuality, ensure full inclusion of each and every member of the group and for example should a participant wish to express themselves further in the session, or shows a natural ability in music and rhythm, I can encourage them to assume a leading role.
Feedback from staff and parents at Chestnut Tree House has been very positive and encouraging. The sessions have been an opportunity for the children, staff and parents and siblings to come together and enjoy drumming as a group. Under such challenging life circumstances for these children, it has been heart warming seeing a positive reaction from them; no matter how big or small. Using music to communicate can really make a difference.
I’ve been fortunate enough to have been associated with Wellspring for a number of years and facilitated many rhythm and music workshops for children and young people with disabilities, funded by Wellspring.
This year with funding from the Sussex Community Foundation, I am delivering a programme of Afro-Brazilian percussion workshops in West Sussex; four of which have been warmly received by Chestnut Tree House, a children’s hospice offering respite provision.
I am passionate about creating an opportunity for everyone to enjoy the activity; I will always try to create a platform for anyone with any level of ability to participate. This is the foundation to my work; ensuring that no matter what level of ability, I will find ways to ensure all participants are able to join in. An example of this was demonstrated when a young person with profound disabilities and limited movement, joined the session with their support worker. I didn’t feel content to simply assume he would enjoy the session as a passive bystander, so I encouraged the support worker to guide his arm so that he could take a lead role in conducting the group. This meant that he was not only included in the workshop, but played a fully participative role. His face lit up! He was aware that he was leading the group through an exercise and he felt part of the session.
In general, the sessions comprise of participants exploring dynamics (playing loudly and softly as a group), playing together in rhythm, learning Brazilian based call and response parts and learning Brazilian influenced rhythms. Part of my role is to continually assess the needs and abilities of the group as well as the dynamics and adjust the session content accordingly. This allows for me to encourage individuality, ensure full inclusion of each and every member of the group and for example should a participant wish to express themselves further in the session, or shows a natural ability in music and rhythm, I can encourage them to assume a leading role.
Feedback from staff and parents at Chestnut Tree House has been very positive and encouraging. The sessions have been an opportunity for the children, staff and parents and siblings to come together and enjoy drumming as a group. Under such challenging life circumstances for these children, it has been heart warming seeing a positive reaction from them; no matter how big or small. Using music to communicate can really make a difference.
