Follow this project
The idea
I have led this band on a voluntary basis for the last year and we have reached many local people. We offer twice monthly open drum band sessions for the local community, we have a core band who play community events and I lead community workshops using the drum band equipment/instruments in Ashford.
The aim of the band is to offer a creative space and to give people the opportunity to play music and to benefit from playing music as a group. Many people cannot afford music lessons so our band does not expect payment from any participants.
As a community psychiatric nurse almost 20 years my aim is that this band offers preventative/wellbeing focus for our local community that can support positive health outcomes for our local population.
We are seeking financial contributions so we can purchase several new drums for new band members to play.
What we'll deliver
- Purchase four new drums with protective cases
- Purchase protective cases for the instruments we currently have.
- New drums = a larger and higher quality musical offering to the town.
- New drums = more players, this helps me to sustain the band with involvement/support from other band/community members.
Why it's a great idea
Friendship and social support.
Free music tuition
Support to engage in a meaningful occupation/interest (this being music). There is a great deal of research supporting health benefits of meaningful occupation.
Fun and entertainment as part of other local community events.
We aim to bring vibrancy through music to our community. This is particularly needed in the high street where many businesses are closing/have closed and there is less draw for people to visit.
I have been networking/establishing links with youth groups, charities and schools in Ashford and believe in-reaching to as many groups/spaces as possible will extend the reach of musical benefit to those who need it most. The links I make will provide opportunity to show people music they may otherwise not have access to. I hope this sharing may inspire people who can then access the band. For many people this tuition and musical direction/encouragement may be a new experience and will provide a new opportunity.
Steps to get it done
- Purchase of four new samba drums
- Holding gigs/attending community events.
- Playing at two local arts festivals in 2024.
- Purchase of protective bags for our current drums
