The idea
We are a children's marching band based in Woking, and we have around 90 members who just love attending. We need to upgrade our static percussion section, and would love to add a marimba to this so that our talented little percussion players can further expand their repertoire. Being able to have a new marimba would mean that the children would not have to share instruments and could play the full instrument and not just a small part of it.
We perform locally and are interested in entering a competitive circuit in the near future to be able to showcase our talents, but without the equipment we need this is very difficult.
The ethos of the band is that any child, regardless of ability, background or ethnicity should be able to learn an instrument, hence why we keep our fees so low. All staff are volunteers, and the children pay a nominal amount to attend for two hours tuition per week. Being able to provide them with an instrument each would really change their ability to learn,
What we'll deliver
- Purchase a new marimba
- Teach the children effectively
- Enter a competitive circuit and perform at more events
Why it's a great idea
The ethos of Raiders Performing Arts is to support every child in being part of a positive team whilst learning an instrument or performance skill. The group is open to every child, regardless of ability, ethnicity, or musicality.
Children who attend improve their basic skills, their confidence, they learn how to become independent through being responsible, and they have the hugely important sense of belonging to something tangible.
We have had children who have been peeled off their parents on day one, who have gone on to perform solos at public events, with their parents reporting that teachers have noticed their increased confidence at school, enabling them to contribute in class, which had never happened before.
Children don't just gain musical experience, they are able to gain the ability to express themselves, have the support of peers and staff alike, which substantially helps their mental wellbeing. In a tough world for children we bring somewhere that they can be themself.
Steps to get it done
- Purchase the marimba, providing the relevant teaching, performing at local events
This project will really change lives through bringing musical expression to the children. We have every nationality attending, along with displaced Ukranian children who attend for free. We have children who are neuro diverse, who really find the ability to express themselves through music a calming activity, and we make our teaching affordable for every family in the Surrey area. No family is turned away.
