The idea
Rock School Bus offers free music sessions on our modified double-decker that serves as a mobile stage and creative hub at events. It features internal and external sound so children and young people can perform on the drop-down stage or explore instruments on the top deck. They'll experience live music and learn popular songs with professional music practitioners and young volunteers who are experienced at working with diverse learners, including neurodivergent individuals. This provides hands-on fun for all abilities, encouraging self-expression and musical discovery. From June to September, we will visit 9 rural areas, engaging around 60 young people and entertaining event audiences during each 4-hour visit, creating live music and developing skills that enhance their well-being at a time when they need them most.
What we'll deliver
- Attend 9 community events with the Rock School Bus
- Provide bus driver, music practitioners, volunteers, sound equipment, instruments, costumes, activity resources
- Up to 4 hours of free music activities at each event delivered on and around the bus
Why it's a great idea
Our project will encourage self-expression, creativity, and confidence-building in young participants who tell us that when they are engaged in music, around like-minded others, they finally 'find their place'. Last year, two young people with anxiety-related school absence initially engaged with our bus at local events and then joined our music activities. Their parents credit this engagement for their successful return to full-time education.
Our bus-based activities boost youth well-being by providing a positive outlet. Notably, we've observed a complete absence of phone and device use during our music activities and an interest in helping out and becoming volunteers. Local councils have included us in their developing youth programmes and have described it as 'an asset to the community'. Event organisers from schools and village halls report that the bus truly completes their events by removing geographical barriers to access the arts in their rural and underfunded communities.
Steps to get it done
- Contacting local councils, community groups and schools with offer
- Getting confirmed bookings for events
- Booking musicians and youth bands to work, volunteer and/or play on the bus
- Attending the events, posting photos/videos to social media, gathering impact data
