Band Jam

Band Jam works with young people who are finding the transition from primary to secondary difficult. Referred by their schools guidance support, young people in our seven secondary schools at S1 and S2 level are offered an introduction to accessible music making during school hours, with signposting and support to continue through a youth work programme based in the community.

A ten week band project would typically include up to five young people per group to ensure a quality experience. Recordings and performances will also be part of each group’s activities.

There is a strong emphasis on the young people leading on music and decision making, shaping the content and structure of their project and claiming ownership. Older pupils are encouraged to shadow the workshop leader in leading sessions and supporting the younger participants.

Links are nurtured with out-of-school community projects and ELjam (East Lothian Youth Music Forum) alongside performance opportunities at East Lothian Festivals such as Haddstock, Fringe by the Sea and Dunbar Music Festival.

Build a Band has made a major impact on young people’s lives , and schools who have participated, have noted extremely positive changes in pupil’s attitudes to school, learning, and engagement. With its community music link, this project is a vital connection to out of school activity and a great conduit for signposting and sharing information about further opportunities.

“It has opened a new part of me that I never knew was here”

“We had some pupils that were quite disengaged with music / school and are now loving music and have recently taken part in a summer concert – they would never have had the confidence before to do this. These pupils were all put forward by Guidance teachers, and all have some issues whether it be behaviour, or lack of self esteem/confidence. A small group such as this making music is ideal for them to grow musically and socially.”

“The pupils involved learned to work with others in a responsible manner (turn-taking, listening to others following instructions etc) and to persevere at learning new material and instruments. Each pupil was able to contribute to the sessions and became more confident as a result. The sessions also contributed to pupils’ success in terms of their performance throughout the school and in fact helped three older pupils achieve significant success in terms of their music National performance exams.”

The YMI Outcome for this project is:

Young people develop their music and music making skills.