Trumberbone

The Trumberbone Streetband  led by Oi Musica (with Marcus Britton & Mat Clements) is a targeted project for up to 20 care experienced children and young carers in East Lothian. It is organised in collaboration with East Lothian Youth Services, Young Carers, and the council’s Promise Lead Officer ( The Promise.)

Alongside developing basic technical ability on streetband instruments, participants are supported to develop their skills in listening, teamwork, how to support each other to learn, and how to contribute to a group creative process. The aim is to build self confidence, esteem, with the opportunity to perform on a public stage integral to the outcomes of the project, giving young people a chance to shine.

The children are recruited through Young Carers and The Promise. Participants who have previously attended are encouraged to return ( as well as new enrolments) to build on their skills in an intensive 3  full days of drum and brass workshops, which is supported by the agencies above and youth work staff. Signposting to further musical opportunities is provided. The workshops often culminate in a festival performance (eg 3 Harbours Festival or Haddstock)) and this year they were invited to perform at the Scottish Parliament.

With an exciting range of instruments including trumpets, trombones, samba drums and djembes, Trumberbone Street Band involves the children in fun games, rhythm exercises, movement, words, rhymes and improvisation. Musical content ranges from Brazilian and African material to current pop tunes and film themes. Participants learn the music by ear and play from memory, with additional material tailored to the needs of the group such as warm-ups and theme tunes.

Learning outcomes: Alongside developing basic technical ability on the instruments, participants will develop skills in listening, teamwork, how to support each other to learn, and how to contribute to a group creative process. The aim is to build self confidence, esteem, and encourage greater uptake of brass and percussion playing at school. The opportunity to perform on a public stage is integral to the outcomes of the project, giving young people a chance to shine.

The YMI outcomes for this project are:

• Young people who would not normally have the chance to participate take part in music making opportunities

• Organisations in the music sector and beyond work together to strengthen the youth music sector for the benefit of young people.