Sonic [db] success showcased in new innovative youth arts resource Successful music technology in prisons project Sonic [db] is featured in an innovative new youth arts publication `Youth Arts Transforms Lives’ produced by the National Youth Arts Development Agency.

 

Highlighted as an example of best practice on how the arts can help to make a positive impact on the lives of young people, the case study encompasses the experiences of eight young men aged 18-25 who took part in Sonic [db] in 2009/2010.

 

Sonic [db] is the flag ship creative music and arts project aimed at young people and staff in Youth Offending Institutions across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent. Sonic [db] promotes access to high quality arts activities for underrepresented and socially excluded young people, offers a nationally recognised qualification and introduces practical skills in the music industry.

 

Tim Sharp, Chief Executive Officer for Make Some Noise said: “We are delighted that Sonic [db] is featured in this new youth arts publication. Since 2005 when the project was first set up in partnership with Make Some Noise and Staffordshire Arts and Museum Service it has continued to excel, achieving good results and acknowledgment for artistic excellence in the form of a Royal Television Society Award, support from Tim Westwood and national radio airplay for its outputs”.

 

Dave Tyler, former Prison Governor added: “The project has enabled young men, who often experience difficulty expressing themselves constructively, to present themselves in a very positive and talented manner. They have been able to demonstrate social awareness and an ability to work constructively das a team”.

 

The case study featured provides evidence of countless examples of positive transformations throughout Sonic [db]. One individual started the week feeling unable to contribute to the project at all but soon became one of the leading lights in the group and one of its greatest advocates, including speaking with the CEO of Youth Music. One individual who has been in and out of care all his life said: “This is the best thing I’ve ever done in my life”. Another participant said: “Sonic [db]’s a good opportunity yeah for people like me. It will open up doors when I get out I don’t have to go the bad road again just go and do something good yeah. Another participant, a free man now has sustained contact with Sonic [db] who continue to support him with advice, offering opportunities and contact.

 

To view the Sonic [db] case study in full please visit: http://artswork.org.uk/campaign-2011 Ends

 

Background: Youth Arts Transforms Lives is the result of a year-long national campaign by Artswork for the English National Youth Arts Network. It illustrates the real impact of participation in the arts and culture with, for and by young people.

 

More from:

Steph Newport 07545 549791 Email: steph@make-some-noise.com or Tim Sharp, CEO, Make Some Noise 01785 278454 Email: tim@make-some-noise.com

 

Editors notes:

 

Make Some Noise is the leading music charity for Staffordshire and Stoke. Make Some Noise’s vision is that the lives of children and young people in Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent will be significantly enhanced by high quality opportunities to make music. Make Some Noise believes music inspires young people, and for many is also a catalyst for positive change. We explore innovative approaches that work towards better access to music for young people. Since 2001, we have worked with over 20,000 children and young people to make music of many styles.

 

Make Some Noise is one of 21 Youth Music Action Zones set up across England and Wales by Youth Music. Youth Music is the UK's largest children's music charity, set up in 1999 to promote and support music-making opportunities for children with the least access. Make Some Noise is a limited company and registered charity.

 

Youth Music is the leading UK charity using music to transform the lives of disadvantaged children and young people. We support and develop exemplary music provision at every stage of a young person’s development, whether it’s the first time a mother and baby make music together, or a talented teen’s debut at the Royal Albert Hall. Youth Music has transformed the landscape of musical opportunity in the UK. Since 1999, we’ve reached over two million children and young people through all types of music; both in and out of school. Music has the power to build confidence, broaden horizons and raise aspirations. Our music programmes allow vulnerable young people to find their way, take charge of their lives and unlock their hidden potential.