Hitting the High Notes – Council Supports Youth Music Making with £2,500 Grant

A £2,500 grant towards the Education Projects run in Dover by the Deal Music and Arts Festival has been pledged by the Civic and Special Projects Committee.  Councillors have supported the mainly volunteer led festival since 2008, doing their bit to fill the gaps left by reductions in Government funding for music education. 

This year the grant will help fund children at Astor, Priory Fields, St Martin’s and Barton Schools to take part in “Bold As” a project – learning to play brass instruments followed up by a concert at Dover Town Hall. “Jazz Journey” workshops will be held at Dover Grammar School for Girls.

Families will be able to enjoy fun music events for free across the district and students from 8-25 will be able to attend many concerts with up to 100% discount on tickets.

Education projects are focused on helping those in most need of support including young people with special needs. Research has shown that music and dance improve opportunities and bring people together across cultural, social and economic divisions. It helps children and young people believe in themselves and tackles the challenges brought by poverty and deprivation.

Every year the Festival attracts musicians and performers with outstanding international reputations and boosts the economy and cultural profile of the area making it a better place to live, work and visit.

The Festival dates are Friday 28th June to Saturday 13th July and the Programme is out now with full details of events and other educational projects happening throughout the year – more information is on their website www.dealmusicandarts.com