A £2,500 grant towards the learning and outreach projects run in Dover and open to Dover residents by Deal Music and Arts has been pledged by the Civic and Special Projects Committee. Councillors have supported the mainly volunteer led organisation that runs the summer music festival since 2008, with a focus on giving Dover young people a chance to continue to develop their skills year on year.
The Festival has now expanded to run music activities nearly all year-round. This year the grant will help fund children at Priory Fields, St Martin’s and Astor College for the Arts to take part in “Bold As” a project – learning to play brass instruments and culminating in a joint performance with contemporary dancers in Dover Town Hall. “Jazz Journey” workshops will be held at Dover Grammar School for Girls and this year there is a new partnership with the National Youth Jazz Orchestra. A Summer Music School will be held at the Duke of York’s School and weekly music ensembles and groups are open to everyone from now onwards. During the Festival schools can book free tickets to take pupils to the many world class concerts and workshops.
Education and outreach 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 everyone but especially 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.
Chairperson of the Committee Councillor Pam Brivio said
“The CSP committee were unanimous in their support for the outreach work that the musical festival is carrying out with pupils of Dover schools, giving them the opportunity to experience and enjoy a wide range of musical activities.”
The Festival dates this year are Friday 26th June to Saturday 11th July and the Programme will be available nearer the time with full details of events. For information about the other educational projects happening throughout the year –see the website www.dealmusicandarts.com
Our picture was taken during the festival in 2019.