The leading establishment for music education on the Isle of Wight recently took Wight Noize winner Marnie Marie to perform at 23 schools.
Platform One reached out to primary schools on the Island as an attempt to inspire and educate young people on the benefits of music. The recent National Plan for Education aims to enable all children and young people to learn to sing, play an instrument and create music together, while having the opportunity to progress their musical interests (including professionally).
Organiser and Music Industry Liaison at Platform One Andy Booth states the importance of engaging with young people,
“As music professionals we have a duty to ensure that all children get the opportunity to experience music in one way or another. Using our resources at Platform One we have been able to reach out to local schools and offer a live, interactive workshop that will not only give them a sample of live music but open the doors to learning an instrument.”
Visited 23 primary schools
The tour commenced on Wednesday 26th June and ran until Thursday 11th July, visiting a total of 23 primary schools.
Marnie Marie and band, consisting of Marnie, Will Vincent, Kieran Hopewell and Lewis Hilsum are all studying full time at Platform One and relished the opportunity to perform for the children.
Will Vincent said,
“It’s been really fun and feels like we’ve done something quite meaningful.”
Pitched as a national initiative
Andy, who also sits on the UK Music Futures Board attended a meeting with music education representatives from across the country to pitch as a national initiative.
“Music establishments such as Platform One have the power to engage with young people on a regular basis, it is important that other music colleges and universities in the UK adopt a similar approach in reaching out to their local communities.”
Inspirational
Following the conclusion of the ‘On The Road’ tour, Platform One have received many positive comments from teaching staff and pupils.
A spokesperson for Freshwater and Yarmouth Primary said,
“From a wellbeing and mental health aspect it was inspirational, connecting emotions to music styles and how the music can enhance or matches our moods was a great message for our children to hear, they really did promote the power of music, I loved it.”
The children were really engaged
A spokesperson for Brighstone Primary School said,
“There was just the perfect combination of great music and interaction with the children for a wonderful afternoon.
“It was really obvious that the children were engaged, with toes tapping, hands clapping and heads nodding all around.
“The children asked good questions too and this only happens when they’re inspired. It was also very special for us to see Marnie again, as she is an ex-pupil of our school.”
“Brilliant role models for our pupils”
A spokesperson for Newchurch Primary School said,
“They were brilliant role models for our pupils who are budding musicians of the future and it was nice to hear them talk about music and their experiences.”
There are many benefits to learning music, including physical and mental wellbeing, balance and coordination and social interaction.
Andy said,
“If we have encouraged even a quarter of the children we performed for over the tour to pick up an instrument then that can be seen as a huge success.”
News shared by Andy on behalf of Platform One College of Music. Ed
