Starting in January 2011 musicians and other artists from in and around St Albans developed a range of skills which equipped them to lead arts based workshops for community groups including schools, older people and those with disabilities. The main aims were professional development for the Apprentices and to provide a pool of artists from all arts forms who organisations can be confident about employing to run workshops. The Apprentices came from a variety of backgrounds ranging from photography, painting and dance to guitar, piano and cello.
First the Apprentices followed a training programme which included practical workshop skills with experts from the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra’s Education Programme and St Albans based Trestle Theatre Company. They also studied other skills including how to apply for funding, how to plan a workshop, first aid and the inevitable session on Health & Safety.
Following their training we wanted them to have some practical experience in a situation where they would have plenty of support. So, we split them into teams made up of musicians and other artists and matched them with groups from the community. Taking Finlandia by Sibelius as their theme, each group composed a piece of music and also produced a wide range of art work. The community groups we worked with were St Bernadette’s School, the Daylight Club, Exercise Referral Scheme and a group of home educated students.
All work on the community projects was completed in July 2011 and the final celebration event, the Compose, Create, Celebrate concert took place on Monday 25th July at the Alban Arena. The concert was inspirational. The community groups all rose to the occasion and performed professionally and the final piece, where they all played together alongside 15 musicians from the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, was mind-blowing. In the second half, the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra played a popular programme and it was wonderful to see a full size orchestra on the stage of the Alban Arena.
For more information about the Apprentices scheme and similar training opportunities please contact Jo Askham on 01727 827667 or email jo.askham@leisureconnection.co.uk
You can download our biannual leaflet by clicking the Cathedral image below. For updates, photos and videos, join the SAASH Arts Facebook or Myspace page or follow us on Twitter.
Date of last review: 25 August 2011