My Soundcastle journey began in October
with their Sparking Change programme.
Held online every Thursday morning with
other 18–25-year-olds (nicknamed ‘Sparkies’!)
this programme consisted of creative skills
sessions, 1-1 mentoring, and peer sharing.
Throughout the weeks it was lovely to see
everyone in the group, including myself,
increase in confidence and learn more about
the industry.
I particularly remember the session on adaptability, where we had to change plans from delivering workshop for
toddlers to one in a care home – the look of shared panic was very amusing!
When it was mentioned in one of the sessions that there was an opportunity to become a Musical Beacons Trainee, I knew I had to apply! I thought that it would be a fantastic opportunity to put into practice everything I had learnt within the Sparking Change sessions, and it didn’t disappoint.
Beginning in the Epicentre, every Tuesday afternoon I helped deliver interactive and inclusive musical play sessions for children and their families. I remember feeling a little apprehensive about what to expect in my first session but excited for some music-making.
At the end of the session when a child looked at me and said “You’ll be here again next week, right?”, I knew that everything would be fine!
As the weeks progressed, and moved into the park, I enjoyed getting to know the children more and making musical moments.
Some of my favourite memories include group ‘jamming’ sessions where a child would act as the conductor and everyone followed their lead, a game of musical statues, and a fun (yet tiring!) dance party we had at the end of a session!
I have also enjoyed getting to know the organisation as a whole throughout my Soundcastle journey.
The team day in April provided so much insight into the different projects that take place and was also a lovely chance to meet the rest of the Soundcastle team.
Held in their Hastings office, it was great to soak up some sea air too!
I also got the chance to bring my clarinet along to The Paradox Centre for a session with toddlers, which was lovely to see how transfixed they were at its sound.
Alongside grassroots music making, mental health awareness and training is something which Soundcastle delivers, and in June I completed the FAA Level 2 Award in Awareness of First Aid for Mental Health, becoming a Mental Health First Aider.
I’ve even had the chance to join in with a People’s Music session, which celebrates creativity, resilience and voice of people who have a mental health diagnosis.
It was such a contrast to working with children, but I learnt so much from it and got the chance to jam along to a song they created with my clarinet!
This year has really opened my eyes to work wonderful work of Soundcastle and put me in the heart of the action.
I have learnt so much about music-making within community settings and witnessed first-hand the positive effect on wellbeing that music can have on people, young and old.
I am excited to see where the Sparking Change programme and Musical Beacons traineeship will lead me, but moving forward I will make sure to carry Soundcastle’s values of Creativity. Care. Joy. with me.