There’s excitement in the air in Hartlepool as a group of musicians rehearse for their performance at The Sage, Gateshead next week. The group created their first CD last year and this will be the first time they have played together in such a prestigious venue. Big Sky Arts are a group of adults with learning disabilities, who have been working with professional musicians Kev Howard and Mike Turnbull, with the support of Jason Hunt, Hartlepool Child and Adult Services and Roaring Mouse CIC – Big Sky Arts is a Tees Valley Arts project. Over a number of weeks the group have been creating new music using drums, percussion & voice, and then developing the work they created for the CD to perform live as part of the Music Spark Show.
Jane Gray, Tees Valley Arts’ Education Officer said: “The group have achieved a great deal throughout this project – and are producing some fantastic music. It’s been great to see the personal development and individual stories, and especially noticeable is the increase in confidence that this project has brought. We’re all extremely proud of their achievements and can’t wait to see them on stage next week.”
The Music Spark Show is on Friday 15th April 2011 and tickets are available to buy on the website or call the box office on 0191 443 4661.
The project has been funded by the Lloyds TSB Foundation for England and Wales and the Hartlepool Learning Disability Development Fund.