In our final feature profiling the winners of the government's music partnership project grants, here's Devon's Mix4Six.
Mix4Six is an exciting project to extend the reach and range of music making for young people of all ages in Devon. Through the establishment of six locally-based music hubs, young people, music leaders and community practitioners will be brought together to take forward a diverse mix of music-making opportunities. It is hoped that these hubs are replicated across all local learning communities in Devon and the model informs work across both the region and nationally to reach as many different young people as possible.
The partners engaged in the project - Devon Music Services, Wren Music and Devon Education Services - each bring a distinctive contribution, with significant expertise and experience in partnership working as well as strong links with individuals and organisations across Devon.
Fiona Pendreigh, Devon's Adviser for Music, says: "Through this partnership, there is an excellent opportunity for music to be made across both formal and informal settings. We are particularly keen to enable young people who otherwise do not have access to musical activities to experience their excitement and rewards."
To demonstrate what young people can achieve, and to inspire and engage young people and adults, a series of music making projects will be supported across each hub. These will include:
- A networking event, informed by local audit, consultation and the development of an expertise database, will bring young people and music leaders together. Each event will allow for the involvement of a range of young people, to learn more about local provision, to take part as performers or to experience the work of others.
- Individual projects which will reflect the interests of young people and demonstrate the rich breadth of music related resources within the area.
- A showcase slot at the annual Devon Mix, a countywide, high profile initiative, bringing together performers and participants from the local area as well as those reflecting a national and international dimension.
These will act as catalysts for high quality, sustainable and enduring local provision and will provide a model for other areas to pursue in Devon and further afield.
