NYMAZ

Click on the photographs to see them larger
All images © Jacki Dealtry or Tony Bartholomew 2008

About this project

Musical Monuments is an exciting new project for NYMAZ which launched in summer 2008 in the spectacular setting of Beningbrough Hall. The Hall is home to a large collection of 18th century portraits from the National Portrait Gallery and the young people used these as their inspiration under the guidance of the Hall’s education team. Twenty-two 8 – 12 year olds from across Hambleton and Ryedale took part in the project, creating their own original compositions and sound installations using a combination of live instruments and music technology. Each group chose one or two of the portraits to work with and, using a combination of music, sound, drama and dance, told the stories of the individuals featured in the portraits in a performance in the Main Hall at the end of the week.

"I really enjoyed the experience - not just from a music point of view, but also working with the children." - SoundWeaver Apprentice

Musical Monuments is an inclusive project where children from mainstream and SEN schools can work, learn, perform and celebrate together. Sessions are led by Accessible Arts and Media artists assisted by learning disabled apprentices from their Soundweaver team who teach the young people about composition using accessible music technology. The project therefore not only provides a series of fun educational activities but also goes a long way towards promoting positive models of disability.

"Having disabled apprentices on the project was very beneficial, the students just accepted them. They took an active part in the sessions explaining the technology, and it was so good to see the way the students just welcomed them." - Artist

This initial project was a huge success; the participants had a fantastic week and gained a great deal in terms of developing new musical skills, learning new software packages and making new friends. Feedback was incredibly positive, and all felt it had been a fantastic opportunity for the young people to perform in an amazing venue. Further Musical Monuments projects have already taken place, with an event at Ripon Museum in October 2008 and a project at Bolton Abbey taking place in Spring 2010.