Jessie's Fund



Soundtracks
A Creative Music Project in Special Schools
In 2006 our nationwide Soundtracks project covered ten schools for children with special needs, from Exeter to Stirling. Most of the children taking part in this project had never had the opportunity to be involved in a creative musical process, and to feel the special sense of achievement and self-esteem arising from it. The first phase of the project was based on a silent film about Outer Space, to which children created their own soundtracks. Each school made its unique version, and a collaborative version was produced and distributed to all the schools involved. We have had fantastic musicians working with the children: they are experts at involving all children, whatever their abilities, in the musical experience.

We are all very excited to be given the opportunity for our children and staff to take an active part in this exciting and innovative project. We have received detailed briefings of every aspect of the project and it is highlighted in our Academic Timetable as "The Event of the Year". We are extremely grateful to everyone connected with Jessie's Fund for allowing our very special children this unique opportunity.

The second phase of the project comprised a national conference in March 2007 and residential training courses for staff. Our aim is for creative music to be more accessible for children with very special needs, and to enable staff at the schools to lead musical projects which can involve all children. We are now offering this type of project to more schools for children with special needs. If you are interested in your school being involved, please contact us for more information.

I had a great time and found all the workshops so useful - I was surprised to find that even I could make music! I'm even plucking up the courage to perhaps feedback to the staff by holding my own workshop sessions!
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