September's Arts Award Adviser Forum

The September Arts Award Forum was attended by Nova, Polly, Linda, Katie, Peter, Emma and Vicki, on 24th at the Gulbenkian.

The forum featured a creative session with musician and artist Peter Cook. Peter brought with him some beautiful beech branches.

First we explored the branches, stating what words they evoked for us: brown, rough, bumpy, elephant.

We then played with sounds, seeing how the branches made different noises depending on how they were struck. It was good fun to take turns as the leader, with the rest of the group mimicking the leader's rhythms.

Peter played to us Bernie Krause's recording of trees – a fascinating soundscape of cells popping.

The diversity of sounds associated with branches and wood was interesting, and great to discover as a group.

Peter also showed us how to make small instruments simply, out of straws. Simply flatten the tip of a plastic straw and snip a vent near the top with scissors. Blowing through the straw then produces a great sound!

Discussion:

The Advisers discussed bringing musicians into class to create interesting lessons. 

We talked about how to make young people's heroes more exciting, and Vicki suggested the idea of encouraging young people to write to their heroes. Getting a response can be incredibly inspiring.

Linda emphasised the importance of teaching young people that they are responsible for their life, and that they have to make things happen. This is what is so great about Arts Award as it allows young people to take control.

The difficulty of the school timetable was discussed, and it was decided that bringing a guest into school rather than sending individuals off to meet people would be easiest and safest.

Regarding units, Vicki confirmed that you do not have to follow units in order.

Arts Award Gold Training

Arts Award Gold Training will be on Thursday 13^th November from 4-8pm, for any Bronze or Silver Advisers who wish to reach Gold. It costs only £75 (usually £110). Contact vicki@wide-eyed-theatre.co.uk for more information and to book your place.

October's Arts Award Forum

October's Arts Award Forum is on 29th October. Come along for a creative session with Improvisation and Comedy performer Lucy Fennell, plus interactive planning session for all levels of the award.