Stratford Circus Arts Centre is thrilled to announce the receipt of funding from the National Foundation for Youth Music to deliver the New Young Voice Collective (NewYVC) Mass Singing Programme. Building on the vision of Jane Wheeler from Living Song and the legacy of the Stratford Circus’s highly successful resident choir of local young people, the NewYVC Mass Singing Programme will deliver a large-scale vocal development scheme for East London schools as well as offering teacher training, mentoring opportunities and professionally staged events.
Delivered over three years, the programme will encompass three main strands: the Mass Singing Programme, including high quality teacher training and school-based workshops reaching 700 young people; the Young Artist and Young Music Mentor Scheme supporting the professional development of 14 young local aspiring artists; and the NewYVC Choir and Performance Programme, which will see the choir and schools perform across London in a number of high profile venues.
Aimed at children and young people, the programme will engage with more than 700 children in East London. Through school-based sessions, young people will be able to deepen their musical horizons, develop and nurture musical skills, build confidence and resilience, and improve their social skills and emotional well-being.
As well as opportunities for young people, the programme will incorporate teacher training in the participating schools, along with a formal Young Artist and Young Music Mentor Scheme. The teacher training will provide opportunities for music leaders in schools to develop and refresh their skills, while the Young Artists and Young Music Mentors will deliver a programme of support for young people to develop vocal workshop and choral leadership skills.
The programme will build on the success of NewYVC, established in 2012 under the leadership of renowned musical director Jane Wheeler (Director, Living Song – a Stratford Circus Arts Centre Associate Artist).Since its inception, NewYVC has developed into east London’s premier youth choir, recognised for excellence, innovation and inclusion. The NewYVC Mass Singing Programme will further develop East London as a recognised singing community and provide pathways for young people to continue their musical education, whether as performers or leaders.
Stratford Circus Arts Centre’s Head of Education Eliza Wilson says, “Stratford Circus Arts Centre is thrilled to build on our work in this area, giving more local young people the opportunity to explore and realise their talents, as well as raise their aspirations through high profile and quality performances. We’re grateful to Youth Music for their fantastic support.”
Stratford Arts Trust is a limited company and a charity registered in England and Wales Company Registration No.07828129 Registered Charity No.1145183 VAT Registration No.135 8763 85 Registered Office: Stratford Circus, Theatre Square, Stratford, London E15 1BX
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Matt Griffiths, Chief Executive Officer, National Foundation for Youth Music says, “We’re delighted to support this ambitious singing project by Stratford Circus. With 16 schools and hundreds of young people set to take part, the scale of this choir programme is really impressive. I’m sure that providing access to mentoring will also help to make this a life-changing experience for many of the young singers.”
NewYVC Musical Director and Living Song Director Jane Wheeler says, “I am so excited that Youth Music has chosen to support us in our quest to empower children, young music mentors, artists and teachers of east London through singing! Together we will change many lives for the better.”
The funding decision also coincides with the announcement of NewYVC’s next public performance, taking place at Stratford Circus Arts Centre on Tuesday 21 July.
NEWYVC SUMMER CONCERT @ Stratford Circus
Tuesday 21 July, 7pm Stratford Circus, Theatre Square, London E15 1BX To book call 0844 357 2625 or visit www.stratford-circus.com
“The funding is well deserved as the quality of the choir is outstanding. I was so proud of how they all performed with such confidence at the Royal Festival Hall last month.” – Councillor Kay Scoresby, London Borough of Newham & parent of NewYVC participant