A new music charity for Cornwall... get on board !
BACKGROUND
The idea for Bandwagon evolved as a result of trying to overcome the many unique social issues faced by the vulnerable, disabled and isolated across Cornwall. We began by offering individual music sessions to provide an informal introduction to music, injecting some much needed fun into peoples lives. As time went by, we began to expand our range of services and utilise advanced/innovative music technology to help make the experience more impactful and accessible, resulting in a more beneficial outcome for participants.
Things changed for everyone in March 2020 with the arrival of the COVID pandemic and the beginning of several lock-downs until early 2021. This was a traumatic and distressing time for everyone, but for vulnerable people, or those with a disability, the impact was far greater, and the after affects long lasting. As a result, we decided that now was the right time to launch Bandwagon.
As a registered charity we will be able to dramatically increase the number of people we can help across the whole of Cornwall. A unique aspect of our charity will be the fact that our services will be mobile, taking music to the people who need us, eventually we hope, in a purpose built bus fitted with music equipment and instruments, but initially hiring village halls and offering sessions at existing day centres.
MUSIC PROJECTS
Bandwagon will offer a series of innovative music based activities and projects delivered directly to those in need wherever they are in Cornwall. Our music sessions, which have been developed and refined over the last ten years, have been specifically designed to help and empower participants to face and overcome their individual challenges.
We offer…
One to one tuition and therapy
Focusing on the individuals specific needs
‘Sound Safari’
Group sessions exploring music and sound
Music performance
Supporting groups and individuals with performances
Music and the arts
Projects applying music to dance, theatre and film
Special projects
Commissions for one off events
All Bandwagon projects and sessions will be run by experienced musicians with help from support workers who are either carers or parents. A huge amount of planning and consultation goes in to each activity to ensure every participant, regardless of issue, have the correct level of support and therefore enjoy the maximum benefit, unlocking their true creative potential.
We focus on the process of ‘creation’ rather than the final product. This allows for a pressure free experience and enables participants to better understand how they use and manage their imagination, feelings and emotions.
Each session is sympathetically structured to promote teamwork and develop empathic relationships within the group. This is strongly encouraged and often results in participants teaching and helping each other and ultimately creating an even greater sense of achievement and self esteem for those involved.
sound safari
An innovative multi sensory experience created for all ages and abilities, designed as an introduction to making music and experimenting with sound, supported by the very latest technology.
The main objective of Sound Safari sessions is to give participants the very best opportunity to benefit from the unique healing qualities of music. These sessions are often people’s first taste of playing music and therefore by making it a fun and memorable experience, we remove their fears and inhibitions, opening them up to exploring their creativity, developing new relationships and unlocking their potential.
We make every session an adventure, taking participants on an exciting musical journey, discovering the many amazing ways they can use the equipment to make sounds and music. Participants gain a tremendous sense of achievement from this process and the positive effects will benefit other areas of their lives, long into the future.
Technology
With the explosion of digital technology, music has never been more accessible. Our investment in innovative equipment allows us to adapt and tailor our activities to benefit people with a wide range of disabilities and health issues.
Advanced digital technology provides an easy pathway for participants to produce sophisticated sounds straight away without the need for any complicated tuition. It also removes any barriers for people with a physical disability. A wave of the hand or the press of a button is often all that is required.
With bright colours, flashing lights and an endless range of digital sounds, our equipment immediately engages participants and creates a strong urge to play and experiment. The technology also allows us to orchestrate the sessions effectively through the ability to link all the pieces of equipment together and control sound from a central source.
Bandwagon’s ultimate aim is to develop and produce our own equipment, specifically designed to meet the individual needs of our participants.
the power of music
Music has a truly transformative power. Especially, bringing people together, lifting their spirits, and improving their quality of life. It can also be a source of comfort, joy and motivation, providing a much needed escape from the challenges and limitations of everyday life and help people to connect with others and the world around them, alleviating social isolation.
Music is a great leveller and often the challenges people face are forgotten when taking part in one of our sessions. Whether it is singing, playing an instrument or performing as a group, music builds connections. It can ignite imagination, develop confidence, build self esteem and promote a sense of belonging through encouragement and camaraderie.
Music has the power to improve lives. It provides a platform for advancing skills, wellbeing, and at the same time encourages a strong desire to achieve - which forms the basis for future success and fulfilment. Because musical participation and response does not depend solely on the ability to speak, music is a particularly effective clinical intervention for people who have difficulty communicating.
For people affected by disability, illness or injury, working with music can be life-changing. For example, people with autism can develop emotional, social and communication skills; someone with an acquired brain injury can be helped to regain their speech; a person with dementia, frightened and confused by isolation, can reconnect with memories and share them through the powerful and evocative nature of music.
INCREASES COMMUNICATION SKILLS
Music can be incredibly beneficial as it can help to improve communication skills. Participating in musical activities requires the use of various forms of communication, such as non-verbal cues and gestures, which can help to build confidence and develop social skills. Additionally, singing and playing instruments can provide a means of self-expression, enabling individuals with disabilities to communicate their emotions and thoughts, sometimes in ways that they are unable to without music. It provides a fun and creative outlet to develop and improve communication skills.
IMPROVES MOOD AND EMOTIONS
Well-designed music sessions for people with disabilities and mental health issues have been shown to have a positive impact on mood and emotional regulation. Listening to music, singing, and playing instruments can release endorphins in the brain that lead to feelings of happiness and well-being. Additionally, participating in music activities can provide a sense of accomplishment and boost self-esteem, leading to improved mood. Through these mechanisms, music programmes can provide a powerful tool for promoting emotional well-being.
ENHANCES COGNITIVE FUNCTIONING
Music has been shown to enhance cognitive functioning in people with disabilities. For example, research has shown that playing an instrument can improve memory, attention, and overall cognitive skills. It can also help individuals to develop language, social, emotional, as well as fine motor skills. Additionally, musical activities can provide an outlet for self-expression and improvement to self-esteem and confidence. This, in turn, can lead to greater independence and a better quality of life.
BOOSTS PHYSICAL ABILITIES
By engaging in musical activities, individuals with disabilities can improve their coordination, fine motor skills, and balance. Playing an instrument or singing requires movements that can help to build strength and dexterity, which can be especially beneficial for those with physical disabilities. Furthermore, music programs can provide fun and engaging physical activity, which can help to increase physical activity levels and improve overall health and fitness.
PROMOTES SELF EXPRESSION AND CREATIVITY
Music activities for people with disabilities and mental health issues should include opportunities for self-expression. Through music, anyone can communicate their feelings, emotions, and experiences in a creative and engaging way. This can be particularly important for individuals who may struggle to express themselves verbally or through traditional forms of communication. Participating in music activities can develop a sense of pride and accomplishment, boosting self-esteem and confidence. Additionally, it can also be used as a therapeutic tool to help manage stress, anxiety, and depression. Music’s repetitive and structured nature can also be beneficial for individuals with cognitive and sensory processing challenges, helping to improve their focus, memory, and coordination. Overall, music offers people with disabilities an enjoyable and meaningful way to express themselves, connect with others, and improve their
well-being.
IMPROVES SOCIAL SKILLS
Participating in music sessions encourages individuals to engage in group activities, fostering a sense of community and belonging. This can lead to better communication and teamwork skills, as well as an increase in self-confidence and self-esteem. Furthermore, it can also provide opportunities for individuals to develop relationships and make new friends, leading to increased socialisation and a wider support network. Music can also provide a fun and enjoyable activity that individuals can look forward to, which can lead to improved mood and a more positive outlook on life. By offering a creative outlet for individuals with disabilities and mental health issues, music programmes can play a significant role in improving their social skills and overall quality of life.
ACCESSIBILITY
Music is an accessible form of therapy. Firstly, music is a universal language that can help individuals with communication difficulties to express themselves and connect with others. In addition, music engages multiple areas of the brain, helping to improve cognitive and motor skills. For those with physical disabilities, playing an instrument or participating in a music programme can help to develop fine motor skills and coordination. Furthermore, it has been shown to have a therapeutic effect on emotions, helping to reduce stress and anxiety levels and lift mood. People who are reluctant to engage in other forms of therapy do not necessarily categorise music with those other forms. Music, and its close relation, art, can often be seen as far more pleasurable than many other modes of therapy. All in all, music can play a crucial role in the lives of people with disabilities, providing them with opportunities for self-expression, emotional regulation, and social connection.well-being.
Help Our Cause
Your generous donation will fund our valuable work and benefit the many people in Cornwall who are in need.
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