March 2005
In March 2005, a specially invited audience attended a Welsh music forum at the Millennium Centre in Cardiff to help shape
the future of Youth Music Action Zones in Wales. MPs, educations specialists, music industry decision-makers and representatives
from influential arts bodies in Wales will be among the guests.
The event, which was hosted by Lord Rowlands, celebrated the achievements of the two existing Welsh YMAZs in Merthyr Tydfil
and Ynys Môn. The two zones have been providing high-quality and diverse music-making activities for 0-18 year olds out of
school hours in areas of Wales where few such opportunities previously existed.
Youth Music is a national charity that uses an allocation of Lottery money to fund music-making activities for young people
up to the age of 18, particularly those living in areas of social and economic need. Each Youth Music Action Zone is made
up of a group of established music-making organisations, working together with music groups, schools, youth clubs and community
centres. Each Zone is unique as they are designed to respond to the particular needs of the community they operate in. They
deliver a wide range of music-making covering all music styles and genres. Activities include workshops, rehearsals, performances,
one-to-one teaching and mentoring.
There were 20 Youth Music Action Zones already in existence in England when the generous support of an anonymous individual
who donated £260k to Youth Music enabled them to set up the two Welsh Action Zones. Due to the way their funding reaches them
(via Arts Council England) Youth Music’s Lottery money can only be spent in England.
Guests at the Welsh music forum heard from the directors of both YMAZs about their plans for the future and the challenges
and successes of working in two such diverse areas. There was also the opportunity to hear more about the work of Youth Music.
July 2003
Ynys Môn Ardal Swnllyd (YMAS), launched in July 2003, enables the children and young people of Anglesey to take in part in
musical activities in a unique and exciting way. The aim is to reach those young people who might not otherwise have the opportunity.
YMAS was the first Youth Music Action Zone to be launched in Wales but the 21st Youth Music Action Zone to be established
by the Lottery funded charity.
The Ynys Môn Zone brings together Anglesey County Council’s Department of Education and Leisure, Theatr Ieuenctid Môn (TIM),
the Education Advisory Service and the School’s Music Service, who between them have attracted £165k of funding.
The money is spent on six exciting musical projects running over a two year period, including Miri Meithrin, a project for
pre-school age children, gospel singing, a rock project called Soundbox, a music club for children with special needs, a composing
project and TIM’s mobile performance unit ‘On the Road’, promoting music-making in local communities.
John Rees Thomas, Head of Service: Lifelong Learning and Information, Isle of Anglesey County Council, comments: “This is a wonderful opportunity for us to provide a diverse range of new and exciting musical experiences for the children
and young people of the Island. Theatr Ieuenctid Môn has formulated an appealing and interesting programme of high quality
musical activities. We are extremely grateful to Youth Music for their enthusiastic and professional support throughout, and
of course it is a pleasure to acknowledge the generosity and vision of the anonymous donor which has made all this possible.”
Ynys Môn Ardal Swnllyd
Anglesey Youth Music Action Zone
June 2004
Yo!Maz, in Merthyr, was the second Youth Music Action Zone to be launched in Wales. Free taster sessions in the main shopping
centre marked the official launch of Yo!Maz in June 2004. Local young people were encouraged to try their hand at musical
activities including DJing and drumming as an introduction to the new Zone. The local radio station, Valleys Radio, was broadcasting
live from the event throughout the day. Special guest was Lord Rowlands, former Labour MP for Merthyr.
It was a great idea to have the launch in such a public place as it really helped to raise the profile of Yo!Maz in the community.
Young people were queuing up to take their turn on the instruments and many of them came back repeatedly throughout the day
which is indicative of local interest in music-making.
"The day was a great success with many children of all ages enjoying the freedom and self-expression that was available to
them. Music is a critical factor in the growth of children and the project will assist in these needs," said Sharon Harris, Yo!Maz coordinator.
Youth Music set up the YMAZs with the advice of the Welsh Arts Council. Both YMAZs have captured the imagination of young
people, many of whom are completely new to music-making. The impact on their communities has exceeded all expectations. Youth
Music would now like to hear local views on the potential for similar initiatives elsewhere in Wales and the need to secure
the future of this invaluable work.
Yo!Maz
Merthyr Tydfil Youth Music Action Zone
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