This summer, 12 proud students graduated from the Music Leadership in the Community Course delivered by Big About Music and The University of Northampton.

To complete the course, students took part in 11 day-long sessions delivered between September 2005 and June 2006. It carried 20 HE credits, focussed on the development of music leaders’ reflective practice. Certificates were presented by Sound Sense Director,  Kathryne Deane, who was also one of the guest lecturers on the course.

“This course is just part of the way that we are contributing to the Workforce Development aim of our primary funder, Youth Music” said Big About Music Director, Dave Howard.  BAM, which is also funded by Northamptonshire County Council, Corby Borough Council, Kettering Borough Council and commercial sponsors Corus, is delivering NVQ level 3 training to its team of 11 full-time Music Leaders. “Workforce development is key to our future life as the Northamptonshire community music organisation and we’re investing both time and money in the people that do the work.”

For further information about Big About Music, which delivers the Corby and Kettering Youth Music Action Zone
T: 01536 446391
E: info@bigaboutmusic.org.

For press/marketing enquiries please contact Natalie Newby Big About Music Project and Marketing Manager
T: 01536 446399 / 07921492834
E: natalie@bigaboutmusic.org

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Notes to Editors:

1. About Big About Music (BAM) is one of 24 Youth Music Action Zones in England and Wales providing music-making activities to young people who might not otherwise have the opportunity. BAM will run until March 2007 and is led by a steering group of experienced local partners who deliver strands of musical activity throughout the project. In addition to Youth Music, BAM is funded by Northamptonshire County Council,  Corby and Kettering Borough Councils and corporate sponsors Corus.

2. Youth Music funds and facilitates music-making for young people up to the age of 18, particularly those living in areas of social and economic need. It is a national charity set up in 1999 with National Lottery money provided through Arts Council England. By the end of 2006, Youth Music aims to have reached more than 3 million young people and their wider communities in a nationwide strategy to support youth music making. More information is available at www.youthmusic.org.uk

2. Since December 2000, Youth Music has invested £15m in setting up 22 Action Zones in areas of social and economic need across England. There are now a further two Zones in Wales. The aim is to provide music-making activities to young people who might not otherwise have the opportunity. Each Zone is made up of established organisations from the public, voluntary and private sector. Youth Music Action Zones cover all genres of music and deliver a wide range of activities including workshops, rehearsals, performances, one-to-one teaching and mentoring. More information is available at www.youthmusic.org.uk