Sonic [dB] - an innovative music technology training project aimed at the rehabilitation of young offenders in Staffordshire has gained the attention of Radio 1 DJ Tim Westwood with the announcement that he has become the project's Patron.

Tim Westwood called into Stafford's Shire Hall Gallery earlier this week for a special event featuring a series of dynamic presentations to celebrate the work of Sonic [dB].

Sonic [dB], a partnership project between Staffordshire Arts and Museum Service and Make Some Noise (a Youth Music Action Zone) is jointly funded by Arts Council England, West Midlands.  It has been working closely with a number of Youth Offending Institutions in the county over the past two years, offering a variety of opportunities within the industry from music composition and performance through to production and management.

The project has been working well, with positive outcomes around team work, skills development and creativity evident: 

A powerful music DVD/CD entitled ‘Change the Way' - the result of a rigorous week of hard work and commitment by a group of young men aged between 18-25 from HMPYOI Swinfen Hall near Lichfield received national airplay earlier in March on Tim Westwood's show and in `New Music We Trust'.  The young men involved worked intensively creating lyrics, beats, melody, storyboards, performances and recordings.

Tim said: "This is as good as many records out there; it's the sound of the street. These guys have done something different by challenging this way of life, good luck to them."

He adds about becoming Sonic [dB] Patron: "I'm very proud to be associated with such an important project.  Music is such a powerful force in people's lives that it can bring out the positive and provide opportunities for young disadvantaged people"

County Councillor Maureen Compton, Cabinet Support Member for Culture and Heritage said: "We are delighted to welcome Tim Westwood as Sonic [dB] Patron.  Through this project, young people involved are gaining creative, technical and industry skills which will be relevant to them upon their release.  It's also about making sure that they know where to go to carry on making or studying music and music technology upon their release."

For more information about Sonic [dB] or to hear `Change the Way' please visit: www.sonicdb.co.uk

For further information please contact:
Steph Newport, Publicity Manager
T: 01785 278576
E: steph.newport@staffordshire.gov.uk

Nigel Singh, Head of Staffordshire Arts and Museum Service
T: 01889 881388
E: nigel.singh@staffordshire.gov.uk

Clare Smith, Sonic [dB] Co-ordinator
T: 021 4491215
E: info@sonicdb.co.uk

-Ends-

_{Notes to Editors}

_{Background: The Sonic [dB] training package, tailored to each YOI allows a variety of skills to be accessed and includes elements such as music production software, sound recording, DJ skills and music industry awareness.}

_{www.sonicdb.co.uk}

_{1. Make Some Noise (est. Sept 2001) is one of 23 Youth Music Action Zones across the UK, providing music-making activities to young people, between 0 - 18 years, who might not otherwise have the opportunity. Make Some Noise is managed by a consortium of organisations including Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent LEAs, New Vic Theatre, Planet Sound Community Arts & Stoke-on-Trent Theatres. More information is available at www.make-some-noise.com}

_{2. Youth Music is a UK-wide charity that funds and facilitates music-making for young people up to the age of 18, particularly those living in areas of social and economic need. By 2010, Youth Music aims to have reached 3 million children and young people in a UK-wide strategy to support youth music-making. More information is available at www.youthmusic.org.uk}

_{3. Since December 2000, Youth Music has set up 24 Action Zones in areas of social and economic need across England and 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}