Virtual music festival is giving Doncaster children a creative outlet

The Doncaster Music Service team decided to set up a virtual music festival for Doncasters young musicians at the start of lockdown.

Paul Davies, manager of the music hub, said: “The Don Valley and The Robin Hood music festivals were canceled which was a shame as many of our young musicians were scheduled to play in them.

“We decided to set something up online to engage young people in music during an uncertain time and hopefully give them something to focus on.”

Musicians can pick any piece of music they want and record themselves playing or singing and submit it to the online festival.

The festival is not a competition and anyone who takes part will get a certificate of participation.

Teachers and musicians will give them feedback and notes on their performance.

Paul said: “We have had a really great range of submissions.

“We’ve had singers, violins, brass, and woodwinds.

“Even a few duets with siblings who both play a musical instrument.”

Paul believes that music is really important for children at the moment and that it has a positive impact on their health and wellbeing.

He said: “I hope moving forward we can use music to engage and stimulate young children.

“Music is a great leveler.

“There are no barriers such as race or ethnicity.

“Young people need a focus to get through this time and music helps children become people.

“Music is often seen as second best to STEM in schools but with the new Ofsted criteria there is going to be a lot more creativity in the curriculum when children return.”

The music service has also uploaded resources to their website including exam piece help and online tutorials.

They have been working with Doncaster schools to get as many children involved as possible.

The Doncaster Music Service has been in operation since 1932.

You can watch the virtual festival on the music service’s website here.

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