THE work of young Teesdale musicians before and during lockdown has been recognised.
Kirsty McLachlan, Joe Sammut and William Clerk, all members of the folk arts organisation Music at the Heart of Teesdale M@HoT, have received Arts Award qualifications from Trinity College, London. The Arts Awards, a nationally recognised range of qualifications that supportthe under 25s, aim to inspire people to take part in the wider arts world through a variety of challenges. These included attending music workshops and cultural events, interviewing artists and volunteering at arts venues.
Kirsty also led a team to plan and deliver an acoustic open mic night in Boldron.
She gained a gold level award while Joe and William both received bronze awards.
Rupert Philbrick, project co-ordinator at M@HoT, said: “William had actually completed all the work towards his award in late 2019, before he was old enough to do so. Then Covid-19 lockdown hit the UK. This meant Joe and Kirsty had some significant hurdles to navigate in trying to fulfil the requirements of the qualification while bubbled with their families.”
Support by Trinity College, and with guidance from M@HoT volunteer and Arts Award facilitator Jill McLachlan, both were able to finish the project.
Mr Philbrick added: “The award helps to qualify the huge amounts of time and effort that the young people put into their hobbies and extra-curricular activities, and builds on the existing offer that Cream Tees and M@HoT makes for young people in the area.” Mrs McLachlan said: “As a parent, the Art Award afforded structure and purpose during lockdown, which was beneficial for mental health.”
As well as developing skills, the award also provides UCAS points. Meanwhile, folk music group Cream Tees have also been able to return to the workshop spaces at TCR Hub for the first time since lockdown in March.
The Thursday afternoon sessions are run in a socially-distanced and Covid-secure way and the group are working closely with The Hub to ensure delivery can continue.
The group delivers a rolling programme of music workshops and additional activities and welcomes beginners.
Visit mathot.co.uk or contact Rupert Philbrick on 07926 076187 or email info@mathot.co.uk.
