PAS Talent Development Programme
2015/16
The focus of the new Coventry Performing Arts Service Talent Development Programme is to inspire and develop as many able students in Music and the Arts from the city of Coventry as possible. This programme takes the form of financial contributions to instrumental lessons, workshops with professional artists, tickets to concerts in world renowned venues and chances to see how the world of performing arts really works.
The funding for the scheme will be broken down into different units of experiences that will cater for the most gifted and talented students around the city whether they are KS1, year 13, a grade 8 cellist or a rock guitar player.
We have been able to create and offer this exciting programme with the generous support of the Trustees of the Sir Charles Barratt Memorial Foundation.
"The Advancement Of Education By Providing Scholarships, Exhibitions, Bursaries, Fees And Allowances For Persons Who Shall Be Residing In The City Of Coventry Or Receiving Full-Time Education At A School Or Establishment Of Further Education In Coventry To Enable Them To Pursue Or Extend Their Musical Education Either In Great Britain Or Overseas."
The Sir Charles Barratt Memorial Foundation will support the following aspects of this programme:
· Young Performer Development Programme (Secondary)
· Interactive Music Workshops (Primary)
· Rock/Pop/Musical Theatre Experience
All Age Tuition Support Scheme
A contribution of £10 per lesson towards a pupil’s tuition will be made during the year. This will total £340 pounds for the year. Schools will be encouraged to contribute the rest of the lesson price so that it is cost neutral to the parents.
So that this part of the scheme is viable, the support will be limited to 15 students who will be means tested to ensure that the funds are being used in the most effective way.
Students will be selected by application form which will request details of annual net household income and if the family is in receipt of any state benefits.
Young Performer Development Programme (Secondary)
The aim of this project is to provide highly talented students an inspirational ‘bridge’ between their studies and the professional world of the performing arts.
It will offer opportunities for pupils to gain a real insight into the working lives of professional musicians/performer and the spaces that the work in – theatres, rehearsal rooms and studios.
The project will offer a chance for talented pupils to undertake workshops, performance opportunities and behind the scenes insights. This project will also offer the unique chance to attend a concert/performance most likely including their workshop/master class leaders.
The project will offer two linked experiences:
CBSO Adopt a Player Programme
This part of the programme links our most able performers up with performers from the CBSO to create a performance piece that is inspired by something from the orchestra’s repertoire. There will be four half day creative workshops led by two CBSO musicians leading towards a sharing event for parents and teachers of what the students have created. These will be held in Coventry. The final part of this experience will be the students attending a performance of the selected piece where their CBSO leader will be playing in the concert and will greet them on arrival. This opportunity should help inspire the pupils by getting them involved with professional musicians and stretching their creative and technical skills. We will be investigating adding a dance artist to the workshop delivery so that we can make the sessions accessible across the performing arts.
This will be aimed at our upper ability students in secondary education and grade 4 and above (and dance students as appropriate – this will be assessed by PAS teachers).
Birmingham Royal Ballet Discovery Day
Participants will explore the story, themes and characters of a particular ballet through creative music and mime/movement workshops. In addition, they will have the opportunity to go backstage, tour the orchestra pit and see the awe-inspiring sets, props and costumes meet musicians, dancers, set and costume staff. At the end of the day pupils will watch the chosen ballet. This day would include both music and dance students on the Talent Development Programme and will really give the feel of the collaborative nature of a ballet production.
This will be aimed at our upper ability student in secondary education and grade 4 and above (dance students will be assessed by teachers).
Interactive Music Workshops (Primary)
For our primary school pupils we will organise four half day music workshops where musicians come to teach, perform and work with our gifted and talented students. This could be with musicians from the CBSO, Birmingham conservatoire, Warwick Arts Centre or artists from the West Midlands region. This will give our younger pupils the opportunity to work with inspirational people. We would offer the opportunity for younger pupils to see a concert by the Coventry and Warwickshire Youth Orchestra in order to develop their aspirations and inspire them for their future musical progression.
Rock/Pop/Musical Theatre Experience
So that we include all types and genres of music and performance there will also be opportunity for pupils to experience more mainstream/popular music and dance.
We anticipate being able to offer some workshops or attendance to a performance in line with musical theatre, rock and pop bands.
This is important as we need to offer a wide experience to inspire our pupils and to help all pupils from all music and performance backgrounds.
Selection and Development of the Programme
Pupils will be selected through an application process which will include an assessment of their skills. There will be no age restriction for applications and everyone can apply as long as they are still in full time school education. The successful applicants will be expected to take part in all projects applicable to their age and development. This is in order that we continue to develop our young artists and encourage them to gain knowledge and appreciation of a wide selection of genres and performance styles. Pupils will be expected to document their journey and demonstrate their responses to the experiences throughout the year.
The project as a whole will be evaluated by the participants and PAS staff throughout the year so it can be reviewed and adjusted for the next academic year.
PAS Talent Development Scheme – Staff:
· David Taylor – Teaching and Learning Leader PAS
· Alexis Haines – Teaching and Learning Leader PAS