The Yorkshire region has a rich musical history from the Arctic Monkeys to the Minster Choir, film composer John Barry to the National Centre for Early Music. But like many people and organisations, Richard Shephard Music Foundation is concerned how to make sure that we are cultivating the next generation of diverse musicians. That the region’s young people not only listen to music, but are inspired to create music as well.
Working via partnerships with funders, charities, the music sector, schools, and inspiring music teachers, over the past three years, since the death of composer Dr Richard Shephard, the Foundation has been working hard to make sure over 6,000 primary school children receive a subsidised weekly music lesson – particularly those who traditionally face the most barriers to studying music.
On 21 June 2024, their annual music day in York will bring together over 300 of those schoolchildren (from York, North Yorkshire and the North East) to a school trip with a difference – a day of inspiring music making, playing instruments old and new, singing their hearts out, and in the purpose-built Creative Centre at York St John University. As well as an inspiring day for young people, the event will give the Foundation’s supporters a glimpse of what the Foundation has done since it was created in 2021.
The event is part of the UK Make Music Day, the UK’s largest single-day music festival, encouraging musicians, producers, promoters and music lovers to collaborate and organise in-person and online performances in and for their communities. Since beginning as Fête de la Musique in France in 1982, Make Music Day has grown into a global phenomenon that takes place annually in 125 countries, always on 21 June. Solo performers, groups and music creators of all types are invited to take part, regardless of age, ability or musical genre. Find out more at the Make Music Day website.
Find out more about the Richard Shephard Music Foundation from its website.
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