Hull’s Albemarle Music Centre is opening its doors as part of a UK first to encourage children to pick up and play their first musical instrument on Saturday 4 February.
Hull Music Service, lead partner for Hull and NE Lincs Music hubs and based at the Ferensway venue, has teamed up with Yamaha to give the city’s young people a rare opportunity to try their hand at a wide range of instruments – all free of charge.
MusicHull! A Music Open Day has been chosen as just one of three events nationally to benefit from the Yamaha-supported day at which children of school age can try their hand at brass, woodwind, percussion and even DJ equipment under the guidance of experts from professional performers.
Louis Dowdeswell, a trumpeter and music producer who has performed alongside the likes of Michael Buble and Peter Andre, and saxophone sensation Ellie Sax, best known for her Ibiza residencies, will be on hand to introduce children to their instruments. They will also perform during the course of the day, as will DJ LBW and members of the Royal Marines Band.
James Dickinson, head of Hull Music Service, said: “Whether your child dreams of becoming the next international music star or you know of a young person who would simply like to find out more about an instrument, Hull Music Hub is a great place to start.
“We are delighted that Yamaha chose Hull as one of its pilot cities for the project and we can’t wait to deliver this free session to give children their very first taste of the creativity, teamwork and focus that playing an instrument can provide.
“Hull Music Hub works tirelessly to get children into music and encourage their continued participation as they get older. Having international musicians joining us is really exciting for the hub and we can’t wait to work alongside them to get the next generation trying an instrument for the first time.”
Jeremy Smith, communication and brand expert at Yamaha said: “We exist to support all levels of player from those picking up an instrument for the first time to world-renowned musicians embarking on their next world tour.
“However long you’ve been making music, it’s a social force that brings people together, to dance, sing, cheer and share good times. Over half of parents whose children are learning an instrument believe it has helped their children with other skills like creative thinking, boosting confidence and encouraging perseverance and patience.”
The programme of free workshops and performances will take place between 10am and 3pm on Saturday 4 February, and will begin with a live performance by the Royal Marines Band outside the Albemarle Music Centre.
All children are welcome and must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
