Hundreds of educators and musicians descended upon a Renfrewshire town recently for a celebration to mark a special anniversary for an initiative that has seen hundreds of thousands of young people across Scotland learn how to make music.
Johnstone played host to the Youth Music Initiative (YMI) 20th anniversary event last Thursday which welcomed more than 200 teachers, practitioners, community projects and young musicians to the town hall to participate in a day of musical performances and discussions about music education.
Launched in 2003 through Creative Scotland and funded by the Scottish Government, YMI aims to break down the barriers to music making by offering free access to children and young people across Scotland.
Over the last 20 years, the music education programme has increased participation from 60,000 to 360,000 young people per year.
In March 2022, the programme kicked-off a year of celebrations to mark this significant milestone with the focus on telling the stories of the children and young people who have benefited from the programme since it began.
Hosting the event, YMI manager Morag Macdonald said: “A key aim of this event is to pay tribute to those who make it all happen and celebrate the achievements of the last 20 years while looking firmly into the future of this essential initiative.
“Donna Maciocia who was part of the event summed it up wonderfully when she spoke of the programme’s ability to support projects that ‘combat loneliness, social isolation, and mental health issues, build self-esteem, provide so many life-affirming, warm and fuzzy, teary joyful moments’ and through this ‘creating opportunities for participants to feel truly heard for the first time in their lives’.”
The day was made up of panel sessions from Scotland’s youth music community, exploring personal stories and the national picture, with speakers from YMI funded initiatives including National Youth Pipe Band of Scotland, Reeltime Music and Ando Glaso, and speakers from across the industry including musician, educator and activist, Dr Diljeet Kaur Bhachu.
One of those to perform at the event, was Astroknot - a young Edinburgh rapper who engaged with the project after his support workers in the care system encouraged him to take part in more positive projects. His life was going in a dark direction through substance abuse, but through music he found an outlet that enabled him to head down a brighter path.
The event also invited guests to enjoy a day of musical exploration, through a series of breakout spaces where they could Come and Watch young performers, Come and Hear from inspiring projects and Come and Try cutting-edge equipment.
Culture Minister Neil Gray, who gave the closing speech, said: “Over the years YMI has delivered an impressive record of achievements. I’m particularly proud of the organisation’s engagement with under-represented groups of children and young people who might not otherwise have the opportunity to take part in making music. It is well-documented that participation in creative activities from a young age inspires and motivates our children, boosting their wellbeing and attainment.
“As we set out in the Scottish Government’s Culture Strategy, we want children and young people, no matter who they are or where they come from, to experience the transformative power of culture and YMI helps us to bring that ambition to life.”
Johnstone High School and members of the Renfrewshire Youth Pipe Band brought the event to a close, playing a vibrant rendition of Ozzy Osbornes “Crazy Train”.
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