Abram Wilson Foundation for Creative Arts: The Open Fund for Organisations
For:
Abram Wilson Foundation & Church of Sound Present Sunday School
A unique collaboration between the Abram Wilson Foundation, award winning jazz promoters, Church of Sound and emerging Afrobeat jazz group, Kokoroko.
Kokoroko taught 14 selected students from Mossbourne Community Academy new original music composed by Kokoroko using the West African tradition of composing and learning by ear. Students were then supported to compose their own material which culminated in a professional performance at the established Church of Sound on 9th Nov, which was attended by approx. 200 members of the school, family members and the wider community.
The project measured changes in artistic skills and soft skills; which were assessed by workshop leaders, school teachers and self-assessment by the young people. It also measured enjoyment of music by the young people. This results showed a dramatic improvement in all artistic skills, particularly improvisation and playing by ear. 100% of students liked playing an instrument or singing more as a result of taking part in the project.
Furthermore, all musicians/ workshop leaders developed their understanding of their audience and how people engage with their music.
In addition to Kokoroko composing new music, the composition of three pieces of original music by the students was also a highlight. During one full day of workshops during half-term, Kokoroko supported the students to develop three individual pieces. One was then chosen to be developed into a full piece and performed by the whole group on 9th November.
“Some days are better than others, this was a special one for so many of us…The vibe was absolutely electric, laughter with one breath and tears with the next.” – Spencer Martin, Church of Sound
“Future Sound was one of our most successful and uplifting projects. We’re hugely grateful to Mossbourne Community Academy, Kokoroko and Church of Sound for their commitment and to Arts Council England and PRS Foundation for their support. Most importantly the young students were a total inspiration and it was a joy to see them grow in both musical ability and confidence.” – Jennie Cashman Wilson, AWF
MEDIA: Interview with Jennie Cashman Wilson and Shelia Maurice-Grey on Worldwide FM (Daily Show with Tina Edwards on 29.10.18) https://worldwidefm.net/show/ww-dail
The Abram Wilson Foundation is one of PRS Foundation’s recipients of the David Bedford Music Education Award in 2018.
The David Bedford Music Education Award is given four times a year by PRS for Music Foundation to exceptional education projects involving composers and new music which they have funded. You can read about the most recent David Bedford Music Education Award recipients here.
The Abram Wilson Foundation said,
“We are thrilled that the trustees of the PRS Foundation have awarded our Sunday School project a David Bedford Music Education Award. We’re really looking forward to collaborating with Church of Sound and Kokoroko, using Sunday School to create stronger roots in the local community of Hackney. At the same time, Sunday School will provide the band members of Kokoroko a unique opportunity to compose new music while also giving back to the next generation. Big thanks to the PRS Foundation for recognising this and for choosing to fund and highlight this very exciting new project!”