The Trumberbone Street Band led by Oi Musica is a targeted project for up to 20 care experienced children and young carers in East Lothian.
Twenty young people from P5-S2 across East Lothian, who are either Young Carers or Care Experienced, have been brought together for this project, funded by Youth Music Initiative (YMI) and managed by East Lothian Council’s Arts Service in partnership with The Promise, Education and Connected Communities teams.
Alongside developing basic technical ability on street band instruments, participants are supported to develop their skills in listening, teamwork, how to support each other to learn, and how to contribute to a group creative process. The aim is to build self-confidence and esteem, with the opportunity to perform on a public stage integral to the outcomes of the project, giving young people a chance to shine.
The performance outside the Scottish Parliament is the culmination of this project, giving the group a performance opportunity as well as raising awareness of the project and intended outcomes.
Marie Prior, Co-ordinator, Young Carers, said:
“The Carers (Scotland) Act 2018 requires local authorities to provide carers with breaks from caring opportunities. Trumberbone is a fantastic opportunity for young carers to have a break from caring, learn new skills, increase their confidence and meet new friends.”
Kari-Ann Johnston, East Lothian Council’s Lead Officer - The Promise, said:
“East Lothian Council’s Arts Service is keeping the promise to local children by providing a targeted musical opportunity to care experienced children and young carers.
"The Trumberbone Carnival Street Band plays a crucial role in empowering care experience children and young carers in several ways: by embracing the principles outlined in Article 31 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (Scotland) Act 2024 and the Promise, this musical opportunity provides a platform for care experience children and young carers to express themselves, build confidence, and experience the joy of playing and connecting.”
Youth Music Initiative (YMI) is a national programme which funds accessible music making opportunities from ages 0 - 25. East Lothian Council’s YMI team is based within the Arts Service, placing over 18 free music projects in local schools each year, also working alongside the Instrumental Music Service and music specialists.
Colin McGinn, East Lothian Council’s Cabinet Spokesperson for Community Wellbeing, said:
“Since it was launched in 2003, YMI has provided free music making opportunities for children and young people who may not have had access to playing an instrument, singing, or joining a band.
"From carnival street bands, to body percussion sessions, singing groups in each East Lothian school cluster, early years stories and rhymes, African dance, and Scots tin whistle, the team’s aim is to bring accessible music making into the heart of the curriculum. Music making plays a vital role in supporting young people’s mental health and wellbeing as well as their learning in school.”
Colin Beattie MSP for Midlothian North and Musselburgh sponsored the project’s performance outside the Scottish Parliament. He said:
"The Trumberbone Street Band project serves as an inspiration to us all and we are delighted that they are visiting the Scottish Parliament. This project, which is exclusively for Care Experienced Young People and Young Carers is helping towards delivering the Promise in Scotland.
"The success of the Trumberbone Street Band initiative serves as a testament to the importance of investing in the arts, youth, and community partnerships. Music has the power to create bonds between individuals who may have faced unique challenges in their lives and we are immensely proud of the dedication and talent displayed by these young participants."
Youth Music Initiative (YMI)
YMI is a Scottish Government funded music programme administered through Creative Scotland. East Lothian Council’s YMI team is within the Arts Service and offers a high quality and diverse programme of circa 18 music projects per year that offer opportunities for music making and learning through music. The programme works in partnership with internal and external services, arts organisations and artists to maximise impact and linkage to the needs of young people. www.eastlothian.gov.uk/arts
Oi Musica
Founded in 2011 to deliver music projects with social benefit, Oi Musica became a Community Interest Company in 2018. They are an ambitious, artist-led organisation based in Edinburgh. Their mission is to broaden perceptions of what music is for, where it should be performed and who gets to play it. Oi Musica aims to raise the profile of street band music in Scotland and across the UK - an exciting access route into music and a powerful art form. Marcus Britton, founder, is the lead brass tutor on the Trumberbone project.
Where’s the One?
Mat Clements is the lead drumming and percussion tutor on the Trumberbone project. He is a musician, educator and performer who has independently run his own music company since 1998.
The Promise
The Promise Scotland is an organisation that exists to support Scotland in keeping its promise to care experienced people. The promise is that Scotland's children and young people will grow up loved, safe and respected. To keep it, Scotland must bring about the change demanded by its Independent Care Review. Keeping the promise means implementing all of its conclusions in full.
When its findings were published in 2020, Scotland's then First Minister pledged that the country would #KeepThePromise, and that commitment got the support of all the Scottish Parliament's political parties.
Young Carers Action Day
Young Carers Action Day is Wednesday 13 March 2024. Find out more.