Rhythm is fundamental to all human beings with their own individual pulse. Listening and responding to that individual pulse is an essential skill when working with young people of mixed abilities. Group work brings together a common pulse which encourages the individual to feel part of a whole.
Sounds Out Loud is a project that meets the core of each student through sensitive musical interaction. Through the use of musical elements such as tempi and dynamics, the leader meets the young participant, incorporating it into a whole sound. Rhythmic work has been found to motivate the person beyond what is possible on a day-to-day basis. It urges the young student to participate, enjoy and sound out.
The Sounds Out Loud series works with young people with different abilities and their caregivers to discover valuable creative tools for self-development. Music therapist Rosetta Debattista, Senegalese musician and peace-maker Mousse Ndiaye and the San Miguel Primary Education Resource Centre collaborate on this innovative programme that uses the sound of the djembe to elicit powerful community sounds and rhythms.
Over the course of three years, Sounds Out Loud has expanded its outreach, offering its resources to diverse communities; the project also acts as a platform for local percussionists to expand their skills. As part of our European Capital of Culture celebrations, Mousse Ndiaye will lead a final collaborative performance by participants and professional percussionists.
Music therapist Rosetta Debattista leads this three-year project working alongside local percussionists with children and young people of different abilities.
The project is mentored by Senegalese drummer and djembe player, Moussé Ndiaye.
Currently workshops are taking place at:
- San Miguel Resource Centre
- Dun Manoel Attard Resource Centre
- Alternative Learning Programme
- Paolo Freire Institute
Preparations are underway for the arrival of Mousse Gueye Ndiaye and two accompanying artists between 10 and 20 April 2018.
A semi-final concert will be held on 19th April 2018 at 16:00hrs specifically for Paolo Freire Institute children.
The final concert will be held on 20th April 2018 at 11:00hrs at MSM with the participation of:
- San Miguel Resource Centre
- Dun Manoel Attard Resource Centre
- Alternative Learning Programme
Local Artists accompanying the project on different levels include Michael Vella Zarb, Jess Rymer, Dorian Mallia, Rachel Calleja, Diane Portelli. Maria Elena Farrugia, Benji Cachia and Luke Baldacchino.