Run by the national charity, 4Children with support from Youth Music, the programme is aimed at children aged 4-14, especially those living in disadvantaged areas, who have had little access to music making opportunities. Through creative and informal workshops, led by experienced musicians, children learn about music styles, instruments and cultures of music, whilst developing essential life skills.

Quarterjack has been open to local children for four years and this is the first year that they have taken part in the innovative Come and Play programme. The club has been working with musicians from the Canned Performance Company over the past eight weeks during the programme. Nicola Fulker from the Canned Performance Company said, “Come and Play gives children access to instruments that they would not normally have discovered. It also provides the chance for those who are already interested in music, to show their talents and join in with their friends”.

Quarterjack playworker, Deborah McCure said, “Come and Play has given all the children a fantastic opportunity to play music. It has been superb for the club as everyone has got involved, even the quietest children and it really has brought the whole club together. The musicians have been inspirational and we hope to continue Come and Play in the future”.

Chris aged twelve said, “It is really good to get the chance to try new instruments. I loved playing the keyboard because of all the different songs you can play!”

Peter Garden, Head of Programmes at 4Children, said, “The Come and Play initiative provides a great chance to explore their creativity and engage with fun music making outside of the school curriculum. Come and Play is now in its second year and we are really pleased that it has been extended to include Dorset, reaching even more children.”

Children from Quarterjack had an opportunity to showcase their talents by taking part in ‘performance day’ with other out of school and holiday clubs across Dorset at Wimbourne First School. Parents and families were invited to attend the event and enjoy the new found musical talents of the local children.

“Come and Play has been a positive experience for the children and a great chance for them to take part in a special ‘performance day’. We probably won’t have any future Nigel Kennedy’s or Vanessa Mae’s but we will have a lot of budding musicians which is much more important. The Come and Play initiative has added another string to the bows of our playworkers and has been enjoyed by all”, added Deborah McClure.

For further information contact the Media Team at 4Children on 020 7512 2112.

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