East Riding’s Musical Talent Celebrated In Online Performance

130 young musicians across East Riding are to feature in Big Play – a live-streamed performance taking place on Tuesday 10 November which will be watched by schools across the county from their classrooms. Friends and family are also invited to tune in from home or enjoy viewing later on catch-up.

The individual performances were recorded by the young players, plus staff and alumni from East Riding Schools’ Music Service, from their homes during lockdown earlier this year. Youth music charity NYMAZ has created this special combined performance which will give local talent an opportunity to play together again.

Playing Tequila – the famous 1958 Mexican-flavoured rock and roll hit (but with a local twist)- the broadcast will showcase the skills of the county’s young musicians alongside the Leeds-based band, Back Chat Brass. A live Q&A session with the band and representatives from the Music Service will follow with schools encouraged to send questions to info@nymaz.org.uk or tweet @NYMAZmusic.

Peter Walker, Deputy Head of East Riding Schools’ Music Service said;

“This performance kicks off a series of online ensembles. We are really excited about everybody meeting up once again – albeit in a virtual sense – to make music. And we can’t wait for more young musicians to get involved.”

The performance includes a number of ensembles and players from the East Riding Music Centre including the East Riding Youth Orchestra, East Riding Junior Wind Band, Fusion Choir, East Riding Jazz Orchestra, Youth Singers and many more (see notes to editors).

NYMAZ is a Yorkshire-based youth music charity which uses online technology to give young people greater access to musical tuition and concerts. Its Director, Sarah McWatt, explains:

“Our digital music programme was originally designed to ensure young people living in remote and rural locations had opportunities to make and enjoy music. However, in the face of Covid -19, our live broadcasts have meant that young people, no matter where they live, can benefit and enjoy music safely. This celebration of East Riding’s musical talent will be hugely inspiring for other young people who we hope will be encouraged to get involved in future musical activities.”

The full programme of previous live music broadcasts, each with free educational resources, is available to watch at https://connectresound.live/cr-player/

NYMAZ’s programme of online events is made possible thanks to support from Mayfield Valley Arts Trust, Paul Hamlyn Foundation, Youth Music, Foyle Foundation and Music for All.