Chilling out with the Killyleagh Community Music Group - November 2023 on the Down about Down Podcast

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Chilling out with Killyleagh Community Music Group

The Sir Hans Sloane Centre, located at 23 High Street, Killyleagh, is the setting once again for the Killyleagh Community Music Group. Professional musicians from Killyleagh, Neil Foster and Paddy Anderson, are the project facilitators for the six weekly sessions, held on a Tuesday night at 6pm.

The funding for the project has been provided by the Community Relations Council.

Chris visited the group on week two of the weekly sessions and spoke to Neil, Paddy, participants and parents about their experiences to date.

One of those parents present, Helena, was asked by Chris about her view of the evening session. “It was really engaging. Arthur seemed to have a really good time and got to play a vast variety of instruments that we wouldn’t get to play anywhere else. We had a really good time and everybody was really friendly.”

Acoustic and electric guitars, African drums, tambourines, keyboard, harp and a variety of percussion instruments were available to try out throughout the evening, in the form of a “jamming” session. The formality of music lessons is not on the agenda here.

“There is no sense of wrong notes here,” Neil explained. “You leave that space, take off the pressure, and give everyone time.”

Neil, a professional musician and composer, is also a trained music therapist. He understands the need to explore music freely and build confidence in a non-pressurised environment. “This is a different space to interact with your child and other mums, dads and other kids. I think it really takes pressure off different corners of life.”

Paddy, an accomplished professional flamenco guitarist, teacher and composer, has found that the group is a positive experience for him. “This is brilliant for me because it is a beautiful way of looking at music and what music is.” He believes both Neal and himself have a similar philosophy and that music is there to enjoy, promote wellbeing and expression. “The goal is to see a smile on the face of a child that is communicating with music. Their face lights up,” Paddy told Chris.

One of the participants added, “I used to find music lessons quite stressful, but this is more relaxed. It really encourages you to learn more when you really enjoyed it.”

Neil and Paddy encourages anyone who has an interest in joining the group to call into the Sir Hans Sloane Centre to call in, have a look and have a go! Week three of the six week course was held on Tuesday 21st November.