8th March 2012

LYME REGIS: B Sharp going from strength to strength

LYME Regis based youth music group, B Sharp, is going from strength to strength according to a recent organisational review.

The group was given funding by the Arts Council England and West Dorset District Council to take a good look at what it has been doing in recent years so that it can build on its strengths and improve its service for young people in the local area.

B Sharp works with young people to improve their lives through music and art. It has pioneered a music and leadership progression route using a peer mentoring and trainee scheme, where different ages and abilities are mixed and play music together. Young people can start from scratch and learn how to support their peers and eventually lead workshops. They have individual learning plans and portfolios so they can realise their potential and keep track of their progress.

The group has worked closely with local schools, community organisations and young people to shape what it does, and is integrating itself into the national music education plan by developing work in partnership with the Dorset and Devon Music Services and Music Hubs across the region.

It is also linking its work to nationally recognised accreditations, such as Arts Mark, and signposting young people who want to be involved in the music industry to opportunities beyond B Sharp.

Speaking of the recent organisational review, chairman Ayvin Rogers said: “It’s been very useful to have this in depth examination of our organisation. B Sharp has only existed since 2007 and in a short time we have done some amazing things.

“B Sharp has always looked outwards and sought creative partnerships to develop opportunities and extend its offer. For example, we are currently bringing together more than 300 young singers from the East Devon and West Dorset for a new choral work ‘On Golden Cap’, inspired by our recent ‘Hear Here’ project. They will perform this at Weymouth’s opening ceremony for the sailing events in this year’s London Olympics and at The Lighthouse, Poole Centre for The Arts. Other B Sharp highlights include performances and workshops for UNESCO and the iconic Eden Project in Cornwall.

“People have been surprised that such a small organisation can achieve so much. Our reputation has led major arts organisations to think we are a big player with lots of staff and funds. This is far from the truth.

“In reality, everything we do, from small events like the B Sharp busking festival to major 18-month projects, is organised by just one person, our director Fran Williams. The B Sharp committee and artists give valuable support but Fran is the person behind the scenes making it all happen.”

Independent arts consultants Zannah Doan and Sally Clements carried out B Sharp’s review and met many of the people and organisations that work with the group. Mr Rogers added: “The review showed many locals think of B Sharp as Fran, and in many ways it’s true. They also think she must be on a good salary because of the generous project funding from Youth Music and West Dorset District Council. This is not true.

“Fran helps us on a project-by-project basis as a self-employed worker. The review recognises that Fran does far more work than she is paid for (more than 80 per cent of her time is voluntary) and this should change. We are looking at ways to fund this. For example, previous grants were used to make all activities free but this is unsustainable. We are now asking for a small amount of money to participate in workshops and where possible subsidise those who find this difficult.

“We are looking at becoming a registered charity so that we can formally employ administration staff to support B Sharp and allow time to build good partnerships with strategic regional organisations.

“We know we have great support in the community. We are looking for practical help to strengthen our team, especially administration and communication skills.

“We believe B Sharp has a bright future and hope to inspire and work with many more young people in the years ahead.”

Donations to B Sharp are always welcome and can be made through PayPal on the website www.bsharp.uk.com or by cheques made payable to B Sharp. For more details, visit Ayvin in Fuego on Coombe Street or email [email protected] or Fran Williams at [email protected]

PICTURE 1: SING-A-LONG Girls from B Sharp singing together and, left, B Sharp members in a group performance

LYME REGIS: B Sharp going from strength to strength

LYME REGIS: B Sharp going from strength to strength

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