COUNCILLORS and the YMCA have joined forces to encourage people to donate their musical instruments to help Chelmsford's young people.

The impact of music on young people, particularly those who are vulnerable or disadvantaged, can be incredibly positive; learning an instrument or joining a choir can boost confidence and self esteem as well as teaching skills which can be drawn on in later life.

Every Thursday Chelmsford's YMCA holds a Sound Night for young people who have an interest in music and, under the guidence of co-ordinator Mike Humphrey, they are spending an evening learning and playing music.

But the current instruments, which have been used for years, need replacing.

Councillor Stephanie Scott and councillor Michael Holoway have joined the charity in launching a campaign to provide more instruments to its young members.

Mrs Scott said: "There is a need to find a way to assist YMCA Chelmsford in accessing a new stock of instruments, primarily; drums, electric drums, electric and acoustic guitars, small keyboards, amplifiers, vocal microphones and DJ equipment.

"We are determined to find a way to obtain good quality used instruments that may be lurking, forgotten in lofts and cupboards, to provide youngsters with the basic fundamentals they require to learn and develop."

Mrs Scott and Mr Holoway have also been working with Ginny Bellard, the principal of Columbus School and College in Chelmsford, which works with children and young adults with learning difficulties and disabilities, and hope to provide more instruments to the school as well.

Mr Holoway added: "Music can reach all children and with this initiative we hope to provide some additional percussion instruments such as tambourines, chimes, small drums and anything small children can play and participate in the school music sessions.”

Virgin Money has vowed to support the scheme and is now offering drop off centres for anyone who would like to donate instruments.

Peter Cane, Virgin Money Regional Manager said: "Virgin Money is delighted to be working with YMCA Chelmsford and the local council to be part of such a great initiative to provide children with the opportunity to learn and experience what music is all about. It would be brilliant to think that this simple scheme could unearth some musical stars of the future."

To find out more about how to donate instruments or make a financial contribution call 07904 747865, email michael.holoway@chelmsford.gov.uk or stephanie.scott@chelmsford.gov.uk

John Galley deputy leader Chelmsford City Council.

Ginnie Bellard Principal Columbus

Ed Thorn Youth worker

Georgia Hakes Young Musician

Cllr Mike Holoway CCC

Cllr Steph Scott CCC

Craig Gough YMCA Youth Projects Manager

Mike Humphreys YMCA Senior Youth Worker

Michelle Turner-Thorne Manager Virgin Money

Peter Cane Regional Manager Virgin Money

Andy Drake Chief Executive Officer YMCA

Last Thursday, 14th April, two Chelmsford City Councillors who have personal experience of the music industry,disabled children and young people, Michael Holoway and Stephanie Scott, brought senior executives from Chelmsford City Council and Virgin Money to see what is 'going down' at YMCA Chelmsford .The result is, the two organisations are joining forces to assist with a region wide PR and Marketing Campaign kicking off in Chelmsford to obtain musical instruments for the youngsters to use in two outstanding Chelmsford organisations, COLUMBUS Special School and College and YMCA Chelmsford

All of our VIPs described the evening as "totally inspirational" and were determined to get these kids the equipment they so badly need through this exciting and deserving project.

NOTES

YMCA Chelmsford see around 100 Young People through their doors for the Music Night project and Columbus desperately require instruments as vital therapy for

their very special students aged up to 19 years old including those that are blind and others with Cerebral Palsy.