HOT JAM PRIMARY MUSIC WORKSHOPS
MARCH 18th 2018
HOT JAM
£4,300 – MICRO FUND – FEB 2017
This application was to run a series of rock, jazz and pop music workshops. The business would take a 4-piece band into 15 schools and educate, enthuse and inspire through a structured concert / workshop tackling a wide variety of music genres. Pupils would be encouraged to take part through singing, percussion and movement. The aim was to promote Welsh music and Wales’ rich musical heritage and to encourage a love of music and the arts in a safe and controlled environment
The applicant had strong links with many schools and teachers in the Rhondda and Cynon valleys and had researched opportunities thoroughly, identifying a clear gap in the market for this kind of activity. As well as supporting a local business – and the sessional musicians brought in to deliver sessions – this programme would reach many young people, inspiring and enthusing them, and enabling them to undertake activities that would not otherwise be available.
“We took a four-piece band into 15 primary schools and worked with over 2,000 children. We introduced and talked about instruments and taught them parts to perform vocally. I feel that we inspired a number of pupils to think about taking up an instrument. We were surprised in some schools by pupils who were innately musical, one girl in Park Lane Special School asked if she could sing with us and did so confidently with no hesitation or nerves. Their pride and the school’s delight were a joy to witness. Many of the teachers have benefitted from the experience which will have reminded them of the joy and value inherent in live performance and musical study.” Quote from Andy Mulligan – Hot Jam Music
LOCATION OF ACTIVITY: RHONDDA AND CYNON VALLEYS
The Fund was established by energy company Vattenfall to benefit the communities hosting the Pen y Cymoedd wind farm across the upper Neath, Afan, Rhondda and Cynon Valleys. It exists to support local people, groups and organisations to invest in themselves, their ideas and their communities.
The Community Fund has a substantial annual budget that is index-linked, meaning it increases in line with inflation. As an example, this equated to around £2.5 million in 2025. The Fund will continue to support communities until 2043, creating long-term opportunities for growth, resilience and positive change.
The Fund is managed by an independent, locally based not-for-profit Community Interest Company. It is overseen by a Board of Directors with strong local connections and delivered by a small but dedicated staff team with extensive community engagement experience. We are here to help ensure the Fund delivers on the vision and priorities of local communities.
Over the next 10 years, the Fund is focusing on investment in people, places and businesses — helping the Valleys to thrive, driving bold ideas, supporting transformation and creating lasting impact for current and future generations.