Punjabi Roots Workshops Open Up New Musical Worlds for Harrogate Pupils
Schoolchildren from across the Harrogate district had the chance to explore South Asian music and move to a different beat this week, thanks to a series of exciting new workshops.
Photo credits : Punjabi Roots Academy hosted music workshops for pupils in Harrogate (credit Richard Maude)_
Youngsters from six schools took part in the Global Villages workshops with Punjabi Roots Academy, learning all about Dhol drumming and Punjabi culture.
Punjabi Roots Academy is a vibrant Bradford-based cultural education and performance organisation founded in 2017. It offers a rich programme of workshops and classes celebrating Punjabi arts – ranging from energetic Bhangra dance and Dhol drumming to classical instruments and East-meets-West music productions.
These immersive education sessions for year five and six children have been made possible by funding which was established in memory of Victor Wild of Betty and Taylors of Harrogate.
The workshops were delivered to six schools across Harrogate and Knaresborough: Aspin Park Academy, Grove Road Community Primary School, Hookstone Chase Primary School, Meadowside Academy, Saltergate Primary and Willow Tree Community Primary School.
Education programmes like this are at the heart of Harrogate International Festivals’ work in the local community, which aims to raise aspirations and create new opportunities for all through free access to the arts and culture.
Jonathan Wild said: "Wild Foundations is our way of honouring our father's legacy - as someone who believed deeply in the power of curiosity and creativity.
“These brilliant workshops bring the world to our doorstep. Through music and dance they give local schoolchildren the opportunity to explore different cultures in a fun, hands-on way.”
Lizzie Barnes said: "Our father, Victor, had an extraordinary ability to connect ideas across disciplines - from the arts to the sciences.
“Through Wild Foundations we aim to boost young people’s confidence and creativity at the same time as breaking down barriers and opening up new cultural experiences.
“We’re delighted to help bring the world of global music to life and hopefully inspire a few youngsters to pick up instruments in the process."
Sharon Canavar, Chief Executive of Harrogate International Festivals, said:
“Our education and community programmes are all about improving access to the arts and musical participation for children, which we know can have a positive impact on their lives.
“We are extremely grateful to our funders who through their father’s legacy are supporting us to create these opportunities for young people across Harrogate.”
For more information visit harrogateinternationalfestivals.com
