28th February 2013Steel Backing For Young Starmakerz
More than 150 young people in the Middlesbrough area can show-case their new creative talents on their very own stage thanks to financial backing from UK Steel Enterprise’s Community Support Fund.
The Tata Steel subsidiary has provided nearly £5,000 to help StarmakerZ, a not-for- profit community company started by professional musicians Paul Scott and Adam Sayers, completely refurbish the un-used stage at St Aidan’s Church Hall where they meet.
StarmakerZ was set up to give children in Tees Valley the opportunity to enjoy being creative, whatever their financial circumstances. It is giving young people from the age of eight upwards the chance to learn to play a musical instrument, dance, sing, write and record music and take part in drama.
Paul and Adam, who have wide experience of producing, bands and theatre shows around the world, see 2013 as being the most exciting year yet for the growing organisation.
“StarmakerZ is all about building confidence through creativity,” said Adam. “With changes in the school curriculum and the fact that private drama and music lessons can be expensive we knew there were children out there being denied the opportunity to enjoy making music and performing.
“StarmakerZ provides courses, lessons and even instruments on loan completely free of charge and we are thrilled with the way our numbers have grown. It is wonderful to see the youngsters just blossom and their confidence grows so fast as they enjoy the activities, try different things and discover their talents.”
StarmakerZ provides access to a whole range of instruments from trumpets to pianos and guitars and youngsters also write songs and record them in the on-site studio.
“The support from UK Steel Enterprise is amazing,” said Adam. “It enabled us to refurbish the stage area including re-plastering, electrical work and decoration. It has transformed the un-used stage into a real performance area and UKSE support has also helped us to secure additional funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund.
“We have an Open Door session from 12 to 2pm every Saturday when anyone is welcome to drop in and see what we have to offer,” he added.
StarmakerZ also provides a teaching service to schools and is building a free-access video library. Its Go Middlesbrough project involves young people aged 11 to 25 learning about the past 50 years of musical developments in the North East.
Simon Hamilon, Regional Manager for UK Steel Enterprise, said: “We are committed to supporting projects that benefit people living in our steel areas and StarmakerZ is doing a fantastic job.”
StarmakerZ is on 07788 831 613 and at www.starmakerzcic.co.uk
PICTURE CAPTION : On the new stage at StarmakerZ – (from left) Paul Scott, Simon Hamilton of UKSE and Adam Sayers with 16 year old Craig Widdle and Serenity Scott, 10.
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