Setting up ChromaMusic Community Group
ChromaMusic Community Group was formed in 2021 with the aim of giving people the opportunity to come together to make music. The emphasis is to encourage people to participate, progress and perform.
ChromaMusic Community Group was founded in response to the desire to reach out and develop a musical community available for people of all ages and abilities. Although focusing on music is a primary element of Chromamusic Community, it is an embedded concept that this group is about more than music and provides connection and care for those involved, seeking to help people grow as individuals and realise the full potential within them. With a foundation of Christian principles and inspiration, ChromaMusic values all people no matter what their background and embodies a pastoral and music linked chaplaincy for the community aimed at helping people through the challenges of life, to find their voice and let their light shine.
The aims of ChromaMusic Community Group are to help people:
Play and make music freely, from those who have never played any instrument, sung or made music before, up to those who are seasoned professionals. ChromaMusic Community exists to help people find the enjoyment and love of making music and sound.
Participate in a creative community, collaborating to make music and connecting with others, whilst using music as a means to communicate, gather people together and bridge gaps in our communities
Progress in their own personal development as they find their musical and creative voice, learn how to play, create music with instruments or vocals, or further develop their skills and talent.
Perform in appropriate safe settings to help develop confidence and empower people not just for music making but for other areas of their life. As people find that they can deliver a musical piece to an audience it enables a self-belief that goes far beyond the music room.
For our first project, we secured partial funding to put on a concert and develop a community training orchestra, where people can develop their skills under expert tuition. The aim of the orchestra was to bring people together and showcase talent. Over 12 weeks, a group of about 30 people came together, including those currently learning music, and those who had not played for over 30 years!
The concert was on 19th March 2022, and was a huge success. Also, thanks to funding from Ty Cerdd and Llwchwr Town Council , we were able to support local young musicians as they start their careers. Jacob Smith who wrote Reflections, which he conducted in the concert, is a film composer from Llanelli. James McBeth is a cellist from Pontarddulais, who played the cello solo in Reflections, and also Cassado's Cello Suite: 3rd Movement. Cathryn Jenkins is a viola player from Pontardawe and Bethan Evans is a soprano from Bishopston, Swansea.
The concert also featured Llanelli Wind Band, ChromaMusic Cello Club and Melody Angelicus, another local talent with her original song "The Robin".
You can watch the concert here!
The orchestra has continued to make every Monday, and is expanding each week. We are looking forward to performing in more concerts, and growing the community side of ChromaMusic.