Thursday 20 March 2014
Supported by Live Music Now
Katie, Peter and Aron were wonderful, they provided a great evening’s entertainment with their music. Our members who have learning disabilities, all enjoyed it so much, they were soon up and dancing.The members all signed a ‘Thank You’ card for the group’s players.
Matlock and District Mencap
Monday 17 March 2014
Supported by The Split Infinitive Charitable Trust and The Whitaker Charitable Trust
The trio had great communication skills and a range of props and activities that were very effective in engaging our pupils. We saw students from the post-16 department performing with a higher level of confidence than usual and with pleasure and understanding. One of our younger pupils was clapping and stamping in time throughout the rhythmic pieces, another pupil who has profound and multiple learning difficulties turned to the sound and reached out.
There was a great sense of sharing and togetherness as all the pupils danced to the music; and this is such a valuable experience which is hard to generate in any other way than through live music which all pupils can access equally and at the same time.
The Dales School, Morton-on-Swale, Northallerton
Wednesday 19 – Friday 28 June 2013
Supported by the Roland Cookson Charitable Trust, the 1989 Willan Charitable Trust, and the Barbour Foundation
Children loved listening to each instrument in turn. The informal atmosphere was great for our children. We loved the dancing and lively music!
Benton Dene School, Newcastle
Children enjoyed the activity and were mostly engaged.
Lindhope PRU, Newcastle
Yet another wonderful concert. Staff and students thoroughly enjoyed the event. One young man who has recently had upset in his life got up to conduct the band. His face was a picture and the pleasure it gave him was immeasurable. Brilliant.
Trinity School, Newcastle
The trio was well prepared and had an understanding if the audience needs. It was refreshing for our students to hear live jazz, many wouldn’t hear much jazz at all in their everyday lives. The musicians were friendly, and because they involved and engaged our pupils, were popular.
Sir Charles Parsons School, Newcastle
Thanks you for the fantastic session! All of the performers were obviously very talented and their passion for music rubbed off on all in attendance. The way in which the ensemble was able to present Avante Garde and free improvisation in such a relaxed manner made it relevant and was refreshing to see. The group performed an appropriate blend of different styles and the students enjoyed their approachable demeanor. Thanks again.
Newcastle Bridges School, Roycroft Clinic, Newcastle
Excellent performance. Very interactive enabling students to join in from their seats, or to come to the front if they so wished. Pitched at a good level. Good variety of styles of music. The students especially enjoyed the hat game. Many of them stood up to dance (more than expected), although they weren’t that keen on joining in with singing (O when the Saints), as expected. Several students asked questions and stayed to chat to the musicians afterwards. I must particularly compliment them on the rapport they built up in such a short time – relaxing delivery, good sense of humour, lots of praise offered to the students when they participated.
Percy Hedley (Upper) School, Newcastle
The children thoroughly enjoyed the concert and were attentive throughout. The best parts were when individuals were invited to come and conduct/control the musicians.
Keelman’s Way School, Hebburn
Slightly different programme to Wednesday. Pitched at an appropriate level. Lots of audience participation and a good variety of music. Pupils especially enjoyed directing the band with their arms to change the volume, and several pupils came out to direct with foot stamps and arm waving, which the rest really enjoyed watching. The relaxing piece at the end was good after everyone had been dancing and the children settled quickly to listen. All LMN concerts are excellent and of a high standard, but this was one of the best so far.
Percy Hedley (Lower) School, Newcastle
We all really enjoyed Katie’s Allsorts. The quality of the music was fantastic and varied, and the band interacted with the children with sensitivity. The children enjoyed taking part in different activities and some of these ideas could be adapted and used within the classroom.
Hadrian School, Newcastle
Wednesday 1 May 2013
Supported by Sit James Reckitt Charitable Trust and The Joseph Boaz Charitable Trust
Well directed questions at a good level for SEN pupils. Very interactive, with great educational input. Brilliant way of showing students how to change tempo of music with movement and props. There was recognisable music (pop).
A fantastic hour pupils and staff thoroughly enjoyed. Please come again!
It was very entertaining and covered all of our pupils needs, on a cultural and educational scale. Thank you.
King’s Mill School, Driffield
The concert was delightful with all the children captivated by the music.
Katie’s enthusiasm was infectious, and she was supported by the other members of the band.
Riverside School, Goole
Supported by Live Music Now
Katie, Peter and Aron were wonderful, they provided a great evening’s entertainment with their music. Our members who have learning disabilities, all enjoyed it so much, they were soon up and dancing.The members all signed a ‘Thank You’ card for the group’s players.
Matlock and District Mencap
Monday 17 March 2014
Supported by The Split Infinitive Charitable Trust and The Whitaker Charitable Trust
The trio had great communication skills and a range of props and activities that were very effective in engaging our pupils. We saw students from the post-16 department performing with a higher level of confidence than usual and with pleasure and understanding. One of our younger pupils was clapping and stamping in time throughout the rhythmic pieces, another pupil who has profound and multiple learning difficulties turned to the sound and reached out.
There was a great sense of sharing and togetherness as all the pupils danced to the music; and this is such a valuable experience which is hard to generate in any other way than through live music which all pupils can access equally and at the same time.
The Dales School, Morton-on-Swale, Northallerton
Wednesday 19 – Friday 28 June 2013
Supported by the Roland Cookson Charitable Trust, the 1989 Willan Charitable Trust, and the Barbour Foundation
Children loved listening to each instrument in turn. The informal atmosphere was great for our children. We loved the dancing and lively music!
Benton Dene School, Newcastle
Children enjoyed the activity and were mostly engaged.
Lindhope PRU, Newcastle
Yet another wonderful concert. Staff and students thoroughly enjoyed the event. One young man who has recently had upset in his life got up to conduct the band. His face was a picture and the pleasure it gave him was immeasurable. Brilliant.
Trinity School, Newcastle
The trio was well prepared and had an understanding if the audience needs. It was refreshing for our students to hear live jazz, many wouldn’t hear much jazz at all in their everyday lives. The musicians were friendly, and because they involved and engaged our pupils, were popular.
Sir Charles Parsons School, Newcastle
Thanks you for the fantastic session! All of the performers were obviously very talented and their passion for music rubbed off on all in attendance. The way in which the ensemble was able to present Avante Garde and free improvisation in such a relaxed manner made it relevant and was refreshing to see. The group performed an appropriate blend of different styles and the students enjoyed their approachable demeanor. Thanks again.
Newcastle Bridges School, Roycroft Clinic, Newcastle
Excellent performance. Very interactive enabling students to join in from their seats, or to come to the front if they so wished. Pitched at a good level. Good variety of styles of music. The students especially enjoyed the hat game. Many of them stood up to dance (more than expected), although they weren’t that keen on joining in with singing (O when the Saints), as expected. Several students asked questions and stayed to chat to the musicians afterwards. I must particularly compliment them on the rapport they built up in such a short time – relaxing delivery, good sense of humour, lots of praise offered to the students when they participated.
Percy Hedley (Upper) School, Newcastle
The children thoroughly enjoyed the concert and were attentive throughout. The best parts were when individuals were invited to come and conduct/control the musicians.
Keelman’s Way School, Hebburn
Slightly different programme to Wednesday. Pitched at an appropriate level. Lots of audience participation and a good variety of music. Pupils especially enjoyed directing the band with their arms to change the volume, and several pupils came out to direct with foot stamps and arm waving, which the rest really enjoyed watching. The relaxing piece at the end was good after everyone had been dancing and the children settled quickly to listen. All LMN concerts are excellent and of a high standard, but this was one of the best so far.
Percy Hedley (Lower) School, Newcastle
We all really enjoyed Katie’s Allsorts. The quality of the music was fantastic and varied, and the band interacted with the children with sensitivity. The children enjoyed taking part in different activities and some of these ideas could be adapted and used within the classroom.
Hadrian School, Newcastle
Wednesday 1 May 2013
Supported by Sit James Reckitt Charitable Trust and The Joseph Boaz Charitable Trust
Well directed questions at a good level for SEN pupils. Very interactive, with great educational input. Brilliant way of showing students how to change tempo of music with movement and props. There was recognisable music (pop).
A fantastic hour pupils and staff thoroughly enjoyed. Please come again!
It was very entertaining and covered all of our pupils needs, on a cultural and educational scale. Thank you.
King’s Mill School, Driffield
The concert was delightful with all the children captivated by the music.
Katie’s enthusiasm was infectious, and she was supported by the other members of the band.
Riverside School, Goole
6 & 13 March 2013
Supported by the Sir James Reckitt Charitable Trust and The Joseph Boaz Charitable Trust
This was fantastic - we thoroughly enjoyed it and learned a lot about the instruments. Pupils were engaged throughout, varying musical styles were demonstrated. They were lively and enthusiastic and because of this many of the pupils who rarely volunteer to perform were up at the front dancing or beating the rhythm on their own.
Tweendykes School, Hull
This was an outstanding musical experience for our pupils, all of whom have severe learning difficulties. The intuition of the musicians and the relationships they built with pupils in such a short space of time were superb, and the staff were really impressed by their professionalism.Katie herself provided a dynamic commentary which engaged everyone, and the variety and quality of the music was second to none. Several individuals had major ‘wow’ moments during the performance, in particular one young boy who danced on the stage in time to the music. We were all very impressed by the organisation and appearance of the Trio.
Ganton School, Hull
Excellent concert, the pupils greatly enjoyed the whole performance and have made numerous positive comments in general and in meetings. The band involved the pupils in all aspects, creating an excellent atmosphere and a good balance of learning and practical involvement. Very well led and organised. A pleasure to have in school.
Bridgeview School, Hessle
Supported by the Sir James Reckitt Charitable Trust and The Joseph Boaz Charitable Trust
This was fantastic - we thoroughly enjoyed it and learned a lot about the instruments. Pupils were engaged throughout, varying musical styles were demonstrated. They were lively and enthusiastic and because of this many of the pupils who rarely volunteer to perform were up at the front dancing or beating the rhythm on their own.
Tweendykes School, Hull
This was an outstanding musical experience for our pupils, all of whom have severe learning difficulties. The intuition of the musicians and the relationships they built with pupils in such a short space of time were superb, and the staff were really impressed by their professionalism.Katie herself provided a dynamic commentary which engaged everyone, and the variety and quality of the music was second to none. Several individuals had major ‘wow’ moments during the performance, in particular one young boy who danced on the stage in time to the music. We were all very impressed by the organisation and appearance of the Trio.
Ganton School, Hull
Excellent concert, the pupils greatly enjoyed the whole performance and have made numerous positive comments in general and in meetings. The band involved the pupils in all aspects, creating an excellent atmosphere and a good balance of learning and practical involvement. Very well led and organised. A pleasure to have in school.
Bridgeview School, Hessle
6, 11 & 12 February 2013
Supported by the Hull & East Riding Charitable Trust, the Stadium Trust and The Cattle Trust
Very enjoyable as always. We have a mixed client group, but music always appeals to all groups. Thanks.
Wold Haven Day Centre, Pocklington
Excellent, we had a presentation before the group performed and so had some carers as guests. Both the service users and carers commented on how interactive the group was. We would have them again should they become available, and couldn’t recommend them enough to other groups.
Millers, Beverley
The group did not get a lot of response from the service users given their disability, but everyone seemed to enjoy the music and the group did take into account the age of the people they were performing to.
The Old School House, Beverley
Supported by the Hull & East Riding Charitable Trust, the Stadium Trust and The Cattle Trust
Very enjoyable as always. We have a mixed client group, but music always appeals to all groups. Thanks.
Wold Haven Day Centre, Pocklington
Excellent, we had a presentation before the group performed and so had some carers as guests. Both the service users and carers commented on how interactive the group was. We would have them again should they become available, and couldn’t recommend them enough to other groups.
Millers, Beverley
The group did not get a lot of response from the service users given their disability, but everyone seemed to enjoy the music and the group did take into account the age of the people they were performing to.
The Old School House, Beverley
19 & 20 September 2012
Supported by Mayfield Valley Arts Trust and The Freshgate Trust (Ecclesfield Centre)
A Really good session that was pitched at the right level for service users. Everybody enjoyed it and the audience participation was great. Good range of songs for both our older and younger service users.
Oaks Day Centre, Rotherham
The concert was thoroughly enjoyed by clients and staff. Katie’s Allsorts were friendly and engaging. It was great to see clients who had no previous experience of live music getting really involved and enjoying themselves so much. Thanks to all for making it so pleasant - everyone got involved and enjoyed themselves. You have Star Quality!
St Wilfrid’s Centre, Sheffield
The stimulation from the music for people with profound and complex needs was amazing to watch. The music opened up a whole new world for the time the performers were there. A fantastic performance.
Ecclesfield Day Centre, Sheffield
Supported by Mayfield Valley Arts Trust and The Freshgate Trust (Ecclesfield Centre)
A Really good session that was pitched at the right level for service users. Everybody enjoyed it and the audience participation was great. Good range of songs for both our older and younger service users.
Oaks Day Centre, Rotherham
The concert was thoroughly enjoyed by clients and staff. Katie’s Allsorts were friendly and engaging. It was great to see clients who had no previous experience of live music getting really involved and enjoying themselves so much. Thanks to all for making it so pleasant - everyone got involved and enjoyed themselves. You have Star Quality!
St Wilfrid’s Centre, Sheffield
The stimulation from the music for people with profound and complex needs was amazing to watch. The music opened up a whole new world for the time the performers were there. A fantastic performance.
Ecclesfield Day Centre, Sheffield
18 July 2012
Supported by Mayfield Valley Arts Trust
Excellent. Involved the service users who all enjoyed themselves very much. Many thanks.
Adwick SEC, Doncaster
Supported by Mayfield Valley Arts Trust
Excellent. Involved the service users who all enjoyed themselves very much. Many thanks.
Adwick SEC, Doncaster
30 April 2012
Supported by the Split Infinitive Trust
Everybody really enjoyed the afternoon. They were motivated to get involved. It was brilliant to see them up and dancing. We thought that the group communicated really well with everybody. Nobody got the chance to be bored, but they were encouraged to relax and enjoy themselves.
Dalewood Trust, Whitby
Katie’s Allsorts were a great hit! Much enjoyed by all who attended. The facility to interact was a particular hit, and we all enjoyed it. Some chose to dance, some to play, and some to wave their arms about, but all had their spirits lifted. A number of differing ‘units’ with widely differing support needs were able to come together, really enjoy listening and joining in with the music, as well as each other’s company. ‘Having a go’ was also popular with all, and was the topic of conversation for some days following. We are hoping that we are able to enjoy more ‘Live Music Now’ in the future.
Scarborough Training Centre, Scarborough
Supported by the Split Infinitive Trust
Everybody really enjoyed the afternoon. They were motivated to get involved. It was brilliant to see them up and dancing. We thought that the group communicated really well with everybody. Nobody got the chance to be bored, but they were encouraged to relax and enjoy themselves.
Dalewood Trust, Whitby
Katie’s Allsorts were a great hit! Much enjoyed by all who attended. The facility to interact was a particular hit, and we all enjoyed it. Some chose to dance, some to play, and some to wave their arms about, but all had their spirits lifted. A number of differing ‘units’ with widely differing support needs were able to come together, really enjoy listening and joining in with the music, as well as each other’s company. ‘Having a go’ was also popular with all, and was the topic of conversation for some days following. We are hoping that we are able to enjoy more ‘Live Music Now’ in the future.
Scarborough Training Centre, Scarborough
10 October 2012
Dear Katie,
I just wanted to drop you an email and thank you for being part of the Harrogate International Festivals’ inaugural Young Musicians: Autumn Series. The whole series was very well received and we have gained many positive comments from audience members.
I hope you enjoyed your time in Harrogate and I wish you all the best for the future.
Kind Regards
Louisa Smyllie
Festivals Administrator
HARROGATE INTERNATIONAL FESTIVALS
Monday 12 and Tuesday 13 March 2012
Supported by W W Spooner Charitable Trust
Staff said how welcoming and interactive the performers were. Our people were able to try the various instruments and this made the performance better for everyone. A great performance. Thank you.
Bramley Training Centre, Leeds
The three musicians introduced themselves to the group and talked about and introduced their instruments. They were very interactive with our customers and showed lots of enthusiasm. Our customers took part and thoroughly enjoyed watching, listening and taking part when asked to come up and be a leader, or a conductor, or respond to a piece of music. Overall there was positive feedback from our customers and the staff who attended.
Potternewton Resource Centre, Leeds
Monday 5 and Tuesday 6 March 2012
Supported by West Yorkshire Grants
Excellent as usual, musicians have the ability to enthuse and entertain our children. Audience participation is always encouraged and both groups of children ended up dancing to the music! Thanks again.
Lydgate School, Huddersfield
A very enjoyable event! The musicians demonstrated their particular instruments in an imaginative way. The pupils especially enjoyed ‘making the instruments’ play fast/slow and loud/quiet. All staff and pupils really enjoyed the ‘medley’ of pop hits and it was good to witness so many people involved. The musicians were very approachable and enthusiastic about their workshop.
Ravenshall School, Dewsbury
Tuesday 22 & Wednesday 23 November 2011
Supported by West Yorkshire Grants
We would like to express our thanks for the wonderful performance given by Katie’s Allsorts.
Our children all have a communication and interaction disorder and most have a diagnosis of autism. It was lovely to see them listening and enjoying the music. When they were invited to participate they all got up and dance with huge enthusiasm. The pupils were allowed to look at, and hear, the instruments being played up close and some were even allowed to ‘have a go’. This was great for our pupils.
The concert lasted for around an hour, which would normally be a long time to expect our children to sit and attend. However, because of the level of their enjoyment and participation, the majority were able to do this and some could probably have sat for even longer! It was a very successful and positive event for our pupils.
Pathways School, Wakefield
Katie, Peter and Aron engaged with the whole audience, students and staff alike, in both performance slots. Everyone was encouraged to join in, touch the instruments when they were being played so that the students, particularly those with visual / sensory impairments, could feel the vibrations that the sound created, and to dance if they wished to do so. Which they most definitely did. The musicians were all very skilled and their choice of music was popular with all, and age appropriate.
One of our students who can sing a song after hearing it once, was given the chance to join in wearing a Madonna mike, and Katie, Peter and Aron recognised this and played a song again so that this young lady could sing with the music if she wished to. Members of staff have requested the return of Katie’s Allsorts, and when funding permits I would be very happy to contact and arrange.
Access to ’live’ music is essential for our students, and Katie and her colleagues were a wonderful group of young people who are obviously all very talented, both musically, but also in their approach to our students and especially those with special needs.
Castle Hill School, Huddersfield
Monday 21 November 2011
Supported by the W W Spooner Charitable Trust
Everyone really enjoyed the concert and it got everyone up and dancing. All customers said how much of a good time they had.
Ramshead Wood Day Centre, Leeds
Monday 21 November 2011
Supported by Mayfield Valley Arts Trust
The concert was excellent, the children were very responsive and there was lots of clapping, smiling and movement. The section were children could conduct the volume that the musicians were playing was great. Some of our more able pupils were very responsive. The children also liked the medley of popular music and were very alert when that was happening.
Heatherwood School, Doncaster
Monday 7 - Wednesday 9 November 2011
Supported by Mayfield Valley Arts Trust
Please give our thanks to ‘Katie’s Allsorts’. They brightened up a very grey, dreary Monday afternoon! Many of our children have profound learning disabilities and the range of music was brilliant. It reached each and every one of them. There was a lot of smiling and voluntary movement/dancing!
It was also lovely that the children were allowed to feel and touch the instruments, especially the drums! It made their day. Thank you, thank you.
Paces High Green School, Sheffield
Fantastic! So enthusiastic – lovely manner with all the mainstream (35) and (5) SEN children. Very lovely the way they encouraged the children to talk and to dance. Lots of high level detail to stretch the Gifted and Talented but so accessible to the SEN.
Perhaps their could be more shorter bits, so more children could have a go at conducting?
Such super young people – excellent role models!
Nethergreen Junior School, Sheffield
Everyone enjoyed the performance. The musicians were friendly and made the children and young people feel relaxed and able to join in. The choice of music was very good with many tunes that the children recognised and this made them feel more involved.
Amber Lodge, Sheffield
This was a hugely enjoyable performance for everyone involved. The musicians chose material that the children were familiar with and the performance was altered to suit the audience. Everyone got up and danced and had a wonderful time!
Abbey School, Rotherham
Wednesday 2 November 2011
Supported by Mayfield Valley Arts Trust (Norfolk Lodge) and The Freshgate Trust
An excellent performance. The band were brilliant with our residents, working extremely hard to involve everybody. They are very special, please send them back very soon! Music as it should be! Thank you very much.
Hesley Village and College, Tickhill
Fabulous! We have a mixed group of abilities, the group motivated everyone to join in. They sounded great, very interactive with the students. It was a very welcome treat for all involved. Thank you so much.
Norfolk Lodge, Sheffield
We would like to thank you very much. Katie’s Allsorts were fantastic! new had a large group of learners (all have learning disabilities), they were encouraged to participate. The music was great and appropriate. The learners were clapping and singing along and the band moved around and involved the learners in all aspects of their performance. A big thank you from us all at Mencap.
Norfolk Lodge, Sheffield
Friday 17 June 2011
Supported by Live Music Now
This was a very enjoyable event. Pupils liked watching and listening to more modern instruments for a change. Katie’s new drum kit looked great and she spoke of it in an interesting and illuminating manner. Peter’s electric bass went down a treat too, and his description of its features was very clear. We were astounded by his demonstration. Aron too gave a lovely overview of the keyboard and the element of competition, ‘mine is actually the best instrument!’ gave a sense of spark that delighted and entertained the audience.
Katie’s leading was great. Clear and authoritative and smiling all the time, which added a disarming quality. The group displayed an excellent unity, and their musical performing skills were evident throughout. Two comments with reference to building on the performance for the future:
Stone Hill School, Doncaster
Dear Katie,
I just wanted to drop you an email and thank you for being part of the Harrogate International Festivals’ inaugural Young Musicians: Autumn Series. The whole series was very well received and we have gained many positive comments from audience members.
I hope you enjoyed your time in Harrogate and I wish you all the best for the future.
Kind Regards
Louisa Smyllie
Festivals Administrator
HARROGATE INTERNATIONAL FESTIVALS
Monday 12 and Tuesday 13 March 2012
Supported by W W Spooner Charitable Trust
Staff said how welcoming and interactive the performers were. Our people were able to try the various instruments and this made the performance better for everyone. A great performance. Thank you.
Bramley Training Centre, Leeds
The three musicians introduced themselves to the group and talked about and introduced their instruments. They were very interactive with our customers and showed lots of enthusiasm. Our customers took part and thoroughly enjoyed watching, listening and taking part when asked to come up and be a leader, or a conductor, or respond to a piece of music. Overall there was positive feedback from our customers and the staff who attended.
Potternewton Resource Centre, Leeds
- Andy Ripley – ‘The music had my feet and hands tapping in time with the music. I enjoyed the group’s music’
- Emma Stuart – ‘I enjoyed the interactive music and the explanation about the instruments’.
- Darren Griffiths – ‘The musicians were great and it was good to have a try at playing the instruments. A very good afternoon’.
- Ester – ‘I enjoyed the different music’.
- Leslie Walker – ‘I enjoyed the music’.
- Chris Nykiel – ‘I was very impressed with the musicians. It was great having the opportunity to conduct the musicians’.
- Francis Russell – ‘I was impressed by how the group explained how the instruments worked. A very enjoyable afternoon’.
- Catherine Loftus – ‘Feedback from customers was positive. All enjoyed the afternoon, thanks!’
Monday 5 and Tuesday 6 March 2012
Supported by West Yorkshire Grants
Excellent as usual, musicians have the ability to enthuse and entertain our children. Audience participation is always encouraged and both groups of children ended up dancing to the music! Thanks again.
Lydgate School, Huddersfield
A very enjoyable event! The musicians demonstrated their particular instruments in an imaginative way. The pupils especially enjoyed ‘making the instruments’ play fast/slow and loud/quiet. All staff and pupils really enjoyed the ‘medley’ of pop hits and it was good to witness so many people involved. The musicians were very approachable and enthusiastic about their workshop.
Ravenshall School, Dewsbury
Tuesday 22 & Wednesday 23 November 2011
Supported by West Yorkshire Grants
We would like to express our thanks for the wonderful performance given by Katie’s Allsorts.
Our children all have a communication and interaction disorder and most have a diagnosis of autism. It was lovely to see them listening and enjoying the music. When they were invited to participate they all got up and dance with huge enthusiasm. The pupils were allowed to look at, and hear, the instruments being played up close and some were even allowed to ‘have a go’. This was great for our pupils.
The concert lasted for around an hour, which would normally be a long time to expect our children to sit and attend. However, because of the level of their enjoyment and participation, the majority were able to do this and some could probably have sat for even longer! It was a very successful and positive event for our pupils.
Pathways School, Wakefield
Katie, Peter and Aron engaged with the whole audience, students and staff alike, in both performance slots. Everyone was encouraged to join in, touch the instruments when they were being played so that the students, particularly those with visual / sensory impairments, could feel the vibrations that the sound created, and to dance if they wished to do so. Which they most definitely did. The musicians were all very skilled and their choice of music was popular with all, and age appropriate.
One of our students who can sing a song after hearing it once, was given the chance to join in wearing a Madonna mike, and Katie, Peter and Aron recognised this and played a song again so that this young lady could sing with the music if she wished to. Members of staff have requested the return of Katie’s Allsorts, and when funding permits I would be very happy to contact and arrange.
Access to ’live’ music is essential for our students, and Katie and her colleagues were a wonderful group of young people who are obviously all very talented, both musically, but also in their approach to our students and especially those with special needs.
Castle Hill School, Huddersfield
Monday 21 November 2011
Supported by the W W Spooner Charitable Trust
Everyone really enjoyed the concert and it got everyone up and dancing. All customers said how much of a good time they had.
Ramshead Wood Day Centre, Leeds
Monday 21 November 2011
Supported by Mayfield Valley Arts Trust
The concert was excellent, the children were very responsive and there was lots of clapping, smiling and movement. The section were children could conduct the volume that the musicians were playing was great. Some of our more able pupils were very responsive. The children also liked the medley of popular music and were very alert when that was happening.
Heatherwood School, Doncaster
Monday 7 - Wednesday 9 November 2011
Supported by Mayfield Valley Arts Trust
Please give our thanks to ‘Katie’s Allsorts’. They brightened up a very grey, dreary Monday afternoon! Many of our children have profound learning disabilities and the range of music was brilliant. It reached each and every one of them. There was a lot of smiling and voluntary movement/dancing!
It was also lovely that the children were allowed to feel and touch the instruments, especially the drums! It made their day. Thank you, thank you.
Paces High Green School, Sheffield
Fantastic! So enthusiastic – lovely manner with all the mainstream (35) and (5) SEN children. Very lovely the way they encouraged the children to talk and to dance. Lots of high level detail to stretch the Gifted and Talented but so accessible to the SEN.
Perhaps their could be more shorter bits, so more children could have a go at conducting?
Such super young people – excellent role models!
Nethergreen Junior School, Sheffield
Everyone enjoyed the performance. The musicians were friendly and made the children and young people feel relaxed and able to join in. The choice of music was very good with many tunes that the children recognised and this made them feel more involved.
Amber Lodge, Sheffield
This was a hugely enjoyable performance for everyone involved. The musicians chose material that the children were familiar with and the performance was altered to suit the audience. Everyone got up and danced and had a wonderful time!
Abbey School, Rotherham
Wednesday 2 November 2011
Supported by Mayfield Valley Arts Trust (Norfolk Lodge) and The Freshgate Trust
An excellent performance. The band were brilliant with our residents, working extremely hard to involve everybody. They are very special, please send them back very soon! Music as it should be! Thank you very much.
Hesley Village and College, Tickhill
Fabulous! We have a mixed group of abilities, the group motivated everyone to join in. They sounded great, very interactive with the students. It was a very welcome treat for all involved. Thank you so much.
Norfolk Lodge, Sheffield
We would like to thank you very much. Katie’s Allsorts were fantastic! new had a large group of learners (all have learning disabilities), they were encouraged to participate. The music was great and appropriate. The learners were clapping and singing along and the band moved around and involved the learners in all aspects of their performance. A big thank you from us all at Mencap.
Norfolk Lodge, Sheffield
Friday 17 June 2011
Supported by Live Music Now
This was a very enjoyable event. Pupils liked watching and listening to more modern instruments for a change. Katie’s new drum kit looked great and she spoke of it in an interesting and illuminating manner. Peter’s electric bass went down a treat too, and his description of its features was very clear. We were astounded by his demonstration. Aron too gave a lovely overview of the keyboard and the element of competition, ‘mine is actually the best instrument!’ gave a sense of spark that delighted and entertained the audience.
Katie’s leading was great. Clear and authoritative and smiling all the time, which added a disarming quality. The group displayed an excellent unity, and their musical performing skills were evident throughout. Two comments with reference to building on the performance for the future:
- choose a small group at the front to give percussion instruments to
- more music known to the age group would be good – TV commercials, pop tunes
Stone Hill School, Doncaster