Closed schools; Pictured are sisters Chloe, 7 and Isobel Davies, 5 with (left to right) performance coach Adam White, Cllr Mark Young, North Wales Music Co-operative Heather Powell and Cllr Phil Wynn senior member for education at Wrexham Council. Photo Mandy Jones

Written by Ceidiog Hughes

Fifty enthusiastic young people recently rocked to the beat of a special week-long holiday of music and outdoor fun under the School’s Out banner.

the The busy four-day program at St Mary’s School in Brymbo, Wrexham included everything from frantic samba drums to action games in the playground.

The event was organized and managed by the North Wales Music Co-operative (NMC), a non-profit organization that offers quality music lessons in two local communities.

NMC is made up of two sister cooperatives, in Wrexham and Denbighshire, and is run by teachers for the benefit of all pupils for whom it teaches on a wide range of instruments and voices.

The aim is to develop the musical potential of each student according to their individual needs and aspirations.

With the support of Wrexham County Council, School’s Out was orchestrated by North Wales Music Co-operative Founder and Department Manager Heather Powell.

She said: “It was a joint music and sports course for 50 kids aged four to 11 who all had a fantastic time and stayed with us throughout the week.

“They came from the group of four schools in the Brymbo area, which includes St Mary’s where it was based, Ysgol Penrhyn, Ysgol Tan y Fron and Black Lane Primary.

“The idea was to harness children’s creativity through musical sessions, including some really enthusiastic samba percussion, and listening to the Wrexham Music Co-operative’s own group of tutors, Make Some Noise, who went very well.

“In the playground we had the sports sessions organized for us by Commando X Fit Wales, led by Adam White, an old friend of the music co-op who is a former Royal Marines physical training instructor, we got together. associated with Commando X Fit now for many classes and the approach of a mixed music and sports class is always a huge success with something for everyone. ”

“He organized a series of team games based on speed and agility such as curvature and also worked with the children to gradually develop their physical power.

“It all meant that they really had fun with the indoor and outdoor activities which helped improve their mental and physical well-being.”

Heather added: “During the pandemic, the children didn’t really have the chance to meet and it gave them the perfect opportunity to recover from the isolation that some of them had.

“I want to thank the councils of Wrexham and Denbighshire for providing the support needed to make the school exit possible and for providing so much fun to everyone who participated.

“The Wrexham Council funds music lessons for hundreds of children with free school meals across Wrexham who would otherwise not have the chance to learn an instrument. I would also like to thank St Mary’s Principal Mr Bowers for using the school and supporting this to happen.

Former Royal Marine Adam White, who oversaw the outdoor sports portion of the week, said: “We initially partnered with the Music Co-op six years ago and have been involved with them over a number of years. course like this.

“With the activities, I favor a general wellness approach and, outside of the exercise, I try to have a word with the kids on things like sugar and nutrition.

“Well-being and state of mind are all a part of it, but overall the idea is to get them out and get them moving. And that’s what they all did during the week.

“My motto is that children on the move stay on the move. “

Councilor Phil Wynn, senior member of the Wrexham County Borough Council for Education, was on hand to watch your youngsters follow their musical and physical rhythms.

He said: “This is an innovative idea and our board was happy to support it.

“The past year has been very difficult for everyone and due to the restrictions the children have not been to school all the time.

“School’s Out gave these kids the chance to continue as usual and they seemed to enjoy it very much.

“It’s actually the first time I’ve seen music and sport mix in this way. But it works really well and has kept them engaged throughout.

“Being able to participate in this week of activities is an opportunity they simply wouldn’t have had otherwise.

Denbighshire Councilor Mark also visited St Mary’s to attend an afternoon session at the school. In addition to his role as a senior member of its planning and public protection council, he is also chairman of the North Wales Music Co-operative.

He said: “School’s Out ticks all the boxes. Music has a very positive impact on everyone and the physical side, especially with the external element, is also very beneficial.

“The course was also very inclusive and clearly found a winning formula.

“This was also exactly what was needed because, hopefully, the pandemic with all its restrictions is coming to an end.

“It wasn’t an easy time for the little ones and it was fantastic to see them having so much fun with the music and the physical aspects.

“I would like to thank the Wrexham County Borough Council for their support during the week.”

Two of the children who attended School’s Out were younger sisters Chloe and Isobel Davies, both from the neighboring area.

Seven-year-old Chloe said: “I’ve been here all week and my favorite part was playing the trumpet.

“I also enjoyed playing sports outside and the best part of that was playing rounds.

“There was a lot to do and I couldn’t wait to come every day.

Sister Isobel, five, was equally happy to participate in the sessions.

“I loved playing rounds in the playground and I also loved it when we were all running pulling a big parachute behind us. Hope I can come back next time.

The co-ops will be offering four weeks of classes over the summer at locations in Denbighshire and Wrexham – places are funded but limited, please see their website for applications which will open on 1^st July”