StAMP project

Wed, Sep 22nd 2021 at 12:50 pm - 2:00 pm

Ellen Thomson, Head of Outreach at the University Music Centre, explained a project to introduce Fife youngsters to playing brass instruments.

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, Ellen Thomson, Outreach Officer in the University Music Centre, spoke about St Andrews Music Participation (StAMP). This is a 5-year project, made possible through a philanthropic donation, to encourage children to take up a musical instrument. It is focused on brass, to invigorate the cultural heritage of brass playing in Fife and capitalise on the fact that there are seven brass bands in the region. Participants start by learning how to play a polycarbonate ‘natural’ trumpet, which is relatively inexpensive, because made of plastic, and good for a beginner because it has no valves. If they enjoy it and wish to develop, they can then transfer to a standard trumpet, or other brass instrument, by joining their local band.

StAMP is a collaboration between the University Music Centre, Fife Music Centre, the region’s brass bands and professional ensemble, The Wallace Collection. It was to have been launched by bringing the children and teachers together over a weekend in March of last year – but the pandemic interceded! Undaunted, the organisers switched to an online format and exploited the opportunity by opening it to participants from around the globe, including some inspiring contributions from top brass players in other countries.

The project has already exceeded expectations. Half of the first intake of 160 children have gone on to join a band, many of whom would not otherwise have had that opportunity. Just how much the children have enjoyed themselves was abundantly clear from a video shown by Ellen. Moreover, as pointed out by Ann Baird in her vote of thanks, the skills that musicians learn are transferable and will benefit these youngsters in many other ways.

Encouraging young musicians has always been supported by our Club members, so it is good that the University also have projects to inspire young musicialns.