Ysgol Tudno joins forces with Venue Cymru musicians to launch radio station

Ysgol Tudno in Llandudno is working with Venue Cymru’s resident Ensemble Cymru in the weekly project which aims to promote well-being through music. It has seen them work with artistic director and clarinetist Peryn Clement-Evans, harpist Mared Emlyn and cellist Nicki Pearce.

The project forms part of the popular venue’s TakepArt Festival, a creative arts and dance workshops for people aged under 18. The festival, now in its 12th year, is taking place online and has included a drawing session by TakepART patron Jonny Duddle, who illustrated the Harry Potter books, and a dance class with West End musical performer and teacher Rachel Sargent based on award-winning show ‘Six’.

Peryn Clement-Evans said: “Due to lockdown restrictions, Ensemble Cymru musicians have been working with children and staff of Ysgol Tudno online since October 2020. We were all thrilled to be invited to be a part of Venue Cymru’s TakepArt Festival.

“It’s so important that we all make time for ourselves and online radio makes it possible to sit back with a cuppa and close their eyes for quarter of an hour each day without having to stare at a screen.”

Pupils worked alongside composer Mared Emlyn to make songs and choose instruments to fit with them.

Nia Richards, an independent education expert, said Ensemble Cymru’s residency at Ysgol Tudno is as a blueprint for innovative and high-quality school and cultural partnerships.

“Ysgol Tudno and Ensemble Cymru are developing innovative practice within the Expressive Arts through a collaborative professional-enquiry approach,” she said.

“They are increasing engagement by being responsive to pupils’ needs and interests and they are building relationships between the school and the wider community.”

Venue Cymru’s TakepART 2021 Festival will be running until April 18 in Welsh and English, with Radio Ensemble Cymru running each week Monday to Friday.

For more information visit www.venuecymru.co.uk