For outstanding commitment to local community and/or social justice issues by an individual or collective.
A huge congratulations to all the nominees shortlisted for our Social Action Award. At Youth Music we know how much music can inspire others to take action. Find out more about how our shortlisted nominees have done just that.
Cuttlefish Orchestra (winner)
Jack Drum Arts - Key Change Band Night (Crook, County Durham)
“Cuttlefish Orchestra is a young person-led music collective with six members, supported by musician James Lane. In 2018 members of the group - Josh Conlon, Brendan Hoar and Sam Ward-Hardy - successfully pitched to a panel from The Key for £1,000 to organise a social action project called Key Change Band Night. Their idea was to raise awareness of youth mental health and suicide amongst their peers whilst also raising money for If U Care Share Foundation – a national suicide prevention charity based in County Durham.
“All three had experienced poor mental health, and through Jack Drum Arts, had discovered song writing and music as a successful way to manage their depression and improve their emotional resilience. They took a lead on the organising of the event: locating and booking a suitable venue, securing the bands, creating the marketing, promoting the event widely and recruiting an audience of over 100 people.
“They are incredibly deserving of this award because of their sheer commitment and determination to successfully organise an incredible event, despite overcoming immense personal challenges during the project when one of the young people tragically lost his father to suicide. This was hugely distressing for everyone - however the tragedy only made the young people more determined to pull off something amazing on the night.”
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Vocal Beats Young Ambassadors
rb&hArts (London)
“Bethinn, Eleanor, Mia and Skye became ambassadors after taking part in hospital ward-based music activities as inpatients at Royal Brompton & Harefield NHS Foundation Trust. Due to the nature of their own conditions and the risk of cross-infection, the ambassadors cannot meet in person.
“Since March 2019 they have taken part in weekly video-calls to discuss issues around loneliness and isolation for young people with chronic conditions, considering creative ways to support other young people through connecting online.
“They are currently working with professional musicians and a film-maker to produce a series of singing tutorials for other young people with disabilities. These are tailored to support breath management in respiratory conditions and provide purpose and distraction for young people who might be bored and lonely in hospital.
“Alongside this, the ambassadors have been using film and music to share their own stories of disability and hospitalisation - taking inspiration from YouTuber Claire Wineland – to promote youth voice at the Trust.”
Hack a Heckle
“Hack A Heckle (HAH) is a social action campaign that’s used the power of music to challenge gender-based harassment in Bristol. The campaign was run by a collective of musicians, creatives and activists aged 18-25, from a mix of backgrounds with the support of Knowle West Media Centre’s Change Creators: a music leadership programme.
“This group was truly inspiring! Over the nine month programme they meet weekly, identified issues they collectively were passionate about, and set up a website, released an EP centred around the theme, travelled to Barcelona to discuss the issue, launched the campaign at Bristol’s Harbour Fest, created merchandise, collated surveys from across the country of people’s experiences with gender based violence, and fed their original research into a larger study in collaboration with the police force and the Bristol Zero Tolerance initiative.”
Hal Leonard Europe
Hal Leonard Europe is part of the Hal Leonard group of companies - the world’s largest source of music publications, representing many of the world’s best-known and most respected publishers, artists, songwriters, arrangers and instrument manufacturers. Hal Leonard Europe publishes and distributes an extensive catalogue of printed and digital sheet music products, music education resources, instruments, gear, software and accessories around the world.
In addition to Hal Leonard’s global office and distribution centres in the USA and Australia, Hal Leonard Europe has either offices or distribution centres in eight European locations in Belgium, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Italy and the United Kingdom.
