In a previous life I was an orchestral clarinettist. As part of my many years in the Philharmonia I used to do outreach work, in a wide variety of settings. My lovely wife who puts up with my clumsy melodeon playing at home has just BOOKED DAVE GRAY! for a year to work with her class of kids with serious additional needs. She's at the Priory School, Hexham. I've also spent time volunteering at her school, and know that Dave will do a great job with lovely kids. And the hard pressed money will be well spent.
So, in light of that: I know the melodeon is a great instrument to carry around a group, and to sing to - and even to get kids to play.
Here's my request:
Does anybody in the north east have an instrument or two of any description (accordion, guitar, drum,bell) that they could add to the party. I can't guarantee that it will escape scars. You can rely on the best possible attention, but some of these kids can't control their limbs in the same way we can. I am also lending instruments such as hand bells, and guitars, whistles. chimes and hand drums.
Please donate dead instruments that only work occasionally, or lend instruments that need overhauling anyway.
I can't begin to tell you the depth of need here. As I teach at the linked high school, I can tell you that no instrument would be put to better use. I am so glad that she's tapped into Dave Gray, and I hope to support them in any way I can.