Kids Help Ulster Orchestra Tune Up Digitally

Classical music and cutting edge technology joined forces, when the Ulster Orchestra (UO) and Northern Ireland's largest indigenous IT services company, Northgate Managed Services teamed up to announce a special partnership.

Taking place at Glengormley Integrated Primary School, the 'Sound Bytes' is a partnership education project supported by Arts & Business NI that will involve a number of Newtownabbey schools taking part in a series of movie-themed educational workshops, to compose their own digital animation to a piece of music.

The workshops will culminate in two concerts for the children, teachers and family members at the Theatre at the Mill in March 2012.

Speaking at the launch of the project, the UO's Chief Executive, Declan McGovern commented: "The Ulster Orchestra makes a significant contribution to Northern Ireland’s cultural, business and economic life with over 100,000 people coming to see us perform live every year.

"In addition, 30,000 adults and young people benefit from our education and outreach programmes.

"The orchestral repertoire provides a richness of opportunity that leading businesses and organisations, like Northgate, can tap into. Working together we can create greater awareness of issues that are close to our partners hearts or develop programmes that enhance education and learning opportunities for children and young people, which is what we have done with Northgate, who continue to invest significantly in their local community each year," he said.

Northgate's Chief Executive, Andy Ross said: "Our partnership with the Ulster Orchestra is a good strategic fit for us, given our business and involvement in the local community.

"Today, children and young people are more at home with new technology than their parents and in time they will have increasing opportunities to develop careers in industries at the forefront of change and the ongoing information technology revolution.

"Engaging children at this level and bringing them something different that stimulates their interest in technology and digital media through music will reap rewards for them and the economy of the future," he said.

The partnership is the first of Arts & Business NI’s new partnerships this year between commerce and culture where the investment made by the business received 100% match funding.

"Arts & Business NI is delighted to support the new partnership between Northgate Managed Services and the Ulster Orchestra through our Investment Programme," said Beverly Coomber, Business Development Manager, Arts & Business NI.

"Our investment will allow the partners to enhance their exciting music and technology based outreach programme in local primary schools and host concerts for families next year," she said.

The Music Workshops will take place in the New Year and details of how local primary schools can get involved will be announced before Christmas.

(BMcC/GK)