A Northfleet music group forced to close its doors during the pandemic is opening up again – with two new groups and a free, open invite re-launch event.
The Knights Academy of Music and Performing Arts will relaunch on Thursday 24th February with an exciting evening of music and fun.
Children aged 6-15 will be able to come along to try brass instruments including trumpets, percussion including xylophones, plus snare and bass drums too.
Parents are welcome to stay and watch, or can drop their children off and collect later.
The group usually meets on a Tuesday for 10-15-year-olds and on Thursdays for under 10s, at Northfleet School for Girls, Hall Road; both from 6:30pm – 8pm.
Tuesdays
The Tuesday group is for older, more experienced players who can come to develop their music skills and focus on either brass, percussion or drums as their preferred instrument.
They may have already played one of the instruments or another instrument at home or school but will have a basic understanding of music to build on.
They will learn to play popular songs together, develop their playing skills and also work towards local performances such as fetes, carnivals and Christmas events which the group gets booked for.
Thursdays
The Thursday group is an entry level group, for younger children to come and try various instruments, have fun and for some, play music for the first time.
They can have a go at each instrument and decide which they like best, then have lots of fun trying them out and playing simple songs together.
The group is ideal for children who don’t have the opportunity to play music at home or don’t take school lessons.
Music Director Paul Richards, said: “It’s an exciting time to be launching the two groups and we hope to see lots of new young musicians and budding musicians at our free launch night.
“Music is so important in life and in particular, for children. They can express themselves through music, and it’s so influential on their development too. It’s been proven that learning music helps with cognitive skills, concentration and achievement too.
“Music is loved the world over, can make us feel certain emotions and revives memories too – it is so powerful and for children to be able to access it, is so important.
“Our tutors all love music and many have played since childhood. We are a mix of music teachers and amateur musicians playing in bands, but all have in common, an absolute passion for music and getting children involved.
“The monthly fees are kept low at £20 per month, so that families can afford to give their children this wonderful gift of music.
“It’s not taught in schools as much as we’d like to see, and we know that one-to-one tuition can be out of reach for many families, so we hope that our weekly groups give them an opportunity in music they might not previously have had.”
If you’d like to come to the free re-launch event on Thursday 24th February to find out more about the groups, meet other young musicians and find out more about the teachers, book your place via Eventbrite or get in touch:
Garry Gardiner – 07843 234575
Stacey Cabey – 07735 877415
info@knightsacademy.org.uk
https://www.facebook.com/Knightsmusicacademy/
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Gravesend Messenger
March 10th
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