INTRODUCTION
Sistema in Norwich works to improve the
wellbeing and prospects for young people
through participation in music. It is focussed
on areas of social and economic deprivation,
and has links to Venezuela’s, El Sistema.
Sistema in Norwich focuses on social impact,
both for participating young people, and also
their parents/carers and wider community.
However, music is the vehicle through which
the programme is delivered and the focus of
activity – group instrumental lessons and
being part of an orchestra.
Sistema in Norwich has been developed and
is run by Norwich & Norfolk Community Arts
(Registered Charity No. 1089916). The Peer
Leader Programme is being run in partnership
with Cultureworks East.
THE PEER LEADER PROGRAMME
Leadership by young people is a principle at
the heart of Sistema work. Through funding
from the Cabinet Office, Vulnerable and
Disengaged Young People’s Fund (VDYPF),
we are developing two, new and linked
opportunities. We are looking to engage with a
range of referral partners to help us recruit to
these two parts of the programme.
PEER LEADER TRAINING
From August 2014, young people will be able to
receive training in supporting the instrumental
learning and musical development of their
peers. This will happen in two age-range
groups (12 to 15yrs and 16 to 18yrs). Training
will be embedded in practical music sessions,
and include, as appropriate to the age and
interest of participants:
• Sistema music tutor training
• Youth-work training
• Peer leader and mentoring training
• A rts awards and various other
accredited learning.
• Ongoing support and musical development.
Recruitment and induction will be appropriate
to the needs of potential peer leaders.
This will include:
• A n informal meeting between the
referral partner, young person and
our project worker.
• C ompletion of a referral and
registration form.
• A ttendance at one or more
induction sessions.
Peer-leaders will take on a range of roles in
the new Sistema, from leading and supporting
sessions, to logistical and administrative
roles, so that they can find a level that
works for them and from which they can
progress (please see the accompanying role
description). They will ideally attend at least
once per week.
Peer Leader participants can be from any
background, but we are looking for at least 30
from the target groups identified below.
TEEN SISTEMA AT COLEGATE
From September 2014, the new Nucleo will
start at Martineau Memorial Hall, offering
young people between the ages of 12 and 16
years, the chance to learn to play a musical
instrument and be part of an orchestra, as well
as activities like writing music, improvising
and core musical skills development. There
will be regular weekly provision, up to 4
sessions per week, for 50 participants.
All participating young people must meet the
participant criteria set by the Cabinet Office.
They can be complete beginners or can have
some instrumental experience. There will be
‘taster’ sessions, when young people can come
and experience the programme. If they decide
to take part it is expected that they will attend
the Sistema a minimum of twice each week.
Application to take part will simply require
the completion of the registration form. All
provision will be free. Details of the timings
and days of sessions will be confirmed closer
to the time.
GENERAL VOLUNTEERS
We will also be seeking to engage a minimum
10 regular adult volunteers to support delivery.
These could be musicians, tutors or just
people who want to help out.
PARTICIPANT CRITERIA
Peer Leaders: The peer leaders will be young
people already engaged in and/or committed to
learning a musical instrument. The programme
is focused on orchestral instruments (though
not specifically classical music), however we
will be looking to include a broader spectrum
of instruments. It is expected that young
people will have been playing consistently for
at least 2 years.
All Sistema participants and the majority of
the peer leaders, must fall into one of the
following criteria, evidenced by the referring
agency or by other means.
• Y oung people not in education, employment
or training (NEET);
• Y oung people at risk of becoming NEET;
• Y oung people truanting from, at risk of, or
excluded from school;
• Y oung carers;
• Y oung people known to the social services; or
• Y oung people in, or leaving the care system.
Geographical area: It is expected that
participants will come from the City of Norwich
and Greater Norwich. Geographical area is
not a limiting factor however we do not hold
sufficient budget currently to support travel
from outside of the Greater Norwich boundary.
Transportation: There is some budget available
to cover travel expenses to support young
people’s access as needed.
EVALUATION
The programme will be evaluated by
the University of East Anglia (School of
Psychology), which is a requirement of the
grant. Participants will be asked to agree to
take part in the study.
CONTACT
Programme leader: Marcus Patteson
NORCA, Martineau Memorial Hall, 21 Colegate,
Norwich NR3 1BN
T: 01603 760529
E: marcus@norcaarts.co.uk
W: www.norcaarts.co.uk