Musical project creating a soundtrack for Newark invites public to get involved

A new musical community project will tour Newark later this month — and you can get involved.

Musical Whispers, which aims to help local people create a soundtrack celebrating Newark’s history, heritage and buildings, have travelled around local community groups for the past month, but now the group has invited members of the public to contribute to the track.

Organised as part of Newark Creates, a High Street Heritage Action Zone project led by Newark Cultural Consortium, free workshops are being held for people to get involved.

Musicians from soundLINCS, a not-for-profit community music organisation based in Lincoln, will facilitate the sessions, using instruments, percussion and technology to support and guide participants in this fun musical journey, so no experience is needed.

The first of the free public sessions will take place on March 22 and March 29 from 9.30am to 11.30am at St Mary Magdalene Church.

This session is open to all ages and participants will work with music producer Eddy, aka Audiojunkie, to create sounds and develop an original track using iPads and music technology.

On Saturday, April 2, the National Civil War Centre will host a family day featuring three two-hour sessions at 10.30am, 1pm and 3pm, the latter of which is designed for families with additional sensory needs, and ASD.

Participants can join in with just one session or see the music’s progression throughout the day by attending all three, with on-site Café Nineteen20 available for lunch in between.

Attendees will enjoy the chance to make some family tunes using music tech, percussion, drums, iPads, songs and sounds, with the help of soundLINCS’ Eddy and Helen.

Carol Newman, director of culture at Inspire: Culture, Learning and Libraries, the lead partner in the Consortium, said: “This is such a wonderful way to celebrate the rich culture and history of Newark, enabling the local community to learn new musical skills while doing so.

"It’s been brilliant to be able to work with local organisations such as Newark Dementia Carers’ Group and I hope that by creating opportunities for the public to get involved, we’ll be able to develop some exciting and diverse contributions to the final piece”.

On Saturday, April 9, the completed track will be available to be played in shops, cafés and venues across town in a day of finale festivity where participants can share pride in their contributions.

To find out more about the project, or if you are a local business interested in receiving a free copy of the soundtrack, get in touch by emailing cultural programme co-ordinator Sara Bullimore at sara.bullimore@inspireculture.org.uk.

To book a place at the National Civil War Centre session, with free museum admission included, contact museums@nsdc.info.