Background

The South Ayrshire Percussion Ensemble (SAPE) was formed in 2006, the creation of Musical Director, Gavin Welsh. SAPE is a youth music project which provides school children the opportunity to learn percussion skills in the company of other children.

Until the formation of this group, non-orchestral players were marginalised by the education system. SAPE provides a musical outlet for these children by providing teaching and instrumental resources outside the school environment. The group is supported by South Ayrshire Council and the Youth Music Initiative of the Scottish Arts Council, which provide funds for musical instruments and rehearsal facilities. SAPE has recently been awarded £5000 for new instruments from 'Awards for all Scotland'. The ensemble consists of three sections, the Junior (age 8-12), Main (age 12-17) and Senior groups which rehearse regularly in Girvan. The maximum number of members of SAPE is currently limited to thirty and there is currently a waiting list of children who would like to join.

Aims

SAPE's main activity is a balanced combination of teaching and performance. The three groups perform regularly for school shows and community concerts where they raise money for charity.

One of the ongoing objectives of SAPE is to raise the level of confidence and self esteem among young people and through their participation in live performances, members are instilled with a sense of achievement. The regular schedule of rehearsals promotes self-discipline and gives many members a focus for their weekly activities. In particular, the ensemble nature of the group fosters a community spirit and allows the children to develop their inter-personal skills. While children with a special aptitude for percussion and with the potential of pursuing a career in music particularly benefit from the activities of SAPE, the emphasis of the group is on inclusiveness.

Key personnel

SAPE is run on a voluntary basis by its Musical Director, Gavin Welsh with the assistance of percussion instructor, Jane Strathearn. Gavin teaches percussion in many of the schools in South Ayrshire and is involved in a range of musical activities including Coila Ceilidh Band. Members' parents have become increasingly involved in the administration of SAPE and have formed a committee which help organise the group's activities.