Music and Arts Week!

Week beginning 8th August Get Sorted are holding a Music and Arts Week, as part of the Summer Activities programme, which will be open to all.

Monday 8th August through to Friday 12th August Get Sorted will be running a series of Music and Arts workshops. This will be the only week of summer activities open to all. There'll be workshops on Drums, Guitar, a wide range of Arts and Crafts, as well as a wide variety of Multimedia workshops such as animation.

The workshops will run from 10am until 3pm and will be £10 for a full day. Each workshop will be delivered by Get Sorted staff, all of which are experienced and dedicated tutors. Remember that this is the only week of Summer Activities that will be open to anyone so if you want to book a place please contact Get Sorted on 01709 513 099 or email info@getsortedmusic.co.uk - but you'd best hurry; the numbers attending Summer Activities so far have increased day by day!!!

For more information on Get Sorted Summer Activities follow the link to see all related blog posts.

Click HERE for the Facebook event these workshops.

Teacher Training.

Get Sorted provides a great opportunity to carry out some practical learning for those studying to be a teacher. The following article is from Bex Neale, a student at Mancherster Metropolitan University.

"I came to Get Sorted towards the end of a PGCE course at Manchester Metropolitan University to deliver a session in song-writing. We explored the use of vocal rhythms and patterns before writing our own lyrics to fit into these rhythms using a comic-strip for inspiration.

The young people were able to compose their own rhythms before learning how to play power chords on the guitar. They could use this in future session to creat a song.

I really enjoyed working with these young people in an 'out-of-school' context and in a friendly environment, and they also felt that they benefited from being in such an environment."

It should be pointed out that Bex has been involved with Get Sorted for years, performing regularly with her band Pelican 'Ead many times and also making recordings with the same band... a recording of which must be lurking somewhere in the archives!

Summer Activities are under way!

As the Get Sorted Summer Activities get under way the building is buzzing with people and Get Sorted staff are holding events at local schools and communities!

The Social Cohesion group is already a big success. At the start of Monday morning there were only a few young people involved... by the end of the day there were 14... this morning there are 24! The young people, predominantly from Clifton school, have been taking parts in a variety of activities, and judging by the noise levels, they're having a ball!

Upstairs in the Multimedia room a group from Aston are taking part in activities - including making a group recording, working with DJ and other recording equipment and using instruments - paid for by the Aston-cum-Aughton Volunteers Forum.

In the coming weeks Get Sorted will be hosting activities on-site for several different groups and will be heading out into the communities to deliver a range of activities, including a Glee Club in Wath, mixed Music and Arts at West Melton, Rock Band development at Swinton working with young people due to start comprehensive school in September and a Drums and Guitar Workshop at Rawmarsh Rosehill!

There's plenty happening basically, so keep your eyes on the blog to make sure you don't miss anything!

Get Sorted help Kimberworth "Foundation Get Musical!"

Get Sorted regularly hold School Workshops. This story is taken from the Kimberworth Community Primary School website where Get Sorted recently did some work.

"This week children from foundation have taken part in music workshops, run by ‘Get Sorted Academy of Music.’ The children played a variety of musical games which developed listening skills and their sense of rhythm. They copied and made up their own patterns using the drum shapes, they strummed and plucked guitars and they had the opportunity to conduct the class orchestra. They also learnt several new songs – ask your child to sing one to you at home!"

Music education is extremely important as music helps with literacy, maths, science, history, geography and other areas of the curriculum as well as developing the creativity in children and young people. Music improves co-ordination, memory, motor skills as well as helping to develop social skills and leadership skills.

Whatever your musical needs let us help you find the solution. Get Sorted provides a local voice for music in education and in the community by providing a wide range of music and arts workshops and activities and by supporting schools that do not have professional musicians in-house.

All our staff are CRB checked, friendly and experienced and most importantly enjoy making music with children and young people.

Fallen Trees @ Tramlines

Fallen Trees will be playing at the Forum at 10pm as part of the Sheffield Tramlines Festival!

All the band work at Get sorted (Glenn, Paul and Dave) and they are headlining at the Forum in Sheffield tonight at 10.00pm! Get down there and watch Get Sorted folk practice what they preach!

Call For Donations!!!

Get Sorted is going to have a bit of a spruce up over the summer-break and we need your help.

During the Summer break Get Sorted is planning so do some refurbishment work around the building and we are asking for donations of, well, anything that could help!

We need paint, paint brushes, rollers, trays, overalls...

Also, if you are in a position to donate any office supplies, Get Sorted would gratefully receive them. Paper, pens, paperclips right through to office furniture – it’ll all get put to good use!

And lastly, the Multimedia room is in need of some new furniture, mainly new chairs so again, if you have any to donate, please get in touch! Phone 01709 513 099 or email info@getsortedmusic.co.uk!

Get sorted will greatly appreciate all generosity!

Guitar Master Class!

Get Sorted Summer Activities bring you a chance to develop your guitar skills with a series of Masterclasses!

As part of the Get Sorted Summer Activities there will be 3 Guitar Masterclass sessions, starting Wednesday 27th July. Each session will cost £10 and will run from 10am until 12.30pm with a performance from 12 'til the close.

This is an exciting opportunity for guitarists to improve and develop their skills. This is not a course for beginners and participants must have previous experience or be Rockschool accredited. If you are interested in taking part please get in touch with Get Sorted (01709 513 099 / info@getsortedmusic.co.uk ) to book a place!

Wednesday 27th July / Wednesday 3rd August / Wednesday 10th August - £10 per session; 10am start.

Summer Activities - Music and Arts Week!

 As part of the schedule of summer activities that Get Sorted have got planned, from the 8th until the 12th August there will be a week of Music and Arts which will be open to the public!

This is the only week that Get Sorted will be holding activities for the general public, so be sure to book soon by phoning 01709 513 099! For details about the other activites Get Sorted have got planned please take a look at previous 'Summer Activities' blog posts.

NCFE group complete their course!

Another group of Get Sorted students complete their NCFE courses and get their certificates in Music Technology!

Get Sorted Tutor Nathan Wilding writes: "Corie Adams, Thomas applegate, Kyle Clayton, Ryan Crawshaw, Jack Evans, James Jessop, Joe Marsh, connor Medlock, Liam Mousley and Michael Oldham have completed their NCFE level 1 Introductory award in Music Technology and have their certficates!"

In order to get their certificates the students had to complete 90 hours of guided learning, assist with recording studio operations, use multi-track loop sequencing software, use audio editing software amongst other things. For more information on this course follow the link to Qualification Details page on the NCFE website.

Get Sorted is a training provider for NCFE. "NCFE is a national awarding organisation. Awarding organisations design and award qualifications which recognise the skills, knowledge and understanding achieved by a learner at a particular level and in a particular subject.

We offer over 400 qualifications at different levels and in a wide range of subject areas. We also offer a growing portfolio of NVQs, as well as Basic and Functional Skills qualifications."

Chamber sorts it out with cash for young musicians

Back in 2002 - when Get Sorted was already 6 years old - the Rotherham Chamber of Commerce provided Get Sorted with some funding to 'go digital'. Here is the original story taken from The Star.

Rotherham Chamber of Commerce has helped a local music academy go digital.

The Chamber has donated 3,000, raised at its Presidential Ball, to the Get Sorted Academy of Music which helps young people who feel excluded by society.

Genya Johnson, who started the project six years ago, said: "We provide activities which raise self-esteem and provide a focus for young people who are excluded from school, are young offenders, or simply feel they have no place in society.

"The new multi-functional classroom will help students discover and develop their musicianship talents, song writing abilities and enhance IT and social skills."

Chamber president Nick Cragg said: "We raise monies for local causes which we believe make a positive difference to Rotherham and its people.

"Get Sorted is one such project and we are very impressed by the dedication of the staff and volunteers involved in it.

"We are very pleased to have been able to help."

Get Sorted Loyalty Scheme

Did you know that Get Sorted run a 'Loyalty Scheme' that means you can get your hands on a wide range of 'gifts'?

The Get Sorted Loyalty Scheme is really simple. Whenever you pay for your lesson that you attend at Get Sorted, just show your card and get it stamped. Simple as that!

After 10 stamps you can pick from a wide - and everchanging - range of 'gifts'. There are the usual music related gifts like drum sticks, guitar leads and strings to help you with your musical development, but also you might fancy something a bit different... A pair of earphones? A cosmetics set? Just ask when you trade in your fully stamped card!!!

Cards can be picked up from the Get Sorted office. If you want any more information please get in touch with us either by phone (01709 513 099) or by email (info@getsortedmusic.co.uk)!

Annual General Meeting!

An invitation from Genya to come to the Get Sorted Annual General Meeting, which we hope you can attend, and information about Get Sorted Summer Holiday closures.

Dear Parent/Student/Carer,

You are warmly invited to attend the Annual General Meeting on Thursday 21st July at 6.00pm which will take place in the Pool Room at Get Sorted.

Get Sorted will remain open during the school holidays. Lessons will continue but will be during the daytime and need to be arranged with your tutor. Get Sorted will close on Friday 19th August and lessons will resume again week commencing Monday 5th September 2011.

Should you require any further information or would like to discuss any of the issues mentioned in this letter please do not hesitate to contact me.

Yours faithfully

Genya Johnson

Executive Director

Lloyds TSB "Our Stories" Get Sorted Feature

An article taken from the Lloyds Banking Group website. The 'Our Stories' page contains a link detailing the grant given to Get Sorted!

The Lloyds TSB Foundation for England and Wales provided a grant of £30,000 to Get Sorted Music Academy in Rotherham.

Get Sorted Music Academy runs music and creative workshops to enable young people to build their self-esteem and help them reach their creative potential. Workshops are aimed at young people who are not in employment, education or further training. The Academy also provides young people with the opportunity to develop important life skills, such as budgeting, time management and interview techniques.

The Foundation’s grant helps fund core costs for the Stepping Stones project, helping young people to develop and reach their goals through creative activities.

“The funding has enabled us to do more one-on-one work with hard-to-reach young people and has allowed us to devote 16 hours a week to the programme, instead of just two.”

- Genya Johnson, Get Sorted Music Academy.

“As I couldn’t get into college I found something to do at Get Sorted Music Academy. It’s a great place to learn new skills like music technology. I am gaining more education to try and get into college next time.”

- Nathan, 16-year-old learner on the Stepping Stones project.

EMVouchers and Get Sorted Brochures!

Get Sorted has recently produced a series of brochures with the help of the Enterprise Marketing Vouchers Scheme detailing Get Sorted's core projects and services.

"Get Sorted needed a whole suite of marketing materials to engage with new and existing clients, including a new website and information booklets. Enterprise Marketing Vouchers provided matched funding which enabled Get Sorted to produce all the marketing materials they needed within the budget that they had allocated. This has allowed them to promote their business without the need to wait for additional funding." - taken from emvouchers 'Get Sorted' page.

The three brochures - Schools, Music Tuition and The Shed - are all available to download from the Get Sorted website or to be posted out to you upon request (please call 01709 513099 or email info@getsortedmusic.co.uk)

Get Sorted "get physical with Lottery grants"

A news release from the Big Lottery Fund about how some of the money has been used in the Yorkshire and Humber region, and how Get Sorted are involved.

Groups in Yorkshire and the Humber are kicking off a health and fitness drive as the Big Lottery Fund (BIG) distributes more than £422,000 in grants across the region today.

The money from BIG’s Awards for All small grants programme is being shared among 54 groups across Yorkshire and the Humber including Huddersfield, Bradford and Rotherham.

Vanessa White, Big Lottery Fund Head of Yorkshire and the Humber region, said: “Keeping active goes a long way towards improving one’s quality of life and we are proud to be able to support groups that are encouraging a healthier and more active lifestyle. There are 54 groups in Yorkshire and Humber receiving more than £422,000 in grants this month so here’s hoping they inspire others in the region to get their applications in too.”

...Meanwhile in Rotherham, Get Sorted Academy of Music will use the award of £3,740 to introduce fit ball to adults with special needs. This involves gentle exercise to music using various pieces of apparatus, including a Pilates ball...

BIG’s Awards for All programme launched on 1st April 2009 and, with £45million to distribute across England, it is the Fund’s biggest-ever commitment to a small grant scheme supporting community projects. The scheme offers grants of between £300 and £10,000 to social and environmental projects that will benefit local communities and make a difference to the lives of those most in need.

Inspire Project Success

Get Sorted tutor has been working with young people through the Inspire Project, and it is paying off!!!

Dave B, Get Sorted tutor says: "The Inspire Project was a great success. The difference in attitude from the kids was clearly visible, as well as their grasp on English."

The Inspire booklet, highlighting some of the artists on the project, is winging itself around the world as part of a 'Bookmap' scheme and you can follow it's progress on the Inspire Bookmap page.

There has also been a concert where Inspire rappers, including M-Star, performed, there are videos on youtube.

And finally, Inspire helped M-Star develop as a Rapper... and as a person. As Dave B says, M-Star has 'turned his life around'. M-Star recently won a competition 'Midnight Music' and is going to record a song written for him by Jay Mya in a special session at the Music Factory Studios in Rotherham.

Get Sorted - Changing Lives Through Music!

Claim your FREE music lesson now!

Rotherham's leading music tuition team at Get Sorted are giving you a chance to sign up and claim your first music lesson absolutely FREE!

Choose from a whole range of music lesson: Drums, Bass Guitar, Lead Guitar, Acoustic Guitar, Vocals, Piano, Brass, Woodwind, Strings, DJ, Music Production.

Get in touch with get sorted and [pick up a voucher that entitles you to claim a full refund on your first music lesson when signing up for lesson with Get Sorted! To qualify, simply book four lessons and get your first lesson free!

Call 01709 513 099  or send an email to info@getsortedmusic.co.uk for more information about the Free Lesson scheme. For more information about Get Sorted Music Tuition please take a look at our brochure.

Looking forward to hearing from you!

Get Sorted Summer Activities.

As the School Year ends the Summer Activities begins. Get Sorted will be carrying out 4 weeks of activities, including Arts, Crafts and obviously Music, for various groups. Keep your eye on the blog for more information! 

If you want to book a space, please get in touch with Get Sorted either by email (info@getsortedmusic.co.uk) or by phone (01709 513 099)! please remember that not all summer activities are open to everyone so please check the information first so you aren't disappointed!

Week 1 (25th - 29th July)

Social Cohesion Week through Get Sorted Extended Services - Pupils from Clifton School aged between 12 and 16are invited to get in touch with Get Sorted and take part in some of the activites that will be running from 10am until 3pm.

Week 2 (1st - 5th August)

Home Educated Week - If you are a Home Educated person between the ages of 12 and 16, or are a home eduactor, you will be able to take part in a week of Drum, Guitar, Rapping, Animation, Film-making workshops amongst others, which run from 10 am until 3 pm. Places are still available so please get in touch!

Week 3 (8th - 12th August)

Music and Arts Week - A week of activities open to all! Get Sorted will be opening the doors to everyone for a week of creative and fun workshops for £10 a day! This is the only week where Get Sorted will be holding activities for the general public, so be sure to book soon!

Adult & Community Learning

Adult Learners recently enjoyed 3 days of fun at Get Sorted.

South Yorkshire Community Fund recently funded 3 mornings of activities at Get Sorted. The Adult and Community Learning (ACL) group have been singing and dancing to a variety of karaoke.

Their favourite track being Ronan Keating's "Rolercoaster", with everyone joining in!

Get Sorted's work with ACL groups is part of the Extended Services activities offered at Get Sorted.

Get Sorted and The Children's University.

The Children's University (CU) is holding a "Children's University Graduation" at the Magna Centre on July the 8th, and Get Sorted have been invited to attend a 'provider briefing' to see how it could become a CU provider following a pilot.

Rotherham CU graduates at Sheffield City Hall

 There has already been a graduation ceremony for Rotherham CU graduates. "More than 100 Rotherham children donned their caps and gowns to graduate from a very special university. They became the first to graduate from the Children's University in Rotherham during a ceremony at Sheffield City Hall."

However, the event on the 8th of July, which is expected to attract around 800 people, will be the first "Rotherham Borough Wide Graduation" and it is hoped that it will help build Rotherham Children's University.

"The Children's University is a national organisation that provides 7 to 14 year olds with exciting and innovative learning activities and experiences outside normal school hours. We celebrate achievement and reward participation through our certificates.

Raising children's aspirations is important to us and we aim to develop the understanding that learning can be the satellite navigation to better places in life!"

End of Year: Qualification and Certificates!

As the academic year comes to the end, Get Sorted students have completed their work and are awaiting the results and certificates!!! Here is a report from a few of the Get Sorted projects.

20 students from the Learning Centre have completed units from their PSD work and are waiting for their certificates to arrive from moderation. Also the Multimedia students are approaching the end of their NCFE qualification and their work will be going in for moderation.

Get Sorted is always looking for hidden talent so we like to look at ways of training and supporting young people. We have a wide range of courses both in music and multimedia as well as a range of exams and accreditation We also offer work experience opportunities, mentoring and volunteering opportunities and welcome helpers to the project. Some of our work related opportunities are run alongside our training courses which include NCFE courses, AQA courses, Asdan courses as well as Rock School and Associated Board exams.