3 minute read
A CHARITY believes that everyone should be able to make sweet music, even if they can’t use traditional instruments for any reason. Now it’s appealing for help to make its dream a reality.
Berkshire Maestros, which helps youngsters get to grips with tune making, is raising funds to install Soundbeam equipment in its music centres and in schools.
Once in place, it allows students with disabilities to enjoy the chance to create their own tunes. It uses ultrasonic movement to detect movements and translates this into sounds, a bit like a giant theremin.
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It has a series of sound sets that allow the exploration of different genres such as blues and classical, and allows children to create their own improvised soundscapes.
The Maestros say that Soundbeam has other benefits, including letting the youngsters take part in music making lessons for the National Curriculum, and also develop their motor skills.
A spokesperson for Soundbeam said: “We are delighted that Berkshire Maestros are fundraising to purchase a Soundbeam system for the county.
POETRY CORNER
When I was a child
Life was cosiness, rosiness and warm I wasn’t planning far ahead –But I was doing no harm –The days drifted slowly by And each was daffodil fresh and new Every day I was greeted by a wonderland
Where the sun always shone And the sky was always blue n To find out more about Maya’s Refillables, visit: mayasrefillables.com n For information about Wokingham in Bloom visit: www.wokingham-tc.gov.uk/ inbloom
They will be able to register for the challenges on Wokingham Town Council’s website soon.
Prizes can be won - first prize is a bug hotel, second prize is a bird box, and third prize is a voucher to spend at Maya’s Refillables store.
Free seed packets can be collected at Maya’s Refillables in Peach Place from Monday, March 20.
My mind was never cluttered with numbers
That I would rarely use I always knew where I was going to And I never felt confused Used or abused
And then … and then … at 10 Abused. Used. Confused.
A child no more,
But thanks to God’s good grace and prayers
“To date we have supplied more than 100 Soundbeam systems across the UK so that they can better support disabled learners.
“As a small business based in Bristol and established in 1988 –we have developed Soundbeam technology to facilitate musical expression for performers of all ages and abilities helping schools, colleges, hospices, hospitals and arts organisations to give their students and service users a meaningful and exciting way to perform and create music.”
And Jamie Baird, Berkshire Maestros Partnerships and Inclusion Development Manager, felt the Soundbeam was a wonderful musical instrument.
“The technology it uses is so impressive and sparks so many ideas for how it can be used within our schools and music centres,” he said.
“I particularly love the freedom of expression it gives the player and can’t wait to see how our young people communicate and interact through Soundbeam.” n To support the appeal, log on to: https://www.justgiving.com/ campaign/soundbeamforberkshire
Departing Mon 29 May ‘23
On this fantastic break we enjoy the Isle of Wight’s peace, tranquillity and natural beauty as well as a nostalgic journey on the Isle of Wight Steam Railway and a visit to fascinating Osborne House, Queen Victoria’s former holiday home - a relaxing few days away.
Your break includes
Return coach travel and ferry crossings from Wokingham & Bracknell
4 nights at the Medehamstede Hotel, Shanklin with dinner & breakfast
Heritage train journey on the Isle of Wight Steam Railway
Excursions to Osborne House, Cowes & Ryde
Optional Island Highlights Tour (£13pp)
5 Days by Coach ly £349
NORFOLK’S LITTLE TRAINS & Mississippi Paddle Steamer
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Departing Mon 12 Jun ‘23
The beautiful county of Norfolk is characterised by charming seaside towns, and unspoilt coastline. We discover the mystic beauty of its waterways by paddle steamer as well as enjoy nostalgic journeys on Norfolk’s heritage railways, taking us back to a bygone era.
Your break includes
Return coach travel from Wokingham & Bracknell
4 nights at a selected hotel in Great Yarmouth with dinner & breakfast
Entertainment some evenings (Waverley Hotel only)
Heritage train journeys on the North Norfolk Railway & Bure Valley Railway
Mississippi paddle steamer cruise on the Norfolk Broads
Excursions to Cromer & Sheringham
5 Days by Coach
PAUL FARMER
© English Heritage IsleofWightRoyals&Rails_D.pdf LittleTrainsofNorfolk&theMississippiPaddleSteamer_D.pdf Single Supplement £60 Single Supplement £60 WPR_2023-03-13_TheWokinghamPaper_33x2 (1)_Just Go or visit justgoholidays.com/WPR 03332 342 527 Quote WPR To advertise, call 0118 327 2662 Thursday, March 16, 2023 WOKINGHAM.TODAY 29
