4 minute read
A beautiful wall of sound
How Norfolk’s Echoes of the East is helping young people find their voice
Norfolk & Suffolk Music Hub has been paving the way in helping the region’s young vocalists find their voices through its showcase vocal group, Echoes of the East
Working with world-renowned arranger, choir director and vocal coach Mark DeLisser, those in full time education aged 13 to 19 have the opportunity to work together as a group and produce four songs arranged by Mark, culminating in a Music for Youth national performance in July 2024.
During the first year of the project, hosted exclusively then by Norfolk Music Hub, 130 young people from seven secondary schools across the county united to create incredible vocal arrangements and musical performances by harnessing their talents for music.
Alongside coaching and live performances, Echoes of the East offers additional opportunities to help young people flourish. One young person was able to work with Mark to become conductor of the group arrangement, which Esme, from Broadland High Ormiston Academy, embraced to help develop her leadership skills.
Most notably, the project also offers young asylum seekers the chance to learn beatboxing by taking part in a workshop with DJ and producer Midé Naike. The opportunity was grasped with both hands by a young man cared for by Solace Partnerships in Norfolk, who continued his development with one-to-one coaching and then joined Echoes of the East to collaborate on one of their songs.
Embarking on their musical journey in March 2024, Echoes of the East, accompanied by players from Norfolk Music Service County Ensembles, took to the stage for their debut performance during the Music for Youth regional heats in Halesworth. Here they wowed the audience and mentors with Mark’s arrangements of songs including A Sky Full of Stars, Higher and Higher and Together.
Their performance was met with rapturous applause and amazing feedback from the mentors, who said “It gives the students the platform to do something collectively that is so incredibly positive and powerful. No matter what background, culture or belief, there is nothing better than seeing our young people uniting to show how impactful we can all be when we work together.”
Rachel Salton, Head of Music at Lynn Grove Academy, added: “Before working with Echoes of the East, I thought the biggest highlight would be working with Mark De Lisser. It certainly was that, but also so much more. From singing with other schools and contributing to accessible, inclusive, fun, three-part vocal arrangements, to singing with a live band, solo opportunities and performing on huge stages across the country, it has truly been the highlight of the year for us. All this along with the camaraderie, fun and confidence-building has been incredible.”
In the following weeks, the vocal group was delighted to be selected to perform at Music for Youth’s National Festival in July this year. Echoes of the East performed at Birmingham Town Hall, and despite many of the young people having already left school or further education, they reunited for another rehearsal and made the determined journey from all corners of Norfolk to Birmingham.
Echoes of the East has provided Norfolk’s young people the opportunity to shine by forging new friendships and sharing moments of post-performance euphoria. The feeling of togetherness was reflected by Andy Goff, Managing Director of Solace Partnerships, who remarked that the experience had provided his young asylum seeker with huge confidence and helped him integrate into a new society in Norfolk.
Christian Hollyoake, Drummer for Norfolk Music Service Band, said: “Playing with Echoes of the East has been an unforgettable experience I have enjoyed working with the schools and performers to blend diverse musical traditions into something truly unique.”
Alison Brain, Head of Service for Music Service and the Music Hub at Norfolk County Council, concluded: “Echoes of the East has been an incredible opportunity for the young people of Norfolk to come together and unite in song. Being invited to perform in the Music for Youth National Festival has enabled them to showcase their talents on a national stage, not only highlighting their exceptional musicality but bringing significant benefits for wider personal development."
“Singing together fosters a sense of community, promotes good mental health, and builds confidence. Through this programme our young vocalists are developing skills that will benefit them throughout their lives and we are extremely proud to be part of their journey.”
Looking ahead, the group is kickstarting the second year of its project by performing at the prestigious Flourish Awards ceremony in September 2024. The group is also hoping to increase its numbers by extending the opportunity to perform to five additional secondary educational settings regionally across both Norfolk and Suffolk as part of the newly formed Norfolk & Suffolk Music Hub arrangements.
