Meg-a stars
Posted on 11 December 2003
The tremendous achievements of a group of music students were acknowledged last week when they became one of only 12 teams to win an HEACF Student Volunteering Award. The six students, all from the Music Department at The University of York, received the award at a ceremony held at Manchester United's football ground in recognition of their innovative community project, Meg!
The Music Education Group (Meg!) was the brainchild of a small group of music students. Through a programme of workshops and concerts Meg! has reached over 700 children. Supported by The University of York's Active York Fund they have introduced children from a large number of local schools to samba, jazz and world music.
"I am really pleased that the enthusiasm and dedication shown by Meg! has been recognised in such a public manner. They have conducted their work with the utmost professionalism. Meg! is here to stay!" Heather Richardson, Projects Officer, Active York, The University of York.
"Meg!'s input into Galtres School in the past academic year made a very valuable contribution to our pupil's musical education. The children the students worked with have a very wide range of complex needs and their support was always sensitive and appropriate." Carmel Appleton, Acting Deputy Headteacher, Galtres School, York.
The group is still going strong and is working with more schools, whilst expanding into new musical territory. They have workshops planned within local community groups, residential homes and prisons.
The six recipients of the award are: Anna Roberts, Michelle Middleton, Catherine Holbrook, Andy Oliver, Jo Hammond and Hannah Kidd.
Notes to editors:
- For more details, please contact: Heather Richardson, Active York Projects Officer Office: 01904 432497 E-mail: hr6@york.ac.uk
- Active York - The University of York in the Community
The University of York supports not-for-profit organisations in York and North Yorkshire through Active York. With over 9,000 students and 2,000 staff, the University is able to mobilise enthusiastic and highly skilled volunteers who make a real difference to the community. The Active York Fund opens up new opportunities, giving members of the University access to small-scale funding to develop new and existing community projects.Active York is the University of York's distinctive response to the Higher Education Funding Council for England's Active Community Fund. - HEACF National Volunteering Awards
"The [Higher Education Active Community Fund Student Volunteering] Awards provide recognition to students who have been most active in serving their communities. Students engaging in volunteer work carry the positive values and experiences throughout their lives, while making a constructive contribution to society." Sir Howard Newby, Chief Executive, Higher Education Funding Council for England.