The Music Man Project Podcast

This month's highlights from The Music Man Project Radio Show on Chelmsford Community Radio, featuring interviews with The Music Man Project Essex student Linda, Southend Mencap General Manager Marc McOwens, music arranger and producer Al Steele from Shabbey Road Studios  and music leader Ira Thomas who is planning to launch our service in London!The Music Man Project is a multi award-winning, world record-breaking music education and performance service for people with disabilities - direct from the Royal Albert Hall! It started in Essex but has spread right across the globe! To find out more visit www.themusicmanproject.com, follow "The Music Man Project UK" on Facebook, subscribe to David Stanley's blog at www.themusicmanblog.com and subscribe to The Music Man Project's YouTube channel. Devised and presented by David Stanley BEMProduced by Jon Webber The Music Man Project, charity no. 1188041Email musicmanprojectuk@outlook.com to tell us your news!

This month's highlights from The Music Man Project Radio Show on Chelmsford Community Radio, bringing you news from the Southend Mencap Achievers Awards, some great interviews with the remarkable students of The Music Man Project in Essex and a special look back at the launch of The Music Man Project in the Philippines. We hear a heart-warming tribute from Terry to his beloved father, who adopted him when he was in a children's home. Terry was placed there to escape from his abusive biological father. We also meet MMP Essex student Katie and hear from her two crazy carers, Debbie and Tracey, who describe their approach to caring for someone with complex needs. And we finally catch up with three MMP UK superstars for a quick chat too!The Music Man Project is a multi award-winning, world record-breaking music education and performance service for people with disabilities - direct from the Royal Albert Hall! It started in Essex but has spread right across the globe! To find out more visit www.themusicmanproject.com, follow "The Music Man Project UK" on Facebook, subscribe to David Stanley's blog at www.themusicmanblog.com and subscribe to The Music Man Project's YouTube channel. Devised and presented by David Stanley BEMProduced by Jon Webber The Music Man Project, charity no. 1188041Email musicmanprojectuk@outlook.com to tell us your news!

This week we talk to our very own Dr Natalie Bradford, who recently published her ground-breaking research PhD at the Royal College of Music about the impact of musical participation on adults with Down's Syndrome. Natalie's research can be read in full here: Academic Research | The Music Man Project UK. We also pay to tribute to the late violinist Lorraine Kelly, who sadly passed away from Cancer in 2018. Lorraine was a wonderful supporter of The Music Man Project, and our Royal Albert Hall orchestra was formed in her memory.  The Music Man Project is a multi award-winning, world record-breaking music education and performance service for people with disabilities - direct from the Royal Albert Hall! It started in Essex but has spread right across the globe! To find out more visit www.themusicmanproject.com, follow "The Music Man Project UK" on Facebook, subscribe to David Stanley's blog at www.themusicmanblog.com and subscribe to The Music Man Project's YouTube channel. Devised and presented by David Stanley BEMProduced by Jon Webber The Music Man Project, charity no. 1188041Email musicmanprojectuk@outlook.com to tell us your news!

The theme of this week's podcast is Join Together!The song was written by David Stanley with lyrics by Jenny Hitchcock. It famously featured in 'Music is Magic at the London Palladium' (2017) and on the studio album of the same name.  The song is a fitting climax to most Music Man Project concerts. Connecting communities is integral to The Music Man Project's mission. The charity uses the universal language of music to free the constraints placed on people with a learning disability across the world, joining them together through song, country by country. David Stanley's  global campaign has connected musicians with learning disabilities in Essex to their counterparts in counties across England. It has connected musicians in England to those across the UK in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland and it has connected musicians in the UK to learning-disabled communities around the world. It is a wonderful thought that every day, somewhere in the world people with learning disabilities from a Music Man Project region are singing Music Man Project songs like 'Music is Magic', 'Join Together' or 'High Low Middle'. The music connects them and celebrates all they have in common. The song 'Join Together' is also highly apt for this time, with Jenny’s wonderful lyrics carrying a message which is more important now than ever before as we all emerge from this terrible chapter in our history. The open verse says:"In times of uncertainty, love and friendship sees you through. Music mends an aching heart, building peace and hope anew”. We also hear from former Mayor of Southend, MMP trustee and patron, Sally Carr and from Music Man Project Director, Sarah Mann who tells us about her very own 'Join Together' lockdown project led by her students in Kent and featuring the City of Rochester Symphony Orchestra. Click here to watch the lockdown video of the song: https://youtu.be/AX-5h4ceDzM The Music Man Project is a multi award-winning, world record-breaking music education and performance service for people with disabilities - direct from the Royal Albert Hall! It started in Essex but has spread right across the globe! To find out more visit www.themusicmanproject.com, follow "The Music Man Project UK" on Facebook, subscribe to David Stanley's blog at www.themusicmanblog.com and subscribe to The Music Man Project's YouTube channel. Devised and presented by David Stanley BEMProduced by Jon Webber The Music Man Project, charity no. 1188041Email musicmanprojectuk@outlook.com to tell us your news!

The theme of this week's podcast is siblings. If you ever get the chance, we urge you to watch a young person helping someone with special needs. Their insight, kindness and empathy defy their age, and their experience shapes their personality for the rest of their life. These young people develop the most extraordinary qualities: selfless kindness, patience and love. When that young person is also a sibling of someone with a learning disability, these qualities are even more life-changing for the whole family.  In this episode of The Music Man Project Radio Show on Chelmsford Community, David explores what it is like to have a brother or sister with a disability. He talks to two wonderful young woman, Remy and Emma, who are both sisters of students at The Music Man Project here in Essex, and he concludes with a moving interview with the most famous Music Man Project carer of them all - the legendary Auntie Ann Randal! Ann talks about her life as the sister of two brothers with learning disabilities, David and Paul.David also chats to The Music Man Project’s resident filmmaker, web designer and all-round media guru, Paul Carpenter. 2012, Paul's acclaimed documentary “The Music Man” made a huge impression on the Prime Minister David Cameron.  Finally, Chris Stringer from the Salvation Army talks about The Music Man Project/Salvation Army partnership in an interview recorded for the first series of our podcast last year. The Music Man Project is a multi award-winning, world record-breaking music education and performance service for people with disabilities - direct from the Royal Albert Hall! It started in Essex but has spread right across the globe! To find out more visit www.themusicmanproject.com, follow "The Music Man Project UK" on Facebook, subscribe to David Stanley's blog at www.themusicmanblog.com and subscribe to The Music Man Project's YouTube channel. Devised and presented by David Stanley BEMProduced by Jon Webber The Music Man Project, charity no. 1188041Email musicmanprojectuk@outlook.com to tell us your news!

The Music Man Project Podcast is back with a bang! Following the success of our first series, we are delighted to launch series 2 with highlights from our brand new monthly radio show on Chelmsford Community Radio!In this episode, David Stanley, who was was recently recognised in the Queen's New Year Honours List, talks to Music Man Project resident drummer Daniel Camacho and his drum tutor Glen Burton. We also reunite the three stars of the National Lottery 25th birthday TV advert - Sam, Wendy and Graeme,  and we talk to Ian Jewell, who recently achieved an amazing 25 years of service at Iceland Foods. The world record-breaking Music Man Project provides award-winning accessible music education and performance opportunities for children and adults with learning disabilities across the UK and around the world. These remarkable musicians have performed at the Royal College of Music, the London Palladium and the Royal Albert Hall.Every podcast includes news, music, interviews and lots of other exciting features and surprises. It celebrates the achievements of all people with learning disabilities from around the world.To find out more visit www.themusicmanproject.com, follow "The Music Man Project UK" on Facebook, subscribe to David Stanley's blog at www.themusicmanblog.com and subscribe to The Music Man Project's YouTube channel. Devised and presented by David Stanley BEMProduced by Jon Webber The Music Man Project, charity no. 1188041Email musicmanprojectuk@outlook.com to tell us your news!

The final episode of The Music Man Project Podcast series 1, presented by founder and CEO of The Music Man Project charity, David Stanley. In this episode we hear every track from the new Kingsdown Special School Christmas CD!"It is fair to say that 2020 did not go as planned! It started well with a memorable teaching trip to the Philippines, our fifth international expedition in as many years.  We also took The Music Man Project to Wales and even launched The Music Man Project Strawberry Field in Liverpool.  Following 6 months of hard work, The Music Man Project officially became a registered charity in February. We looked forward to performances at the House of Commons, Birmingham's NEC, a special presentation to Camelot and the first concert of our "Music is Magic on Broadway" preview tour. Everything was coming together for yet another spectacular year in our history, two decades after it all began.  But then the restrictions put in place to tackle the COVID-19 pandemic brought everything to a standstill. I have been immensely proud to witness how our community has adapted to the challenges presented by lockdown. In fact, our music has actually reached thousands more people through all the Zoom rehearsals, Facebook live sessions, YouTube videos, video calls, virtual concerts, podcasts, blogs and doorstop visits. Thanks to the National Lottery and Government funding, we were able to deliver £6000 worth of musical instruments for isolated families to play at home. The original Southend Mencap Saturday music school, which was the forerunner for the Music Man Project we know today, has of course been closed since March. I especially miss the children and it has been wonderful to work some of them at Kingsdown Special School. We were delighted to record and produce their very own Christmas CD, which you can hear on this special Christmas episode of The Music Man Project podcast. We hear from Kingsdown teachers, Lisa Stroud and Sophie Harris who tell us how the CD came into being and give an insight into life at their wonderful school during the pandemic."  David StanleyThe world record-breaking Music Man Project provides award-winning accessible music education and performance opportunities for children and adults with learning disabilities across the UK and around the world. These remarkable musicians have performed at the Royal College of Music, the London Palladium and the Royal Albert Hall.Every podcast includes news, music, interviews and lots of other exciting features and surprises. It celebrates the achievements of all people with learning disabilities from around the world.To find out more visit www.themusicmanproject.com, follow "The Music Man Project UK" on Facebook, subscribe to David Stanley's blog at www.themusicmanblog.com and subscribe to The Music Man Project's YouTube channel. Devised and presented by David StanleyProduced by Jon Webber The Music Man Project, charity no. 1188041Email musicmanprojectuk@outlook.com to tell us your news!

Episode 14 of The Music Man Project Podcast, presented by founder and CEO of The Music Man Project charity, David Stanley.No matter how driven or talented they are, everyone needs someone to believe in them, to share their vision and to take risks on their behalf. For David Stanley, that man was Marc McOwens, General Manager of Southend Mencap. Marc valued David's ambitions and encouraged him to follow his dreams. It was the same as back in 2001, when David had proposed a Saturday morning music school to the then President of Southend Mencap – the late Joe Dorado. The two men are widely different in many ways but in this they are the same: they supported, encouraged and trusted David and he will forever be in their debt. We hope you enjoying learning how The Music Man Project started with an amazing charity from South East Essex. Without Southend Mencap and Marc in particular, there would no Music Man Project and no Music Man Project podcast!The world record-breaking Music Man Project provides award-winning accessible music education and performance opportunities for children and adults with learning disabilities across the UK and around the world. These remarkable musicians have performed at the Royal College of Music, the London Palladium and the Royal Albert Hall.Every podcast includes news, music, interviews and lots of other exciting features and surprises. It celebrates the achievements of all people with learning disabilities from around the world.To find out more visit www.themusicmanproject.com, follow "The Music Man Project UK" on Facebook, subscribe to David Stanley's blog at www.themusicmanblog.com and subscribe to The Music Man Project's YouTube channel. Devised and presented by David StanleyProduced by Jon Webber The Music Man Project, charity no. 1188041Email musicmanprojectuk@outlook.com to tell us your news!

Episode 13 of The Music Man Project Podcast, presented by founder and CEO of The Music Man Project charity, David Stanley.This week's guest is Margaret Rimmer, inspirational retired Headteacher of Kingsdown Special School. Margaret was vital to the development of The Music Man Project. She wanted to make Kingsdown “a musical school” and engaged The Music Man Project to help her embed music across the  curriculum, to play a central role in the life of her pupils and to support their basic skill development. Margaret’s legacy lives on in the music teaching, the school choir, orchestra and assemblies. Her pupils performed with The Music Man Project at the London Palladium and in concerts, fundraising events and competitions. The world record-breaking Music Man Project provides award-winning accessible music education and performance opportunities for children and adults with learning disabilities across the UK and around the world. These remarkable musicians have performed at the Royal College of Music, the London Palladium and the Royal Albert Hall.Every podcast includes news, music, interviews and lots of other exciting features and surprises. It celebrates the achievements of all people with learning disabilities from around the world.To find out more visit www.themusicmanproject.com, follow "The Music Man Project UK" on Facebook, subscribe to David Stanley's blog at www.themusicmanblog.com and subscribe to The Music Man Project's YouTube channel. Devised and presented by David StanleyProduced by Jon Webber The Music Man Project, charity no. 1188041Email musicmanprojectuk@outlook.com to tell us your news!

Episode 12 of The Music Man Project Podcast, presented by founder and CEO of The Music Man Project charity, David Stanley.Since 2017 The Music Man Project has worked in partnership with the Salvation Army. The Music Man Project UK Ambassadors have travelled thousands of miles around the country, including flights to Scotland and Northern Ireland to deliver workshops and performances, and to launch new regional Music Man Projects together. The Music Man Project is a great big musical family and people often comment on the fellowship, joy, love, kindness and general sense of community at our teaching sessions. It is incredibly fitting that the Salvation Army, with its tradition of music and service is working with us to extend our music to an often-forgotten society of people. The Salvation Army opened our Royal Albert Hall debut in 2019 with a special fanfare and we dedicated our performance of Kumbaya to our partnership. This week's guest is Chris Stringer – Disability Inclusion Development Manager at the Salvation Army. Chris talks about the origins of the partnership and his admiration for the Music Man Project UK Ambassadors. He also chooses his favourite Music Man Project song: "Peace and Hope". We also hear from the Music Man Project/Salvation Army workshop in Wrexham, recorded just before the coronavirus lockdown. The world record-breaking Music Man Project provides award-winning accessible music education and performance opportunities for children and adults with learning disabilities across the UK and around the world. These remarkable musicians have performed at the Royal College of Music, the London Palladium and the Royal Albert Hall.Every podcast includes news, music, interviews and lots of other exciting features and surprises. It celebrates the achievements of all people with learning disabilities from around the world.To find out more visit www.themusicmanproject.com, follow "The Music Man Project UK" on Facebook, subscribe to David Stanley's blog at www.themusicmanblog.com and subscribe to The Music Man Project's YouTube channel. Devised and presented by David StanleyProduced by Jon Webber The Music Man Project, charity no. 1188041Email musicmanprojectuk@outlook.com to tell us your news!

Episode 11 of The Music Man Project Podcast, presented by founder and CEO of The Music Man Project charity, David Stanley. A personal message from David:I always thought the secret of The Music Man Project was to keep it purely about the Music. I never had any training in disabilities, syndromes, behaviours, medication, social care or even clinical Music Therapy. Music education for its’ own sake remains vitally important but, as the years go by, it is clear that this mini musical empire I created all those years ago is incredibly important for families on a far deeper level than just musical achievement. This podcast can play an even greater role in sharing advice, supporting families in hours of need and being there for them as they and their children get older. I adore my students and their families, and I am continually astounded by their resilience, determination and demonstration of love in all its many forms over a lifetime.  A case in point is this week’s guest, Laura Sparrow. Laura is the mother of Southend Mencap Music School student Ruby, who has Rett syndrome. Laura talks movingly about caring for her daughter, especially during this pressure-cooker period of lockdown. The world record-breaking Music Man Project provides award-winning accessible music education and performance opportunities for children and adults with learning disabilities across the UK and around the world. These remarkable musicians have performed at the Royal College of Music, the London Palladium and the Royal Albert Hall.Every podcast includes news, music, interviews and lots of other exciting features and surprises. It celebrates the achievements of all people with learning disabilities from around the world.To find out more visit www.themusicmanproject.com, follow "The Music Man Project UK" on Facebook, subscribe to David Stanley's blog at www.themusicmanblog.com and subscribe to The Music Man Project's YouTube channel. Devised and presented by David StanleyProduced by Jon Webber The Music Man Project, charity no. 1188041Email musicmanprojectuk@outlook.com to tell us your news!

Episode 10 of The Music Man Project Podcast, presented by founder and CEO of The Music Man Project charity, David Stanley. In this special episode we talk to the famous Music Man Project patron, Noah Wall, and his inspirational mum Shelly. Three months into her pregnancy Shelly discovered that baby Noah had a catalogue of health problems, including spina bifida, rare chromosome abnormalities and hydrocephalus - fluid on the brain. His condition was so serious that doctors warned Shelly and husband Rob that he would not survive. The family prepared for the worse and arranged his funeral. Noah survived but was born with just 2% of his brain. His progress from then to the present day continues to astound the medical profession the world over. Noah became a patron of the Music Man Project in 2015, and performed on stage with us at the London Palladium in two memorable concerts. Noah was a guest of honour at The Music Man Project Royal Albert Hall debut and watched the first half of the performance in a box with celebrity Joe Swash, before joining us for the Last Night of the Proms finale. David talks to Noah and his mum about their inspirational story in a frank and moving interview. The world record-breaking Music Man Project provides award-winning accessible music education and performance opportunities for children and adults with learning disabilities across the UK and around the world. These remarkable musicians have performed at the Royal College of Music, the London Palladium and the Royal Albert Hall.Every podcast includes news, music, interviews and lots of other exciting features and surprises. It celebrates the achievements of all people with learning disabilities from around the world.To find out more visit www.themusicmanproject.com, follow "The Music Man Project UK" on Facebook, subscribe to David Stanley's blog at www.themusicmanblog.com and subscribe to The Music Man Project's YouTube channel. Devised and presented by David StanleyProduced by Jon Webber The Music Man Project, charity no. 1188041Email musicmanprojectuk@outlook.com to tell us your news!

Episode 9 of The Music Man Project Podcast, presented by founder and CEO of The Music Man Project charity, David Stanley. In this episode we meet The Music Man Project’s amazing musical arranger, Al Steele. Al is one of the most accomplished and versatile musicians you will ever meet. Whether playing, composing, arranging, recording or producing, Al approaches his work with professionalism, enthusiasm and most of all, expertise. He is equally comfortable in both the classical and popular traditions - a guitar playing, singer song-writing music producer with a passion for Gustav Mahler! The student guest this week is Claire Alderton. Claire is a Music Man Project UK Ambassador and original Saturday music school student from almost 2 decades ago. This week's song is Music is Magic, written by David Stanley and Jenny Hitchcock. The song was the first to be arranged by Al and it was released as a charity single in 2015. Claire sang on the recording and performed the entire first verse as a solo at the Royal Albert Hall in 2019. The song topped the Amazon Broadway chart for a couple of hours, pushing Andrew Lloyd Webber's Broadway album into second place! The world record-breaking Music Man Project provides award-winning accessible music education and performance opportunities for children and adults with learning disabilities across the UK and around the world. These remarkable musicians have performed at the Royal College of Music, the London Palladium and the Royal Albert Hall.Every podcast includes news, music, interviews and lots of other exciting features and surprises. It celebrates the achievements of all people with learning disabilities from around the world.To find out more visit www.themusicmanproject.com, follow "The Music Man Project UK" on Facebook, subscribe to David Stanley's blog at www.themusicmanblog.com and subscribe to The Music Man Project's YouTube channel. Devised and presented by David StanleyProduced by Jon Webber The Music Man Project, charity no. 1188041Email musicmanprojectuk@outlook.com to tell us your news!

Episode 8 of The Music Man Project Podcast, presented by founder and CEO of The Music Man Project charity, David Stanley. In this episode we talk to musician, singer and musical theatre performer Stuart Woolner. In 2015 Stuart memorably appeared with The Music Man Project at the famous London Palladium in the West End debut of our musical 'From the Asylum to the Palladium'. Stuart explains what it was like to perform alongside musicians with learning disabilities and how he felt about singing the famous Music Man Project song “Would You Wear Someone Else’s Knickers?”. We hear a live recording of Stuart singing the song from the original London Palladium performance in 2015. Music composed by David Stanley and arranged by Al Steele.This week’s Music Man Project student is Adam Davies, who starred at the London Palladium two years after Stuart in our return performance in 2017. Adam sang the finale from the musical 'The Label'. The song is called 'Here I Am' and the recording is from our 2017 studio album 'Music is Magic'. Music composed by David Stanley and arranged by Al Steele.  The world record-breaking Music Man Project provides award-winning accessible music education and performance opportunities for children and adults with learning disabilities across the UK and around the world. These remarkable musicians have performed at the Royal College of Music, the London Palladium and the Royal Albert Hall.Every podcast includes news, music, interviews and lots of other exciting features and surprises. It celebrates the achievements of all people with learning disabilities from around the world.To find out more visit www.themusicmanproject.com, follow "The Music Man Project UK" on Facebook, subscribe to David Stanley's blog at www.themusicmanblog.com and subscribe to The Music Man Project's YouTube channel. Devised and presented by David StanleyProduced by Jon Webber The Music Man Project, charity no. 1188041Email musicmanprojectuk@outlook.com to tell us your news!

Episode 7 of The Music Man Project Podcast, presented by founder and CEO of The Music Man Project charity, David Stanley. In this episode we visit The Music Man Project in Keynsham, a thriving regional project run by Keynsham Mencap. We hear from their delightful regional director, Naomi, about her own journey from her first ever teaching session to the Royal Albert Hall in a single year! And then, back by popular demand, we have a brand-new interview with the irrepressible Jenny Harvey. It is not to be missed! Finally, this week's song is the Music Man Project classic "Hey There", composed by David Stanley and arranged by Al Steele.The world record-breaking Music Man Project provides award-winning accessible music education and performance opportunities for children and adults with learning disabilities across the UK and around the world. These remarkable musicians have performed at the Royal College of Music, the London Palladium and the Royal Albert Hall.Every podcast includes news, music, interviews and lots of other exciting features and surprises. It celebrates the achievements of all people with learning disabilities from around the world.To find out more visit www.themusicmanproject.com, follow "The Music Man Project UK" on Facebook, subscribe to David Stanley's blog at www.themusicmanblog.com and subscribe to The Music Man Project's YouTube channel. Devised and presented by David StanleyProduced by Jon Webber The Music Man Project, charity no. 1188041Email musicmanprojectuk@outlook.com to tell us your news! 

Episode 6 of The Music Man Project Podcast, presented by founder and CEO of The Music Man Project charity, David Stanley. In this episode we meet the founder and director of Browne’s Boot Camp, Angus Browne, to learn about his health and fitness programme for children with special needs. We also hear from Music Man Project Essex student, Jenny Harvey, in an interview originally recorded by Paul Carpenter for the 2012 Documentary 'The Music Man'. Jenny's unscripted responses were the highlight of this acclaimed film, and we look forward to a new podcast coming soon which will be devoted entirely to her wise words! The world record-breaking Music Man Project provides award-winning accessible music education and performance opportunities for children and adults with learning disabilities across the UK and around the world. These remarkable musicians have performed at the Royal College of Music, the London Palladium and the Royal Albert Hall.Every podcast includes news, music, interviews and lots of other exciting features and surprises. It celebrates the achievements of all people with learning disabilities from around the world.To find out more visit www.themusicmanproject.com, follow "The Music Man Project UK" on Facebook, subscribe to David Stanley's blog at www.themusicmanblog.com and subscribe to The Music Man Project's YouTube channel. Devised and presented by David StanleyProduced by Jon Webber The Music Man Project, charity no. 1188041Email musicmanprojectuk@outlook.com to tell us your news!

Episode 5 of The Music Man Project Podcast, presented by founder and CEO of The Music Man Project charity, David Stanley. The importance of effective support workers (or carers as they are often known) can never be overstated in relation to people with learning disabilities. Caring can be the difference between happiness and despair for families, especially when parents become less able to care for their children themselves as they get older. In this episode, we talk to Roger, a carer with 10 years experience and support worker for two Music Man Project students. Roger explains what it is like to care for someone with special needs. He says, "If they have smiled and laughed then that is a good day". We also learn how some of our musicians from The Music Man Project Essex are coping with the current Coronavirus lockdown. Anthony, Donna, Roy, Linda, Dan and our maestro Daniel all talk to David, and Donna even sings and song or two!The world record-breaking Music Man Project provides award-winning accessible music education and performance opportunities for children and adults with learning disabilities across the UK and around the world. These remarkable musicians have performed at the Royal College of Music, the London Palladium and the Royal Albert Hall.Every podcast includes news, music, interviews and lots of other exciting features and surprises. It celebrates the achievements of all people with learning disabilities from around the world.To find out more visit www.themusicmanproject.com, follow "The Music Man Project UK" on Facebook, subscribe to David Stanley's blog at www.themusicmanblog.com and subscribe to The Music Man Project's YouTube channel. Devised and presented by David StanleyProduced by Jon Webber The Music Man Project, charity no. 1188041Email musicmanprojectuk@outlook.com to tell us your news!

Episode 4 of The Music Man Project Podcast, presented by founder and CEO of The Music Man Project charity, David Stanley. This episode reunites the main protagonists who helped establish The Music Man Project Philippines in February 2020: David Stanley, Cathy Greenwood, Paul Cudby, Daunton Todd and Mel Irvine, who officially became the Regional Director for the Philippines during the visit. This was The Music Man Project's 5th international expedition in as many years, following teaching trips to South Africa, India, Nepal and the United States of America. When Typhoon Yolanda hit the Philippines in 2013, nurse Catherine Greenwood travelled to one of the worst affected regions of Estancia, Panay Island to help. She was met with utter devastation and spent three months helping in any way she could, from nursing to rebuilding schools. 6 years later, in a meeting at their local Costa Coffee in Leigh-on-Sea (another small fishing town), Cathy explained to David Stanley her plans for “Music and Medicine” in which she would return to Estancia to deliver medicine and The Music Man Project would run a four-day music education programme for children, culminating in a public performance to the local community. The host in the Philippines was Melinda Irvine, a remarkable Australian woman who, like Cathy, answered the call to help in 2013. The two met in Estancia and developed a lasting friendship. Mel couldn’t stay away and has spent most of the last 7 years supporting the community after the aid agencies left. She learnt the language, developed connections with local officials, ran activities for children and sponsored families. Mel also adopted a little street boy called Jerry, who lost his family around the time of the disaster. Cathy and Mel are determined and inspirational women whose friendship led to a truly life-changing experience for everyone. The world record-breaking Music Man Project provides award-winning accessible music education and performance opportunities for children and adults with learning disabilities across the UK and around the world. These remarkable musicians have performed at the Royal College of Music, the London Palladium and the Royal Albert Hall.Every podcast includes news, music, interviews and lots of other exciting features and surprises. It celebrates the achievements of all people with learning disabilities from around the world.To find out more visit www.themusicmanproject.com, follow "The Music Man Project UK" on Facebook, subscribe to David Stanley's blog at www.themusicmanblog.com and subscribe to The Music Man Project's YouTube channel. Devised and presented by David StanleyProduced by Jon Webber The Music Man Project, charity no. 1188041Email musicmanprojectuk@outlook.com to tell us your news!

Episode 3 of The Music Man Project Podcast, presented by founder and CEO of The Music Man Project charity, David Stanley.This episode is all about The Music Man Project in Kent, the fastest growing regional project and the largest outside of Essex. We hear from Music Man Charity director and regional director for Music Man Project Kent, Sarah Mann and we speak to Thomas, one of the leading students from the region. Thomas also gives us a lovely live rendition of "Kumbaya". This week's hit song from The Music Man Project Songbook is "It's Animals I Adore" as featured in Music is Magic at the London Palladium (2017), with lyrics written by Music Man Project Essex student Rebecca Ling. The world record-breaking Music Man Project provides award-winning accessible music education and performance opportunities for children and adults with learning disabilities across the UK and around the world. These remarkable musicians have performed at the Royal College of Music, the London Palladium and the Royal Albert Hall.Every podcast will include news, music, interviews and lots of other exciting features and surprises. We will celebrate the achievements of all people with learning disabilities from around the world.To find out more visit www.themusicmanproject.com, follow "The Music Man Project UK" on Facebook, subscribe to David Stanley's blog at www.themusicmanblog.com and subscribe to The Music Man Project's YouTube channel. Devised and presented by David StanleyProduced by Jon Webber The Music Man Project, charity no. 1188041Email musicmanprojectuk@outlook.com to tell us your news!

Episode 2 of The Music Man Project Podcast, presented by founder and CEO of The Music Man Project charity, David Stanley.In this episode we meet one of the most famous Music Man Project students, Wendy "Woo". Wendy and her fellow musicians, Graeme and Sam, sang the opening lines of the National Lottery's 25th birthday advert "3 is a Magic Number". The advert has been seen by millions of people on TV and at cinemas across the UK. We also chat to Music Man Project charity Director Natalie Bradford about what it was like to set up the first regional Music Man Project and learn more about her ground-breaking research at the Royal College of Music. Natalie chooses her favourite Music Man Project song: "High Low Middle".The world record-breaking Music Man Project provides award-winning accessible music education and performance opportunities for children and adults with learning disabilities across the UK and around the world. These remarkable musicians have performed at the Royal College of Music, London Palladium and The Royal Albert Hall.Every podcast will include news, music, interviews and lots of other exciting features and surprises. We will celebrate the achievements of all people with learning disabilities from around the world.To find out more visit www.themusicmanproject.com, follow "The Music Man Project UK" on Facebook or subscribe to David Stanley's blog at www.themusicmanblog.com.Devised and presented by David StanleyProduced by Jon Webber The Music Man Project, charity no. 1188041Email musicmanprojectuk@outlook.com to tell us your news!