​RICHARD BENTLEY
Readipop
Urban Orchestra is a two-year long project working for Readipop arts organisation engaging young people under the age of twenty-five in composing and performing original music in a wide range of styles. The methods used to engage young people in the project have aimed to break down participants normal musical habits through the use of new technology, non-traditional notation and sound-for-picture techniques. I have also had the opportunity to facilitate sound meditations with groups of children and young adults from the participating schools, colleges and youth centres. The devising and rehearsal process with these young people from across Berkshire and Oxfordshire culminates in performances where participants have the opportunty to perform at popular venues with a range of professional musicians.
For more information on this project visit Readipop's website here.
As a music leader for Readipop, I have had the opportunity to support young people in schools, community groups, sheltered accommodation and at festivals to enjoy music making, instrument building, performing and recording. I have worked on a number of projects for Readipop including Readipop and WOMAD Festival, work with Crisis in Oxford, community percussion workshops. More recently I have been heavily involved with the delivery of their innovative Urban Orchestra project.
