Drake Music Scotland are the twentieth recipients of Hands Up for Trad’s Business Limelight Award. The “Limelight’s” are a monthly initiative (launched in October 2012) that recognises the outstanding contributions made by businesses and organisations who contribute, shape and influence the arts and cultural sector in Scotland today. Drake Music Scotland do an amazing job creating opportunities for children and adults with disabilities across Scotland to participate in music-making.
We asked Thursa Sanderson of Drake Music Scotland the following questions.
What is your principal company activity?
To create opportunities for children and adults with disabilities across Scotland to participate in music-making.
When and where did the company first start trading?
August 1997. Based in Edinburgh but working across Scotland.
What made you want to work in Scottish culture?
The need for people with disabilities to gain equal access and opportunities to learning to play, compose and perform music.
Can you tell us of any particular company highlights?
– Being part of the London 2012 cultural olympiad with our Technophonia commission which was subsequently nominated for a British Composer Award and an RPS Award.
– Winning Music Teacher UK Award for Excellence for Special Educational Resource in 2014
– Each year, working with around 1000 young people in special schools across Scotland
What are your company’s plans for the future?
A year-round programme of projects and performance events involving over 1000 children and adults including:
Launch of the first Digital Orchestra for young people with disabilities with a programme of performances including at Sir James MacMillan’s Cumnock Tryst.
Hosting the ISME (International Society for Music Education) commission on music for special needs in July 2016
How will you celebrate receiving Hands Up for Trad’s Business Limelight award?
We will post a news story on our website which we will share on our social media channels and through our e-newsletter.
Contact Drake Music Scotland
SPACE
11 Harewood Road
EDINBURGH
EH16 4NT
http://www.drakemusicscotland.org