Peace IV Final Evaluation
Kate Hamilton
June 2020
CONTENTS Page
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 3 – 13
1.0 INTRODUCTION 14
2.0 BACKGROUND 14 2.1 GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATION 14
2.2 MANAGEMENT STRUCTURE 14
2.3 ORGANISATIONAL GOVERNANCE REPORTING 15
2.4 ACCOUNTS AND REPORTING 15
2.5 CONSTITUTION VISION 15
2.6 OBJECTIVES 15
3.0 EVALUATION TERMS OF REFERENCE 16-17
3.1 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY 17
4.0 FUNDING 17 4.1 FUNDING HISTORY 18
4.2 ACCOLADE RESERVES AND FUNDRAISING ACTIVTY 18
4.3 ACCOLADE ASSOCIATE MUSICIANS 18
4.4 VALUE FOR MONEY 18
5.0 FINDINGS 18 5.1 BREAKDOWN OF PROGRAMME ACTIVITY 19
5.2 PEACE IV RESPONSE ANALYSIS 19
5.3 QUALITATIVE QUESTION RESPONSES 20-28
6.0 SCHOOLS’ UKULELE PROGRAMME 28-36
7.0 MUSIC - A CONTRIBUTION TO SOCIETY, HEALTH AND WELLBEING 37-39
8.0 CONCLUSIONS 40
9.0 RECOMMENDATIONS 41
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
1.0 INTRODUCTION 1.1 Accolade has secured nineteen months’ funding, sixty five thousand, two hundred pounds from Armagh
City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council Peace IV programme theme; Building Positive Relations; to deliver music programmes of activity as to employ a project officer for eight hours per week. The organisation has developed a programme of music workshop activity in line with funding objectives. This evaluation report will examine the outputs and outcomes and sets out findings from monitoring and research carried out from activities as follows:
The aim of the evaluation was to explore the perceived impact of the programme as follows:
2.0 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
This nineteen month project evaluation focuses on participant outputs, outcomes and primarily on the contribution to the objectives of Peace IV funding Building Positive Relations as outlined in Accolade’s letter of offer.
A variety of research methodology was used to gather information as follows:
3.0 THE NATURE OF THE PROGRAMME
The design and development of workshops delivered begins with an introduction to Accolade and the aims of the programme. This is followed by weekly one/two hour practice workshops that introduces a wide range of musical concepts, genres of music, developing listening and technical skills that provide opportunities to understand all aspects of music and technique, introducing a series of music methods and the programme concludes with formal public concert performances. These aims are relatively straightforward and are clearly achieved.
Key elements of the programme workshops which supported this were:
4.0 KEY FINDINGS
. Research findings are broken down by group
4.1 Questionnaire Responses from Banbridge Choir - Studio Voices Choir - Chamber Orchestra - Adult Ukulele Groups
A total of forty nine questionnaires from a possible seventy research questionnaires were returned representing a 70% response rate. Findings confirmed from all groups that the majority of participants “agreed strongly” when asked if they had experienced the following quantitative results:
4.1.1 Peace IV Quantitative Results
Ø Participants confirmed that Accolade has exposed them to people from difficult religious and cultural backgrounds they would never had met before had it not been for Accolade; Ø Participants highlighted the new friendships made with people from communities that they had never previously had the opportunity to build relationships with;
4.1.2 Peace IV Qualitative outcomes
4.1.3 Health and Well-being outcomes
In-depth interviews lasting between half to one hour were carried out with twenty four participants who represent the different Accolade activity groups age range from 9 years old to 70+. A series of open ended question responses identified the following contribution to health and well-being.
4.2 Schools Ukulele Programmes
4.2.2 Children’s Questionnaire
Workshops were delivered to P3 and P4 children in two Catholic and two Protestant primary schools over the period of one year with one hourly workshop per week. The Children involved in the project have not had access to music as part of the school curriculum. Accolade has provided them with their first experience of music workshops.
Children were also given the opportunity to participate in joint cross community workshops as well as performing in a number of public venues including Boulevard Shopping Centre Banbridge. One hundred and fifty six questionnaires were distributed to children and one hundred and twenty one were returned. Children were asked seven questions using smiley faces to respond. Analysis overall confirmed that the vast majority of pupils who had never played an instrument and really enjoyed learning and participating in ukulele workshops and would like further workshops in the future. Parents reported that they have seen a change in confidence and interest in music as a result as evidenced in the comments in the main body of the report.
4.2.3 School Personnel Questionnaire
Five classroom assistants, four teachers and three school principals confirmed that children had hugely benefited from the ukulele workshops, highlighting the following achievements:
4.2.4 Adult Ukulele workshop Qualitative results
4.2.5 Chamber Orchestra Qualitative
The Chamber Orchestra comprises a total of twenty members the youngest aged nine and the oldest aged 71 all of whom have previous, albeit limited experience and ability playing an instrument. Most had not played an instrument in many years, Accolade providing access to join a community orchestra without any formal qualifications or previous training.
They expressed how much their life has been significantly enriched at a time in life when faculties and learning skills are in decline.
Ø Everyone commented how much fun it was being a member of the community orchestra and how much they had developed in confidence and ability.
4.2.6 Studio Voices Choir
Studio voices are an additional choir established at the request of members both Newry and Banbridge choirs. The aim of the Studio Voices workshops are; to offer further development opportunity to those members whose ability and experience are at a higher level i.e. they can read music. The group comprises thirteen singers made up of soprano, alto, tenor and bass. All members were auditioned and have been practicing and performing over one year.
Research carried out with six members of the choir concluded the following:
4.2.7 Men’s Group
A focus group from the Banbridge choir identified the need to increase representation from men.
Participants also highlighted the fact that it was important to them to have an opportunity to sing in a “Community Choir” which is more open and inclusive than a Church Choir where the repertoire is strict and faith based. They recognised the invaluable contribution the choirs have made to their personal health and emotional well-being, the fun and opportunity to stretch their ability.
4.2.8 Summer Academy’s
Accolade organised two summer academies over the period. The academies were open to new participants as well as Accolade members and provided a series of intensive five day workshops introducing additional expertise from additional specialised tutors to a variety of music and practice techniques e.g. gospel singing techniques and movement and performance techniques. The training outputs were showcased in a variety of performances over a number of Saturdays and in the Boulevard Shopping centre to shopper audiences.
4.2.9 Performances
Accolade has developed their reputation throughout the province and has been asked to perform in a variety of cross-community, national and international settings over the nineteen months. All of the groups came together to showcase learning in a final finale held in Banbridge Boulevard Omniplex in November 2019, and attracted an audience of over two hundred people. In December 2019, both Banbridge and Newry Choirs came together and sang at Newry Chamber Charity evening to over five hundred guests. In November 2019, both choirs also performed at the Georgian Day Festival in Armagh and in March 2019 performed at St. Patricks Festival Armagh and Downpatrick.
The combined choir has also successfully competed in Newry and Warrenpoint Feis 2019/20 taking home 3 cups for 1st and 2nd place respectively. Between (December 2019 and March 2020) the Accolade choral and ukulele groups have also performed at the ABC Council “Ageing Well” conferences attended by 700 + senior citizens. They have also participated in community Christmas celebrations and have performed a series of charity concerts for care home residents throughout counties Armagh and Down, as well as; Age NI annual conference, the Brain Injury Foundation and Air Ambulance N.I. A major highlight of 2019 was the combined groups international tour of Bulgaria performing 8+ formal and informal concerts in diverse community settings including Bulgarian children’s care homes.
4.2.10 Partnership Working
Accolade has and continues to work in partnership with a variety of supportive organisations to develop activity and ensure that the organisation promotes and reaches older people from the wider community. They have in-kind secured venues and resources from local business e.g. Tesco practice room and Accolade is the officially recognised charity for the Boulevard, Banbridge, performing 12 concerts in the last 19 months in official and outdoor public settings. They also work in partnership with the Southern Age Well Network, U3A (University of the 3rd Age senior citizens groups, the Alzheimer’s Society and Age NI.
4.2.11 Volunteering
The organisation is heavily reliant on the support of committee and members who volunteer time to e.g. write and submit articles to local press, maintain Accolade website and update social media, write and submit application forms to funders, prepare and maintain monthly accounts, organise fundraising activity, monitor and evaluate the numerous projects, ensure compliance and all of the administrative requirements associated with the delivery of services. The amount of funding secured from Peace IV highlights that the administrative hours i.e. 8 hours per week is inadequate to support the needs for the organisation.
4.2.12 Marketing and Publicity
Accolade has developed a website and two dedicated Facebook pages, one for Newry and one for Banbridge. Member regularly add performance posts and videos to both pages all posts approved by committee. Accolade advertises events and activity using local press, posters and flyers to community and public venues via developed mailing lists as well as social media platforms.
4.2.13 Risk Assessment Although Peace IV funding ended in February 2020, this report highlights Accolades response to the unprecedented events of the Covid 19 pandemic lockdown conditions, and how the events have impacted organisational activity over the last three months. As the majority of Accolade members are over sixty years old and are “shielding” or living with family members who are in the “high risk” category, Accolade in response to lockdown, has taken the decision to use technology i.e. Zoom and YouTube video tutorials in an attempt to continue workshops albeit remotely, on a weekly basis.
The benefit to members has been a life line under what are very difficult circumstances. There is no doubt the impact of the events are a risk to the continuation of the project long term. In an attempt to ascertain that risk, Accolade has contacted all of their members via email/telephone with a questionnaire to ascertain whether members are prepared to re-join workshops in the future. Analysis of research confirms participants concern about the future of the project and the fear of a second bout of the virus without vaccination. They also confirmed the benefit of online workshops and highlighted that whilst not ideal the workshops keep participants practicing and connecting with other members of Accolade.
4.2.14 Exit StrategyThe organisation is funding led and as a small charity is reliant on applying for and securing grants on an on-going basis to continue and maintain activity. The organisation is currently using Arts Council funding and the organisation’s own reserves to support the continuation of core activity i.e. main choir, orchestra, adult ukulele and studio voices choir. The organisation has taken the decision that they cannot afford to include a future summer academy or schools programmes as part of the core activity without securing additional funding and therefore these workshops are not now identified as core activity.
5.0 Conclusions
6.0 RECOMMENDATIONS
1.0 INTRODUCTION
Accolade has developed a membership of over eighty people between two geographical locations Newry and Banbridge. Activity has been funded piece meal from their own fundraising efforts, a cocktail of foundations, charitable trusts and small grants givers. The organisation secured sixty five thousand, two hundred and five pounds in 2018 from Peace IV Building Positive Relations. It is worth noting the amount represents one hundred percent funding for the programme of activity over a period of nineteen months’ Accolade achieving one of the highest assessment scores.
2.0 BACKGROUNDEstablished in 2013 Accolade is the brain child of Bulgarian couple Vessie and Nicolay Ivanovi. Both are graduates of the Academy of Music, Dance and Fine Arts, Plovdiv, Bulgaria. The accomplished, multi instrument players and creative professional musical directors had worked tirelessly spending hundreds of voluntary hours, developing and attracting people from all walks of life to help them identify need and interest in developing a non-religious community choir in Newry and Banbridge. Months of consultations with interested participants and potential partners demonstrated demand for a community choir and the couple were able to recruit a committee from participating members establishing Accolade (Connecting people through music). As numbers, interest and support grew, the project identified the need to form a fully constituted Accolade Community charity and structured organisation.
2.1 GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATION – AGE PROFILE – MEMBER REPRESENTATIONAccolade from the beginning has involved people of all cross generational ages i.e. young school children, retired and older people from a variety of communities including; non-nationals, Protestant, Catholic and other religions spanning a geographical spread across the Newry Mourne and Down and Armagh City, Bainbridge and Craigavon borough Council areas. Both of these Council areas are designated TSN using multiple deprivation measures. NISRA provides a breakdown of deprivation by ward and shows that 14 wards between both Council areas are ranked in the top 100 most deprived areas in Northern Ireland. The file contains information about the SOA (Super output areas) level Domain Measures of Deprivation, the Multiple Deprivation Measure 2010 and two stand-alone measures: Income Deprivation Affecting Children and Income Deprivation Affecting Older People. Source: (NISRA Northern Ireland Research and Statistics Agency).
Local government reform saw the merger of Armagh City and District Council, Craigavon Borough Council and Banbridge District Council in April 2015 (Armagh City, Banbridge & Craigavon Borough Council; ABC). Covering 554 square miles and a population in excess of 204,000 it is the largest Council outside Belfast. A number of powers have transferred, or are in the process of transferring, from central to local government i.e. the transfer of urban regeneration and community development responsibilities from DSD.
REPRESENTATIONAccolade has attracted people from a variety of countries i.e. China, Malta, Bulgaria, Ukraine, South Africa, Canada, Poland, Spain, Lithuania and Greece.
2.2 MANAGEMENT STRUCTUREWith support from the Confederation of Community Groups and NICVA (Northern Ireland Council for Voluntary Association, Accolade was developed as a fully constituted organisation at a public meeting on the 21st April 2013 securing Charitable status. The organisation is a flat structure and committee are elected annually and serve a term of one year eligible for re-election each year. The management committee composes seven members and represents all sectors i.e. Health & Social Services, Education, Business, Finance, Voluntary/Community and Legal Sector experience. Other members experience and expertise include; Conflict and Peace Building, Health and Emotional Wellbeing, Intercultural interests, intergenerational interests and experience working in TSN (Targeting Social Need). The average age of committee is sixty five years old.
2.3 ORGANISATIONAL GOVERNANCE AND REPORTING Accolade is a charitable organisation registered with the Charities Commission N.I. and is legally responsible on an annual basis to comply with the Commissions ongoing regulatory and monitoring regulations. Accolade is therefore required to complete and submit an online annual monitoring return form, attaching the charity’s:
2.5 CONSTITUTION VISION Accolade works to promote, strengthen and deepen relationships between different communities and cultures through exciting and inspiring music/arts-based programmes within an artistic, social and educational context. In line with organisational developments, in 2019 Accolade has undertaken to update the organisation’s Constitution as well as developing a comprehensive strategic plan review and in line with good governance update all policy and procedures documents.
2.6 OBJECTIVES
3.1 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY This report covers the time period July 2018 - February 2020 inclusive. Agreed questionnaires ‘fit of purpose’ i.e. taking into consideration; (a) funding letter of offer and (b) application form objectives have been developed and distributed participant appropriate i.e. specific to age range.
This evaluation focuses primarily on participant outputs and outcomes in achieving the objectives of Peace IV funding Building Positive Relations. Individual in-depth interviews concentrating on the contribution to health and well-being were also carried out.
Peace IV objectives to focus on:
4.0 FUNDING 4.1 FUNDING HISTORY Accolade has been chosen from over one-hundred competing Peace IV projects, securing one of the highest project criteria scores. It is worth listing support from previous funders over the years as follows:
Funder
Amount (£)
Year awarded
1. PEACE IV
£65,205
2018
2. Awards for all People and Communities
£10,000
2019
3. (ACNI) – AOP
£7,500
2019
4. ACNI – IAP
£17,240
2016 - 2017
5. Financial Assistance ABC Council
£1,100
2018
6. Financial assistance NMD Council
£700
2018
7. The Executive Office CGRF
£10,000
2017
8. Community Foundations Northern Ireland
£5,000
2017
9. Telecommunity Fund
£5,000
2018
10. Community Relations Council NI
£3,500
2017
11. Newry Chamber of Commerce
£ 500
2018
12. Enkalon Fund
£1,500
2019
13. Anonymous Donations
£8,000
20/19-20
4.2 Accolade Reserves and Fundraising ActivityAccolade holds a reserve of over twenty five thousand pounds, this amount represents a combination of annual membership fees, a voluntary weekly £2 workshop contribution and fundraising activity organised by Accolade volunteers. This reserve in line with Accolades governance reserve policy.
4.3 Accolade Associate MusiciansAssociate employs on a sub contracted, self-employed basis, a total of five associate musicians to facilitate workshops and performances. Additional support i.e. performance sound professionals and all positions advertised through Community N.I. Musicians and are selected through an interview process.
4.4 Value for MoneyThe measurement of Value for Money is challenging and gives rise to methodological questions, and whilst a cost benefit analysis has not been calculated demonstrating value for money, this project would be worthy of an in-depth analysis measuring not only value for money in terms of outputs but also outcomes. This analysis, if measured against specific indicators would, certainly highlight the efficiency and effectiveness of the programme.
5.0 FINDINGS
5.1 Table 1. Breakdown of Programme of Activity July 2018 – January 2019Programme
Workshops
Number
Response
Rate
Age-range
Protestant
Catholic
Other
Summer Academy
50
100%
6-80
50%
40%
10%
Community Choir
40
80%
45-80
50%
40%
10%
Edenderry (PS)
57
75%
6
90%
10%
10%
Milltown (PS)
10
80%
6
95%
5%
St. Coleman’s (PS)
19
84%
6
95%
5%
St. Mary’s (PS)
36
77%
6
100%
Orchestra
20
70%
8-73
40%
35%
25%
Ukulele Group
20
80%
10-50+
50%
50%
Studio Voices Choir
15
80%
30-70+
50%
40%
10%
5.2 Table 2. Peace IV Response Analysis
Ukulele=U Choir=C Orchestra = O
Strongl y disagre e
Disagree
Don’t know
Agree
Strongly agree
U
C
O
U
C
O
U
C
O
U
C
O
U
C
O
1. Accolade workshops have improved relations between people of different backgrounds i.e.
Protestants and Catholics
1
1
4
11
3
5
14
10
2. Accolade workshops have improved knowledge about the culture of minority ethnic communities
2
2
11
7
6
14
7
3. Accolade workshops have Improved understanding of people’s own and others heritage and culture
1
2
7
12
5
13
9
4. Accolade workshops has improved tolerance, respect and celebration of cultural diversity
4
1
3
10
4
2
15
10
5. Accolade workshops has improved attitudes towards cross-community
3
1
4
11
4
3
14
9
6. Accolade workshops has improved level of contact with other communities and ethnic minorities
3
1
1
3
10
4
4
15
9
7. Accolade workshops has improvement in
level of trust and tolerance
1
2
1
4
12
3
5
13
10
8. Accolade workshops has supported a
decrease in level of prejudice
2
2
5
12
4
3
13
10
9. Accolade workshops promote an increased sense of belonging and involvement in civic life and local communities
2
2
3
6
11
8
6
5
4
14
17
8
10. Accolade workshops has increased participants who socialise with people from a different religious community
1
2
1
4
12
8
5
13
5
11. Accolade workshops has improved confidence to use and share ‘new’ spaces used during the project
2
2
3
10
6
5
15
8
12. Accolade workshops Improvement in perception of spaces used during the project as ‘shared’
5
12
6
5
13
8
13. Accolade workshops contribute to improving health and well-being
4
6
6
6
19
8
14. Accolade workshops contribute to improving social isolation
6
6
2
4
19
10
15. Accolade workshops contribute to improving
quality of life
3
4
6
7
21
11
Note to table: A number of respondents did not answer some of the questions.
5.3 Qualitative Question responses
5.3.1 Tell us about the benefits gained being involved in music workshops
5.3.2 Ukulele Adults
June 2020
CONTENTS Page
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 3 – 13
1.0 INTRODUCTION 14
2.0 BACKGROUND 14 2.1 GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATION 14
2.2 MANAGEMENT STRUCTURE 14
2.3 ORGANISATIONAL GOVERNANCE REPORTING 15
2.4 ACCOUNTS AND REPORTING 15
2.5 CONSTITUTION VISION 15
2.6 OBJECTIVES 15
3.0 EVALUATION TERMS OF REFERENCE 16-17
3.1 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY 17
4.0 FUNDING 17 4.1 FUNDING HISTORY 18
4.2 ACCOLADE RESERVES AND FUNDRAISING ACTIVTY 18
4.3 ACCOLADE ASSOCIATE MUSICIANS 18
4.4 VALUE FOR MONEY 18
5.0 FINDINGS 18 5.1 BREAKDOWN OF PROGRAMME ACTIVITY 19
5.2 PEACE IV RESPONSE ANALYSIS 19
5.3 QUALITATIVE QUESTION RESPONSES 20-28
6.0 SCHOOLS’ UKULELE PROGRAMME 28-36
7.0 MUSIC - A CONTRIBUTION TO SOCIETY, HEALTH AND WELLBEING 37-39
8.0 CONCLUSIONS 40
9.0 RECOMMENDATIONS 41
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
1.0 INTRODUCTION 1.1 Accolade has secured nineteen months’ funding, sixty five thousand, two hundred pounds from Armagh
City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council Peace IV programme theme; Building Positive Relations; to deliver music programmes of activity as to employ a project officer for eight hours per week. The organisation has developed a programme of music workshop activity in line with funding objectives. This evaluation report will examine the outputs and outcomes and sets out findings from monitoring and research carried out from activities as follows:
- Community Choir
- Studio Voices Choir
- Schools Ukulele Programme
- Ukulele Group
- Chamber Orchestra
- Two Summer Academy’s
- Public Performances
The aim of the evaluation was to explore the perceived impact of the programme as follows:
- Impact the project has made in Building Positive Relations between people from Protestant, Catholic and other religious backgrounds.
- Establish the extent to which the programme has benefitted children in school settings
- Establish the extent to which participants felt that the programme has benefitted and contributed to enhancing participants’ health, emotional, physical and overall well-being.
2.0 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
This nineteen month project evaluation focuses on participant outputs, outcomes and primarily on the contribution to the objectives of Peace IV funding Building Positive Relations as outlined in Accolade’s letter of offer.
A variety of research methodology was used to gather information as follows:
- Participant Questionnaires (Community Choir, Studio Voices Choir, Community Orchestra,
- 19 Face to face in-depth qualitative interviews
- 5 Telephone in-depth qualitative interviews
- Men’s focus group
- 3 Observations of summer academy’s
- School visits to four schools
- 8 Observations of Accolade Performances
- Associate musicians questionnaires and analysis of Associate Musician monthly reports
- Examination of desk research available from across the world of the contribution of music to Peace building, well-being and society as a whole
3.0 THE NATURE OF THE PROGRAMME
The design and development of workshops delivered begins with an introduction to Accolade and the aims of the programme. This is followed by weekly one/two hour practice workshops that introduces a wide range of musical concepts, genres of music, developing listening and technical skills that provide opportunities to understand all aspects of music and technique, introducing a series of music methods and the programme concludes with formal public concert performances. These aims are relatively straightforward and are clearly achieved.
Key elements of the programme workshops which supported this were:
- The focus and design of workshops, arrangements of music focusing on culture, tradition and diversity differences between Protestant, Catholic and other nationalities through the medium of music;
- Meeting and learning from people from many different communities and nationalities;
- Changing perceptions about each other’s cultures and traditions;
- Encouraging people of different cultures and traditions to socialise and build friendships with one another;
- Meet and socialise with people of all age ranges i.e. intergenerational;
- Developing confidence to sing and perform on stage in front of audiences and in a variety of different shared spaces;
- Reducing social anxiety and contribute to better mental health physical well-being; Ø Reducing isolation and disconnection;
- The excellent communication skills of the associate musicians who were able to interact easily;
- Confidently with participants to express opinion and any issues arising;
- The many open questions asked by the associate musicians giving the participants opportunities to views and respond creatively;
- The many opportunities for the participants and children to ask questions;
- The detailed and informative responses given to the questions asked;
- The high expectations of participants held by the associate musicians;
- The ‘scaffolding’ provided by the musicians to help participants listening to any particular piece of music;
- The complexity of the listening demands made on the participants;
- The way that listening skills were developed with increasing demands made on the participants as they progressed through the programme;
- The opportunities for the children to learn to play ukulele;
- Opportunity to develop a chamber orchestra;
- Opportunities to publicly showcase achievements over the period of the programme; Ø The quality and experience of associate musicians and materials provided.
4.0 KEY FINDINGS
. Research findings are broken down by group
4.1 Questionnaire Responses from Banbridge Choir - Studio Voices Choir - Chamber Orchestra - Adult Ukulele Groups
A total of forty nine questionnaires from a possible seventy research questionnaires were returned representing a 70% response rate. Findings confirmed from all groups that the majority of participants “agreed strongly” when asked if they had experienced the following quantitative results:
4.1.1 Peace IV Quantitative Results
Ø Participants confirmed that Accolade has exposed them to people from difficult religious and cultural backgrounds they would never had met before had it not been for Accolade; Ø Participants highlighted the new friendships made with people from communities that they had never previously had the opportunity to build relationships with;
- Participants also highlighted that those friendships now go beyond Accolade workshops i.e. meeting for coffee and organising separate social activity;
- Participants felt that “Accolade is a safe environment to express themselves in a trusting and tolerant environment”;
- Participants also highlighted that Accolade has changed their perception and that “they now do not judge people from different backgrounds”;
- Participants highlighted how interesting it was to learn and sing songs that represent each other’s culture and tradition as well as learning about the meaning behind those songs;
- Participants highlighted that they have learned from programme activity about other minority ethnic communities through personal interaction and the medium of music;
- Participants represented not only Protestant and Catholic people but ethnic minority participants from a variety of countries i.e. Bulgaria, Spain, Brazil, Portugal etc. and cross border southern Ireland.
- Participants highlighted the fun they had experienced over the course of project;
- Opportunity to learn to read and learn music spanning all genres from classical to pop;
- Participants highlighted that they had performed in venues of faith different to their own i.e. Banbridge Presbyterian Church and also highlighted that under normal circumstances they would not have done so, members also shared that they felt comfortable and safe.
4.1.2 Peace IV Qualitative outcomes
- The majority of participants highlighted that they did not know the religion of others and that it did not matter;
- Participants felt that Accolade was a safe environment and as a result of building strong relationships with each other, they felt they could celebrate different cultural tradition and perform in any venue as evidenced from the variety of performances over the period;
- Participants highlighted the mutual respect each had for one another, their understanding that whatever religious affiliation and belief they held, music and singing unites and transcends cultural barriers;
- Participants highlighted that their singing skill and confidence has increased significantly as a result of being a member of the choir;
- Participants described Accolade as a family who support and take care of each other;
- Participants highlighted that a number of peer support groups were developed outside Accolade activity, set up on an ad hoc basis i.e. skilled participants organising additional support for those less confident members providing additional choral, orchestral and ukulele practices;
- All respondents when asked to rate Accolade tutors between 1-10 (1 poor 10 excellent) scored tutors a definite 10 and higher highlighting the commitment, passion, enthusiasm, skill and patience that associate musicians displayed managing the various projects and keeping everyone motivated to develop and achieve goals.
- A number of participants identified the difference between Accolade as a community choir making comparisons to Church choirs i.e. (Accolade is accessible and open to all irrespective of faith, nonfaith) and strict formality and pressure to commit to practice three, four times per week in comparison to the relaxed, informal and fun environment within Accolade without compromising the high standard set and achievement of outputs and outcomes, this is evidenced with Accolade winning three cups in both Warrenpoint and Newry Feis in 2019-20.
4.1.3 Health and Well-being outcomes
In-depth interviews lasting between half to one hour were carried out with twenty four participants who represent the different Accolade activity groups age range from 9 years old to 70+. A series of open ended question responses identified the following contribution to health and well-being.
- Fifteen interviewees were very open and frank, disclosing personal experiences of trauma, illness, grief and loss as a result of death and marriage breakup and resulting in anxiety, depression, loneliness, and emotional turmoil in their lives. They cited Accolade as a “huge benefit in helping them through very dark days” and how being involved in the project has supporting and contributed to maintaining mental, emotional and physical health.
- Everyone interviewed stated that their confidence had increased as a result of being a member of Accolade and how tutors had stretched them in terms of ability and learning to read music. A number of participants from the chamber orchestra said that they were now pursuing music grade examinations, a goal that they would never have considered had it not been for the encouragement of Accolade associate musicians.
- Participants highlighted the health benefits of the physical exercises i.e. warm up breathing techniques, stretching and the long-term contribution these exercises have made to improving lung function and reducing anxiety.
- Participants noted that the friendships and bonds which developed between people participating in the programme over a sustained period of time had helped them feel less isolated and lonely.
- A number of interviewees highlighted how music had helped them express themselves and contributed to improving positive mental health.
4.2 Schools Ukulele Programmes
4.2.2 Children’s Questionnaire
Workshops were delivered to P3 and P4 children in two Catholic and two Protestant primary schools over the period of one year with one hourly workshop per week. The Children involved in the project have not had access to music as part of the school curriculum. Accolade has provided them with their first experience of music workshops.
Children were also given the opportunity to participate in joint cross community workshops as well as performing in a number of public venues including Boulevard Shopping Centre Banbridge. One hundred and fifty six questionnaires were distributed to children and one hundred and twenty one were returned. Children were asked seven questions using smiley faces to respond. Analysis overall confirmed that the vast majority of pupils who had never played an instrument and really enjoyed learning and participating in ukulele workshops and would like further workshops in the future. Parents reported that they have seen a change in confidence and interest in music as a result as evidenced in the comments in the main body of the report.
4.2.3 School Personnel Questionnaire
Five classroom assistants, four teachers and three school principals confirmed that children had hugely benefited from the ukulele workshops, highlighting the following achievements:
- One head master highlighted the success of workshops commenting; ‘learning ukulele is truly a gift
- Children looked forward to ukulele class every week
- Staff noticed an increase in confidence in children who heretofore were quiet. In particular they have recognised the improvement in children’s listening ability and focus compared with other classes they attended.
- Children were keen to learn to play ukulele and learn new songs outside workshops and. as a result, ten children asked Santa for a ukulele for Christmas
- The music workshops improved children’s knowledge and understanding of different cultures and traditions across the world using song, music and different world languages
- Children’s fine motor skills improved as a result of ongoing practice
- Children had remembered the words of songs
- Children’s confidence has improved
- Children really enjoyed having the opportunity to showcase their learning publicly in front of other school groups and teachers, above all when they performed to a public audience of 200+ people in the Boulevard Banbridge professional cinema theatre setting on the 30 November 2019.
4.2.4 Adult Ukulele workshop Qualitative results
- A number of participants from the adult ukulele group had joined as a result of their children attending the schools programme and identified specifically the benefit of learning ukulele as an activity they could enjoy with their children. They highlighted the benefit in terms of bonding, learning and fun they had experienced together.
- Adults acknowledged the ‘sheer fun’ of learning to play the ukulele and how their personal confidence had developed during the workshops and public performances given they had never played an instrument before.
- Adults found that ukulele was an excellent starter instrument to learn as it was simple and the songs they played were well known and fun to sing therefore accelerated the learning of the words and musical chords.
- Participants highlighted the quality of tutors and how much fun, encouragement and patience they showed with everyone.
4.2.5 Chamber Orchestra Qualitative
The Chamber Orchestra comprises a total of twenty members the youngest aged nine and the oldest aged 71 all of whom have previous, albeit limited experience and ability playing an instrument. Most had not played an instrument in many years, Accolade providing access to join a community orchestra without any formal qualifications or previous training.
- Participants acknowledged the benefit of learning from such accomplished and skilled Associate Musicians.
- A number of members commented that workshops were tailored to suit all abilities. They felt more relaxed knowing they did not have to meet a formal standard. They welcomed the fact that the music compositions songs were varied from classical to pop which made learning and practicing fun and interesting.
- Workshops are relaxed in a lovely environment.
- Participants enjoyed learning with a mix of age ranges and different abilities; they felt that they did not need to be at a certain standard rather highlighted that groups included all abilities and enriched everyone’s learning and sharing experience.
- A number of the younger participants enjoy playing with older members and said they love to meet socially with members and are now good friends,
They expressed how much their life has been significantly enriched at a time in life when faculties and learning skills are in decline.
Ø Everyone commented how much fun it was being a member of the community orchestra and how much they had developed in confidence and ability.
4.2.6 Studio Voices Choir
Studio voices are an additional choir established at the request of members both Newry and Banbridge choirs. The aim of the Studio Voices workshops are; to offer further development opportunity to those members whose ability and experience are at a higher level i.e. they can read music. The group comprises thirteen singers made up of soprano, alto, tenor and bass. All members were auditioned and have been practicing and performing over one year.
Research carried out with six members of the choir concluded the following:
- Members felt that whilst they enjoy being part of the larger choir, the smaller choir had stretched their singing capability more, allowing them to learn more and acquire additional skills and sing more difficult and technical classical pieces.
- A number of members interviewed were also members from Accolade Newry choir and highlighted the benefit and variety of singing with members from their Banbridge counterparts and vice versa.
4.2.7 Men’s Group
A focus group from the Banbridge choir identified the need to increase representation from men.
Participants also highlighted the fact that it was important to them to have an opportunity to sing in a “Community Choir” which is more open and inclusive than a Church Choir where the repertoire is strict and faith based. They recognised the invaluable contribution the choirs have made to their personal health and emotional well-being, the fun and opportunity to stretch their ability.
4.2.8 Summer Academy’s
Accolade organised two summer academies over the period. The academies were open to new participants as well as Accolade members and provided a series of intensive five day workshops introducing additional expertise from additional specialised tutors to a variety of music and practice techniques e.g. gospel singing techniques and movement and performance techniques. The training outputs were showcased in a variety of performances over a number of Saturdays and in the Boulevard Shopping centre to shopper audiences.
4.2.9 Performances
Accolade has developed their reputation throughout the province and has been asked to perform in a variety of cross-community, national and international settings over the nineteen months. All of the groups came together to showcase learning in a final finale held in Banbridge Boulevard Omniplex in November 2019, and attracted an audience of over two hundred people. In December 2019, both Banbridge and Newry Choirs came together and sang at Newry Chamber Charity evening to over five hundred guests. In November 2019, both choirs also performed at the Georgian Day Festival in Armagh and in March 2019 performed at St. Patricks Festival Armagh and Downpatrick.
The combined choir has also successfully competed in Newry and Warrenpoint Feis 2019/20 taking home 3 cups for 1st and 2nd place respectively. Between (December 2019 and March 2020) the Accolade choral and ukulele groups have also performed at the ABC Council “Ageing Well” conferences attended by 700 + senior citizens. They have also participated in community Christmas celebrations and have performed a series of charity concerts for care home residents throughout counties Armagh and Down, as well as; Age NI annual conference, the Brain Injury Foundation and Air Ambulance N.I. A major highlight of 2019 was the combined groups international tour of Bulgaria performing 8+ formal and informal concerts in diverse community settings including Bulgarian children’s care homes.
4.2.10 Partnership Working
Accolade has and continues to work in partnership with a variety of supportive organisations to develop activity and ensure that the organisation promotes and reaches older people from the wider community. They have in-kind secured venues and resources from local business e.g. Tesco practice room and Accolade is the officially recognised charity for the Boulevard, Banbridge, performing 12 concerts in the last 19 months in official and outdoor public settings. They also work in partnership with the Southern Age Well Network, U3A (University of the 3rd Age senior citizens groups, the Alzheimer’s Society and Age NI.
4.2.11 Volunteering
The organisation is heavily reliant on the support of committee and members who volunteer time to e.g. write and submit articles to local press, maintain Accolade website and update social media, write and submit application forms to funders, prepare and maintain monthly accounts, organise fundraising activity, monitor and evaluate the numerous projects, ensure compliance and all of the administrative requirements associated with the delivery of services. The amount of funding secured from Peace IV highlights that the administrative hours i.e. 8 hours per week is inadequate to support the needs for the organisation.
4.2.12 Marketing and Publicity
Accolade has developed a website and two dedicated Facebook pages, one for Newry and one for Banbridge. Member regularly add performance posts and videos to both pages all posts approved by committee. Accolade advertises events and activity using local press, posters and flyers to community and public venues via developed mailing lists as well as social media platforms.
4.2.13 Risk Assessment Although Peace IV funding ended in February 2020, this report highlights Accolades response to the unprecedented events of the Covid 19 pandemic lockdown conditions, and how the events have impacted organisational activity over the last three months. As the majority of Accolade members are over sixty years old and are “shielding” or living with family members who are in the “high risk” category, Accolade in response to lockdown, has taken the decision to use technology i.e. Zoom and YouTube video tutorials in an attempt to continue workshops albeit remotely, on a weekly basis.
The benefit to members has been a life line under what are very difficult circumstances. There is no doubt the impact of the events are a risk to the continuation of the project long term. In an attempt to ascertain that risk, Accolade has contacted all of their members via email/telephone with a questionnaire to ascertain whether members are prepared to re-join workshops in the future. Analysis of research confirms participants concern about the future of the project and the fear of a second bout of the virus without vaccination. They also confirmed the benefit of online workshops and highlighted that whilst not ideal the workshops keep participants practicing and connecting with other members of Accolade.
4.2.14 Exit StrategyThe organisation is funding led and as a small charity is reliant on applying for and securing grants on an on-going basis to continue and maintain activity. The organisation is currently using Arts Council funding and the organisation’s own reserves to support the continuation of core activity i.e. main choir, orchestra, adult ukulele and studio voices choir. The organisation has taken the decision that they cannot afford to include a future summer academy or schools programmes as part of the core activity without securing additional funding and therefore these workshops are not now identified as core activity.
5.0 Conclusions
- Accolade (connecting people through music) has developed, grown and built up an excellent reputation not only within the communities of Banbridge and Newry, counties Armagh and Down but also throughout the province and with funders, partners and the wider musical sector through its collaborative work with internationally acclaimed professional musicians and singers i.e. The Sands Family, Daniel O’Donnell, Malachi Cush Bernagh, Brendan Monaghan and Mark Wilson as well as many other professional singers and musicians.
- The organisation is well organised and as a result of a variety and cocktail of time bound and piece meal funding has been able to sustain and develop activity in line with their aim to sustain activity for the future. The organisation building a healthy reserve to maintain workshops in the absence and gaps in funding streams.
- Accolade is very much community focused and has built up a reputation of inclusiveness attracting people from Protestant, Catholic and “new” communities from a variety of different nationalities, continuously striving to attract additional members on an on-going basis.
- Accolade has successfully delivered the objectives, terms and conditions of Peace IV Building Positive Relations of the grant received as per outcomes and outputs; they have updated their business plan and developed their strategic plan moving forward.
- The breakdown of members represents a 60%-40% ratio of Protestant and Catholic members, 10% representing other nationalities, European and worldwide. The intergenerational age range from nine years old to seventy plus years old confirms the inclusion of people of different and diverse communities. Accolade demonstrates that it is also an organisation that is open to all, with people of faith, no faith, and openly identifying diverse gender identities e.g. Binary
- The supporting evidence also highlights the contribution the programme has made to the well-being of participants is also further confirms the need for the continuation of Accolade activity.
- Accolade Management Committee recognises the need to attract more people and in particular men to Banbridge, Newry and studio voices choirs.
- In line with Accolade strategic plan, the organisation recognises the need to secure longer term and core funding to continue the project as well as dedicated infrastructural resources to promote and meet the administrative support needs to the Management Committee.
- The research carried out demonstrates the competency and ability of Accolade Management Committee to deliver and manage a comprehensive and varied programme of activity over the period in line with the organisation’s strategic plan, governance documents, policies and procedures.
- The medium of music and performance research is well documented across the world not only the contribution to community relations but also health and well-being as per the findings in the main body of this report.
6.0 RECOMMENDATIONS
- As the majority of Accolade members are older and therefore more vulnerable under the current Covid 19 restrictions, it is imperative that the organisation seek to secure core funding to maintain online activity e.g. via Zoom in order to support Members’ mental and emotional well-being as well as preparing for future face to face workshops under current social distance regulations.
- Accolade has been dependent on piece meal funding and has benefited hugely from this nineteen month funding in terms of sustaining workings over a longer period of time. As a people centred organisation it would be hugely beneficial for the organisation to apply to Big Lottery “People and Communities” funding opportunity. This funding would provide the organisation with five years funding allowing the organisation greater sustainability to implement their strategic plan as well as supporting the organisation develop additional funding raising opportunities.
- Accolade as mentioned before recognises the infrastructural support needed to grow membership, and need to focus resources on additional marketing and promotional resources in a more strategic and regular basis. Accolade need to update their website and also to increase their following on social media platforms.
- The organisation has built extensive partnerships with a variety of organisations i.e. U3A, Southern Age Well network and additional resources for a co-ordinated approach would support future development with other potential partners e.g. health care trusts, G.P.’s, Libraries and businesses.
- Accolade also requires dedicated administrative resources to support the current and future growth of the organisation possibly on a part-time basis. A dedicated Artistic Director is needed to implement the multiple programmes of activity as well as developing and supporting associate musicians to include induction and training support for projects.
1.0 INTRODUCTION
Accolade has developed a membership of over eighty people between two geographical locations Newry and Banbridge. Activity has been funded piece meal from their own fundraising efforts, a cocktail of foundations, charitable trusts and small grants givers. The organisation secured sixty five thousand, two hundred and five pounds in 2018 from Peace IV Building Positive Relations. It is worth noting the amount represents one hundred percent funding for the programme of activity over a period of nineteen months’ Accolade achieving one of the highest assessment scores.
2.0 BACKGROUNDEstablished in 2013 Accolade is the brain child of Bulgarian couple Vessie and Nicolay Ivanovi. Both are graduates of the Academy of Music, Dance and Fine Arts, Plovdiv, Bulgaria. The accomplished, multi instrument players and creative professional musical directors had worked tirelessly spending hundreds of voluntary hours, developing and attracting people from all walks of life to help them identify need and interest in developing a non-religious community choir in Newry and Banbridge. Months of consultations with interested participants and potential partners demonstrated demand for a community choir and the couple were able to recruit a committee from participating members establishing Accolade (Connecting people through music). As numbers, interest and support grew, the project identified the need to form a fully constituted Accolade Community charity and structured organisation.
2.1 GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATION – AGE PROFILE – MEMBER REPRESENTATIONAccolade from the beginning has involved people of all cross generational ages i.e. young school children, retired and older people from a variety of communities including; non-nationals, Protestant, Catholic and other religions spanning a geographical spread across the Newry Mourne and Down and Armagh City, Bainbridge and Craigavon borough Council areas. Both of these Council areas are designated TSN using multiple deprivation measures. NISRA provides a breakdown of deprivation by ward and shows that 14 wards between both Council areas are ranked in the top 100 most deprived areas in Northern Ireland. The file contains information about the SOA (Super output areas) level Domain Measures of Deprivation, the Multiple Deprivation Measure 2010 and two stand-alone measures: Income Deprivation Affecting Children and Income Deprivation Affecting Older People. Source: (NISRA Northern Ireland Research and Statistics Agency).
Local government reform saw the merger of Armagh City and District Council, Craigavon Borough Council and Banbridge District Council in April 2015 (Armagh City, Banbridge & Craigavon Borough Council; ABC). Covering 554 square miles and a population in excess of 204,000 it is the largest Council outside Belfast. A number of powers have transferred, or are in the process of transferring, from central to local government i.e. the transfer of urban regeneration and community development responsibilities from DSD.
REPRESENTATIONAccolade has attracted people from a variety of countries i.e. China, Malta, Bulgaria, Ukraine, South Africa, Canada, Poland, Spain, Lithuania and Greece.
2.2 MANAGEMENT STRUCTUREWith support from the Confederation of Community Groups and NICVA (Northern Ireland Council for Voluntary Association, Accolade was developed as a fully constituted organisation at a public meeting on the 21st April 2013 securing Charitable status. The organisation is a flat structure and committee are elected annually and serve a term of one year eligible for re-election each year. The management committee composes seven members and represents all sectors i.e. Health & Social Services, Education, Business, Finance, Voluntary/Community and Legal Sector experience. Other members experience and expertise include; Conflict and Peace Building, Health and Emotional Wellbeing, Intercultural interests, intergenerational interests and experience working in TSN (Targeting Social Need). The average age of committee is sixty five years old.
2.3 ORGANISATIONAL GOVERNANCE AND REPORTING Accolade is a charitable organisation registered with the Charities Commission N.I. and is legally responsible on an annual basis to comply with the Commissions ongoing regulatory and monitoring regulations. Accolade is therefore required to complete and submit an online annual monitoring return form, attaching the charity’s:
- Annual accounts
- Trustees’ annual report
- Report from independent examiner / auditor, as applicable.
2.5 CONSTITUTION VISION Accolade works to promote, strengthen and deepen relationships between different communities and cultures through exciting and inspiring music/arts-based programmes within an artistic, social and educational context. In line with organisational developments, in 2019 Accolade has undertaken to update the organisation’s Constitution as well as developing a comprehensive strategic plan review and in line with good governance update all policy and procedures documents.
2.6 OBJECTIVES
- Promotion of equality and diversity for the public benefit
- Advancement, improvement, production and promotion of music, arts and culture
- Promotion and preservation of physical and mental health
- Advancement of education and the promotion of the benefit of participants without distinction of age, gender, sexual orientation, disability/ability, race, nationality, ethnic origin, political, religious or other opinion by associating the statutory and local authorities, voluntary organisations and the inhabitants in a common effort to advance education and promote music and arts with the objective of improving the conditions of life.
- Advance the education of the general public on issues affecting ethnic minority communities in the area of benefit in particular but not exclusively through the mediums of music, arts and cross-cultural community activities;
- Promote community harmony and develop the art of choral singing and playing musical instruments for the benefit of the public by the provision of opportunities to socialize with others from different cultures and communities through participation in choral singing and the arts and to foster among the choir members and the public a knowledge of and appreciation for choral music;
- Promote equality and diversity and to eliminate discrimination in relation to ethnic minority communities in the area of benefit by such charitable means as the Committee may from time to time decide and in particular but not exclusively by the promotion of cross-cultural community based arts activities in an effort to advance education and raise awareness about different national and racial groups in order to promote good community relations;
- Foster, promote and advance the education of the public in art in all its aspects, and to encourage appreciation for and participation in the arts and cross-cultural community based music/arts activities in particular but not exclusively by members of ethnic minorities in the area of benefit by the provision of information and training, classes, workshops, arts facilities and equipment, support and instruction and the organisation of exhibitions of works, concerts, performances and events as the Committee shall from time to time decide;
- Provide relief for persons suffering from mental or physical illness or living with disabilities, emotional or behavioural problems or in need of such rehabilitation as a result of such illness by the provision of music therapy;
- Advance any other exclusively charitable purpose as the Committee may from time to time; decide in accordance with the law of charity. The aim of the organisation to; Connect people through music.
- Developing music and performance skills to showcase achievements.
- To; employ the best of evidence based practices. Recruit, train and retrain skilled and professional associate musicians to deliver quality and bespoke workshops.
3.1 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY This report covers the time period July 2018 - February 2020 inclusive. Agreed questionnaires ‘fit of purpose’ i.e. taking into consideration; (a) funding letter of offer and (b) application form objectives have been developed and distributed participant appropriate i.e. specific to age range.
This evaluation focuses primarily on participant outputs and outcomes in achieving the objectives of Peace IV funding Building Positive Relations. Individual in-depth interviews concentrating on the contribution to health and well-being were also carried out.
Peace IV objectives to focus on:
- Increase % of project participants who think relations between Protestants and Catholics are
- Increase % of project participants who know about the culture of minority ethnic communities
- Improved understanding of people’s own and others heritage and culture
- Improved tolerance, respect and celebration of cultural diversity
- Improved attitudes towards cross-community and cross-border activities
- Improved level of contact with other communities and ethnic minorities
- Improvement in level of trust and tolerance
- A decrease in level of prejudice
- An increased sense of belonging and involvement in civic life and local communities by
- Improved capacity and confidence of participants in addressing sectarianism and racism and
- Increase in participants who socialise with people from a different religious community
- Improved confidence to use and share ‘new’ spaces used during the project
- Improvement in perception of spaces used during the project as ‘shared.’
4.0 FUNDING 4.1 FUNDING HISTORY Accolade has been chosen from over one-hundred competing Peace IV projects, securing one of the highest project criteria scores. It is worth listing support from previous funders over the years as follows:
Funder
Amount (£)
Year awarded
1. PEACE IV
£65,205
2018
2. Awards for all People and Communities
£10,000
2019
3. (ACNI) – AOP
£7,500
2019
4. ACNI – IAP
£17,240
2016 - 2017
5. Financial Assistance ABC Council
£1,100
2018
6. Financial assistance NMD Council
£700
2018
7. The Executive Office CGRF
£10,000
2017
8. Community Foundations Northern Ireland
£5,000
2017
9. Telecommunity Fund
£5,000
2018
10. Community Relations Council NI
£3,500
2017
11. Newry Chamber of Commerce
£ 500
2018
12. Enkalon Fund
£1,500
2019
13. Anonymous Donations
£8,000
20/19-20
4.2 Accolade Reserves and Fundraising ActivityAccolade holds a reserve of over twenty five thousand pounds, this amount represents a combination of annual membership fees, a voluntary weekly £2 workshop contribution and fundraising activity organised by Accolade volunteers. This reserve in line with Accolades governance reserve policy.
4.3 Accolade Associate MusiciansAssociate employs on a sub contracted, self-employed basis, a total of five associate musicians to facilitate workshops and performances. Additional support i.e. performance sound professionals and all positions advertised through Community N.I. Musicians and are selected through an interview process.
4.4 Value for MoneyThe measurement of Value for Money is challenging and gives rise to methodological questions, and whilst a cost benefit analysis has not been calculated demonstrating value for money, this project would be worthy of an in-depth analysis measuring not only value for money in terms of outputs but also outcomes. This analysis, if measured against specific indicators would, certainly highlight the efficiency and effectiveness of the programme.
5.0 FINDINGS
5.1 Table 1. Breakdown of Programme of Activity July 2018 – January 2019Programme
Workshops
Number
Response
Rate
Age-range
Protestant
Catholic
Other
Summer Academy
50
100%
6-80
50%
40%
10%
Community Choir
40
80%
45-80
50%
40%
10%
Edenderry (PS)
57
75%
6
90%
10%
10%
Milltown (PS)
10
80%
6
95%
5%
St. Coleman’s (PS)
19
84%
6
95%
5%
St. Mary’s (PS)
36
77%
6
100%
Orchestra
20
70%
8-73
40%
35%
25%
Ukulele Group
20
80%
10-50+
50%
50%
Studio Voices Choir
15
80%
30-70+
50%
40%
10%
5.2 Table 2. Peace IV Response Analysis
Ukulele=U Choir=C Orchestra = O
Strongl y disagre e
Disagree
Don’t know
Agree
Strongly agree
U
C
O
U
C
O
U
C
O
U
C
O
U
C
O
1. Accolade workshops have improved relations between people of different backgrounds i.e.
Protestants and Catholics
1
1
4
11
3
5
14
10
2. Accolade workshops have improved knowledge about the culture of minority ethnic communities
2
2
11
7
6
14
7
3. Accolade workshops have Improved understanding of people’s own and others heritage and culture
1
2
7
12
5
13
9
4. Accolade workshops has improved tolerance, respect and celebration of cultural diversity
4
1
3
10
4
2
15
10
5. Accolade workshops has improved attitudes towards cross-community
3
1
4
11
4
3
14
9
6. Accolade workshops has improved level of contact with other communities and ethnic minorities
3
1
1
3
10
4
4
15
9
7. Accolade workshops has improvement in
level of trust and tolerance
1
2
1
4
12
3
5
13
10
8. Accolade workshops has supported a
decrease in level of prejudice
2
2
5
12
4
3
13
10
9. Accolade workshops promote an increased sense of belonging and involvement in civic life and local communities
2
2
3
6
11
8
6
5
4
14
17
8
10. Accolade workshops has increased participants who socialise with people from a different religious community
1
2
1
4
12
8
5
13
5
11. Accolade workshops has improved confidence to use and share ‘new’ spaces used during the project
2
2
3
10
6
5
15
8
12. Accolade workshops Improvement in perception of spaces used during the project as ‘shared’
5
12
6
5
13
8
13. Accolade workshops contribute to improving health and well-being
4
6
6
6
19
8
14. Accolade workshops contribute to improving social isolation
6
6
2
4
19
10
15. Accolade workshops contribute to improving
quality of life
3
4
6
7
21
11
Note to table: A number of respondents did not answer some of the questions.
5.3 Qualitative Question responses
5.3.1 Tell us about the benefits gained being involved in music workshops
5.3.2 Ukulele Adults
- Increase in confidence, meeting new people, learning a new skill and having fun
- It has brought me out more and learning a new instrument Ø Getting out and about with music
- Enjoy music with family and others and learning new skills
- Learning new skills, meeting people you wouldn’t normally meet and the sense of community and equality, fun atmosphere
- Meeting new people while learning a new skill has been great.
- I have thoroughly enjoyed learning a new skill with a diverse group of people from both sides of the community. It is a very relaxed environment and has been a very enjoyable experience.
- Very enjoyable to learn new skills in a new environment with a new group of people. A fantastic opportunity for me to learn a new instrument, something I have never done before. Fantastic.
- This has been a great opportunity to learn a new instrument, meet new people, socialise and to do something for myself and with my child.
- Enjoyment of learning a new instrument, as adults having the opportunity to work as a team. Meeting parents from other schools from within the town (Banbridge)
- Opportunity to experience what my son is learning at school.
- Learning a new skill and meeting new people and getting out into the community.
- Being part of Accolade orchestra has really helped me connect with musicians in my local area and beyond. I meet people at the workshops and the connections made further. Helping with my career, community music empowers me.
- The orchestra is one of the highlights of my week since retirement. It is a real joy to make music with others and I have been introduced to a new family of friends.
- Helps me feel more at ease with people from other backgrounds. Increased my interest in their cultures.
- When people come together in music workshops, it gives a common ground between them. Together we learn how to play and how to play together in harmony. Each person is important; we are one body of music made up of many musicians from different backgrounds.
- Gives me the opportunity to meet other people that I wouldn’t normally engage with. People from different nationalities, generations and traditions.
- The workshop helps my confidence and musical ability and my social interactions.
- Music has helped my mental health. The practical experience and interaction with others help reduce isolation and increases social interaction.
- These workshops are an excellent opportunity to develop interests in music, and have encouraged members of the orchestra.
- Helps me to grow in confidence, become a better musician, and learn more about different cultures. Helps our performance skills and gives us a chance to socialise with people of all ages.
- Attending Accolade I have become more confident when playing in front of an audience.
Boulevard Summer Academy performance – August 2019
Monday evening orchestra practice Banbridge
Chamber Orchestra Finale performance
5.3.4 Choir
5.3.4 Choir
- Meeting new people, sharing music of all types and enjoying a night out.
- We get to meet new people and learn about them and their music journey. We get to have fun while learning new music from around the world.
- New friendships with people I wouldn’t otherwise encounter, from different backgrounds, ages and nationalities. I have improved skills which have been dormant for a few years and have enjoyed playing music in a group setting. It’s all great.
- Great chance to mix with several cultures, age ranges and backgrounds etc. Improves confidence and social involvement. Opens up chances to go to different places not usually frequented.
- Meeting people of different backgrounds and sharing music together and making new friends.
- I look forward to Choir every week, I really enjoy being part of the Choir, I love the songs and when everything comes together.
- Yes I have really enjoyed this class and hope to go on to continue learning more and other stringed instrument.
- Keep it going, great teachers
- Thoroughly enjoying Wednesday night sessions
- Keep up the good work
- Workshops are very enjoyable
- Great teachers and class very enjoyable.
- Love this so much-could not live without it.
- A little more time for interaction.
- Can we have lots more please
- It would be lovely to see more musicians who play different instruments.
- Great opportunity to participate.
