It’s been a year since we all faced our first lockdown. No one knew what was in front of us. A week before the official news we had to take a very difficult decision and postpone each session. I didn’t know when we would be able to meet again. It was an uncertain time for everyone where everyone was glued to the news, trying to keep busy and keep going without knowing what was coming next.
But for us as a project we had to get on with keeping in touch with our members and their families. Just picking up the phone, having a short chat was so important to us all as staff, tutors, volunteers and members. Maintaining this contact helped us all stay positive and those conversations became an important part of the week. Our tutors were very keen to send their messages to our members in a special way. So they recorded some of our favourite songs and sent them a special message for our members. Here are some of the messages sent:
Some messages were reminiscent of past sessions. Here is Steffan and Gwenan creating music with their harps in a session before lockdown:
Here is Gwenan’s message to Steffan:
These were heart-warming videos, and certainly kept us smiling, and were available to our members to listen to as one way of filling their day in a time of limitations. In one small way, through these messages, everyone received a small piece of ‘Canfod’ to enjoy.
In the run up to Christmas 2020, we decided to put all the messages together to create a special CD for our members as a Christmas present. All the songs were put together in the Pant yr Hwch Studio by Edwin Humphreys. Just a week before the new restrictions came into force before Christmas, Mared had the opportunity to distribute the CD’s in a special little package for everyone. It was nice to drive from Bethesda to Blaenau Ffestiniog, towards Dolgellau and to Harlech and Dyffryn Ardudwy, before turning towards Penrhydeudraeth and Porthmadog and on to Pwllheli and back into Caernarfon and the surrounding areas. It was wonderful to see everyone from afar on the doorstep, wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and sending our best wishes to everyone!
The talented Harlech crew were challenged to record their experiences from the first lockdown.
There was a fantastic response with the crew contributing verbally, with photographs, and countless phone conversations!
The group’s ideas and experiences soon came to life and into song led by Sera. As we were not together, the group set about creating instruments, following Elin’s guidelines :
We had a lot of fun recording ourselves for our video, and this was our first original song ‘In the Lockdown’. Fantastic everyone!
A musical group that’s providing a lockdown lifeline for people in Gwynedd with and without learning disabilities has launched a new video with the help of some star names.
Performing with the members, tutors and volunteers involved in the Canfod y Gân (Discovering Music) project were Geraint Lovgreen, from Caernarfon, Dewi Pws who lives in Nefyn on the Llŷn Peninsula, along with Rhys Parry who plays guitar in Bryn Fôn’s popular band.
The video was produced using audio and video from members improvising musically which were recorded by family members or support workers on phones and tablets.
The music track was then mixed and edited by Edwin Humphreys, from Pwllheli, a tutor with the project and the video was created by Gwydion Davies, from Canolfan Gerdd William Mathias Music Centre (CGWM).
The Coronavirus pandemic hasn’t stopped the group from making music despite the fact they can no longer meet up for their fortnightly sessions in Caernarfon, Pwllheli and Harlech.
Led by CGWM and working in partnership with Gwynedd Council’s Learning Disability Team, they have put together a video of members performing the national anthem of Wales as well as the group’s own unique signature piece which they’re hoping will go viral on social media.
The project, which is funded by a three-year grant from Spirit of 2012, the London 2012 legacy fund, gives disabled and non-disabled people the opportunity to come together as equals to create music with the aim of improving mental health and wellbeing.
Matthew Murray, 25, from Bangor, a member of the Caernarfon group, loves being part of the group.
He said “I like to rap and have been writing my own stuff for a long time. My social worker was looking for a music project I could get involved with and that’s how I got to be with Canfod y Gân.
“I volunteer in a cafe at the leisure center in Caernarfon on Mondays’ or until the virus I did. So, I started going to Canfod y Gân after my shift in the cafe. I love working with other people and like pretty much everything about the group.
“I’ve met a friend there who volunteers and we are going to work together on some raps and we plan to record some of my lyrics. That’s really exciting.
“I write what comes to mind. I write about things that are going on in my life, about family issues and things like that.”
He added: “I enjoyed being involved with the video that we have done. I wrote lyrics about the hard times and how we are coping with the pandemic and friends and family.”
Terry Tuffrey, 20, from Blaenau Ffestiniog, is a member of the Harlech group and is a student at Coleg Meirion Dwyfor in Dolgellau where he is studying independent living skills.
He said: “I usually go every other Tuesday night and like it a lot. I’m a very sociable person and I get to meet friends from Harlech and the area. It’s always good fun and I learn new singing skills.
“They often have new instruments to try but I prefer to sing although I can play tambourines and wind chimes things like that. I started going when I was 18 and I’m just 20 now. The singing we do I like because I get to sing the sort of things I like.
He added: “The virus has been horrible and has stopped the Canfod y Gân sessions. As a family we are just following the guidelines and hoping for the best, that’s all you can do.
“But I’m looking forward to going back and meeting everyone again.”
According to project manager Mared Gwyn-Jones, the aim is to enable all members of the group to come together with professional music tutors and volunteers to create music as equals.
She said: “Spirit of 2012 awards grants for inclusive arts, sports and volunteering activities in communities that bring people together to improve their wellbeing which is exactly what Canfod y Gȃn does.
“The Coronavirus pandemic has put a stop to our fortnightly groups at all three locations and we have to accept that is likely to continue being the case for a considerable time.
“However, we have worked together to develop alternative means of working. Not being able to meet up and work together face to face was a massive blow to many of our members as well as the freelance music tutors who have been working on the project.
“Since having to suspend group meetings we have been keeping in touch with many of our members through regular phone calls and video recordings of favourite songs.
“This has been very important in keeping spirits up and to keep the project going. “Our Caernarfon group has taken this remote meeting a step further with their own project.
“The idea started when we received two clips of group member Llŷr Griffith, from Llanllyfni, playing the national anthem on keyboards and then our group’s signature song which has been composed, both music and lyrics, by members working together.”
“Edwin Humphreys was inspired to start something akin to a musical snowball. Using Llŷr’s clips, along with other tutors, members and volunteers, he created a track of this particular song.
“He has created an absolutely fantastic and inspiring track in his own recording studio from the clips group members sent him and Gwydion Davies has created a fantastic video to go along with the track.
“We now plan to replicate this project with our other groups and the process is now already underway with our Harlech and Pwllheli groups.”
Edwin, from Pwllheli, worked as a session musician for many years and retrained to become a psychiatric nurse.
He said: “Members recorded snippets on their phones and I’ve put those individual pieces together into one recording. Considering members had to record themselves on mobile phones or tablets they have done really well.
“I’m really pleased with what we have achieved together and hopefully the other two groups can now do something similar. I’m really looking forward to working with them.”
Fellow tutor Gwenan Gibbard, from Pwllheli, who’s an acclaimed harpist, says being involved with the scheme has proved to be an “absolute joy”.
She said: “The whole Canfod y Gân experience has been a privilege. It’s amazing as there is real talent out there and the best thing is everyone makes new friends. “Before Christmas we also had a couple of public performances which were really special. We performed music as a group and had some individual performances too.”
“On the video there is an eclectic mix of instruments. Several group members played guitars, there’s a cellist, a flautist, drummers and a glockenspiel and many different voices including Matthew Murray who does his own raps.”
CGWM director Meinir Llwyd Roberts said: “It has been wonderful to see Canfod y Gân develop during the 18months since we received the support from Spirit of 2012 and we’re delighted that we have been able to maintain contact with our members and ensure that music continues to be part of their lives during lockdown.
“We believe that every person has a song to sing and that every person deserves the opportunity to discover and share their song.”
One of the main aims of the Discover the Song project is to engage the community and ensure opportunities for adults to participate together, equally through music. Therefore, we were proud of the response to our invitations to participate in our first community concert in Pwllheli at the end of November, 2019. We were delighted to share a stage with:
Pwllheli Brass Band
Pupils of Ysgol Bro Plennydd, who were part of a special project in conjunction with the Hafod Hedd Unit and residents from Ffor learning songs composed by a successful village singing group in the 1960s. This project provided an opportunity for generations to socialise through music. We had a chance to taste these songs at our concert.
Côr Heneiddio’n Dda Nefyn
Côr yr Heli
The concert kicked off with a hive of wild improvisation :
One of the group’s members, Mr Merfyn Jones, was busy learning tunes on the harp during the sessions, and this was the culmination of a duet with Gwenan. Here’s an unforgettable moment for us all:
It was a night that will stay with us for a long time. Here are some of the audience comments:
“Really enjoyed the evening. Thank you to everyone who made it possible and worked so hard to make it happen. ”
“Brilliant fun evening. Everyone leaving with big smiles! ”
“Wonderful amount of work that produced Music of a high Standard. A project of huge benefit to those involved. Great to involve members of the wider community to celbrate the joy of Music. ”
“The joy of taking part was a wonderful sight.”
“A GREAT EXPERIENCE enjoyed and learned a lot too.”
“This was the most joyful concert affected been to. The care and hard work of those who were organizing it was very evident. Well done! ”
“I thought the whole project was a brilliant idea. The joy on the faces of the participants was a joy to behold. May it go from strength to strength. ”
“A great concert and an opportunity for everyone to take part. Members of Discover the Song obviously love it and some sing and play instruments. This is a very, very valuable experience. ”
“EXCELLENT! Great! Bringing people from ALL parts of the community together. 100% carry on! ”
“A wonderful and unforgettable evening. More nights like this are definitely needed. ”
“A great concert. Nice to share a stage with such talent. Look forward to the next. ”
“A very special concert. All performances were great. Some go right to the heart ”
We had a wonderful afternoon in the hall of Ysgol Ardudwy, on November 9th, 2019. Year 10 and 11 pupils at the school prepared an amazing afternoon tea. It was great to see such a large audience from the town. The group performed performances ranging from Bryn Fôn songs to Pink Floyd and even Ed Sheeran. We had a performance of Bach Toccata and Fugue by one of our members, Debbie. David Bieteker from Ysgol Ardudwy, was also invited to perform, it was great to share the stage. We had a performance by Elin Taylor on the cello, and by Sera Zyborska and the band. We had the opportunity to perform a song the group composed with Sera about everything the group likes. It was so nice to show the community of Harlech everything Discover the Song has been doing since we started. Looking forward to the next concert already.
Here are some items from the concert for you to enjoy:
There was some great feedback from the concert:
“A great concert! Enjoyed! Thank you for the opportunity to listen and appreciate the different talents of each participant. ”
“Excellent concert! It was clear that everyone enjoyed taking part in music with a smiley face. The audience really enjoyed it! ”
“A wonderful afternoon !!! Great entertainment. Really enjoyed. Looking forward to the next concert. Thank you very much!”
“Thanks for a feast of Music and for the opportunity for all individuals to show their unique talent in Music either instrumental or vocal.”
“Absolutely Fantastic !! Thoroughly enjoyed this afternoon. I was so impressed, and moved to (happy) tears at times! ”
“It was fantastic!” Grace, 8 years old
“Absolutely fab, had tears in my eyes! Very important to become a main part of our community. Well done all involved!”
“It was great to involve the school in your concert and integrate the community. Excellent indeed! ”
It was a privilege to be invited to perform in the learners’ tent at the Llanrwst National Eisteddfod in August 2019. Both Caernarfon and Pwllheli groups were offered the opportunity to participate.
The tent was packed and everyone was on fire for our very first performance!
There were some surprises … The Welsh Elvis sang with Anne Louise. It was great to see the two singing together and the rest of the audience delighted to join in!
The concert ended, with the audience singing along to the end.
A fun morning was organized for the music community of the William Mathias Music Center, their families, friends, and the wider community. Families attending Steps for Music and Next Steps for children were invited; members of the leisure choir; members of the community orchestra; residents of the Bryn Seiont Newydd Caernarfon home and members of the Caernarfon Dicover the Song got together to enjoy songs and music as part of ‘The Great Get Together’ community events
The Great Get Together was set up by the Jo Cox Foundation as an initiative to bring people together to find out what we have in common. In her first address in the House of Commons, Jo Cox said:
“We are far more united and have far more in common than that which divides us”
Jo Cox
Thanks to the Great Get Together and Spirit of 2012, a grant was received to host an event that brought people together. What’s better than music?
Arfon Wyn led the morning, and had a wonderful morning of singing and playing instruments with the youngest aged 10 months, up to the oldest in his 90s, all enjoying the music and being together. To top it all off, cake and a cup of tea!
