Bristol-based specialist healthcare provider, National Friendly, was excited to support the third annual ‘Music Rules OK!’ event that took place at the BAWA centre in Filton. Organised by the South Gloucestershire School’s Music Service and Rotary Club of Bristol Aztec, the event is designed to help children with special educational needs in the South Gloucestershire and Bristol area.
The fun-packed day involved five specially created musical workshops for the children to get involved with including: ‘The Chinese Festival’, an opportunity for the children to parade a 15 metre long silk dragon around the room and ‘Dance EJ’ where computer software was used by the junior musicians to generate unique pieces of music. The event provides stimulation for the children to develop their motor skills and co-ordination, and in total 65 children from seven local special educational needs schools attended the day.
Originally set up by the Rotary Club in 2006, the event is a highly rewarding way to use the club’s resources within the local community and something that local company National Friendly was keen to show its support of this year. National Friendly's CEO, Richard Sear, said: “We want to back events that actively support our community and we are extremely proud to be associated with ‘Music Rules OK!’. We feel that it is incredibly important for children in our local area to be involved in projects like this and it is great to see our donation so well received.”
Christine Wright, Teaching & Learning Adviser for Music for the South Gloucestershire Music Service comments “Music Rules OK! is a great opportunity for pupils to attend workshops that are not only beneficial for their learning and development, but great fun as well. We are extremely grateful to National Friendly for recognising the importance of this event and supporting it in such a generous way.”