How Wrexham youngsters are getting into the rhythm of a week of music and exercise

The packed four-day programme at St Mary’s School, Brymbo, under the banner of School’s Out, included everything from frantic samba drumming to all-action games out in the playground.

It was arranged and run by the North Wales Music Co-operative (NMC), which is an award-winning, not-for-profit organisation providing quality music tuition across two local authority areas.

With support from Wrexham County Borough Council, School’s Out was masterminded by North Wales Music Co-operative founder and head of service Heather Powell.

North Wales Music Co-operative, Schools out; Pictured Dylan Cernyw from make some noise. Picture Mandy Jones

She said: “It’s been a joint course of music and sport for 50 children aged four to 11 years who all had a fantastic time and stayed with us throughout the week.

“They came from the cluster of four schools in the Brymbo area, which includes St Mary’s where it was based, Ysgol Penrhyn, Ysgol Tan y Fron and Black Lane Primary.

“The idea was to harness the children’s creativity through music sessions, including some really enthusiastic samba drumming, and listening to the Wrexham Music Co-operative tutors’ own band, Make Some Noise, which went down really well.

“Out in the playground we had the sporty sessions arranged for us by Commando X Fit Wales, led by Adam White, an old friend of the music co-operative who is a former Royal Marines physical training instructor, we have partnered with Commando X Fit now for many courses and the approach of a mixed course of music and sport is always a huge success with something for everyone.’’

“He ran a series of team games based on speed and agility such as rounders and also did some work with the children to gradually build up their physical power.

“All this meant that they had a really fun time with the indoor and outdoor activities helping to improve both their mental and physical well-being.”

Heather added: “During the pandemic children haven’t really had the chance to meet up with one another and this gave them the perfect opportunity to recover from the isolation some of them have had.

“I’d like to thank both Wrexham and Denbighshire councils for providing the support to make School’s Out possible and to provide so much enjoyment for all those who took part.

“Wrexham Council fund music lessons for hundreds of children on free school meals across Wrexham who would otherwise not have the chance to learn an instrument. I’d also offer thanks to the headteacher of St Mary’s, Mr Bowers, for the use of the school and his support in making this happen.”

North Wales Music Co-operative, Schools out; Pictured Ben Neal of Make some noise. Picture Mandy Jones

Former Royal Marine Adam White, who oversaw the outdoors part of the week, said: “We originally partnered up with the music co-operative six years ago and have been involved with them on a number of courses such as this one.

“With the activities I go for a general well-being approach and, apart from the exercise, I try to have a word with the children about things like sugar and nutrition.

“Wellness and mindset are all part of it but overall the idea is to get them outside and get them moving. And that’s what they’ve all been doing during the week.

“My motto is that kids in motion stay in motion.”

On hand to watch thy youngsters going through their musical and physical paces was Councillor Phil Wynn, Wrexham County Borough Council’s lead member for education.

He said: “This is an innovative idea and our council was happy to lend its support.

“The past year or so has been very challenging for everyone and due to the restrictions children have not been in school all the time.

“School’s Out has given these children the chance to carry on as usual and they seemed to enjoy it very much.

“It’s actually the first time I’ve seen music and sport mixed together in this way. But it really works well and has kept them engaged throughout.

“Being able to take part in this week of activities is an opportunity they just wouldn’t have had otherwise.”

North Wales Music Co-operative, Schools out; Pictured Matty Roberts of Make some noise. Picture Mandy Jones

Two of the children who took part in School’s Out were young sisters Chloe and Isobel Davies, both from the nearby area.

Seven-year-old Chloe said: “I’ve been here all week and my favourite bit was having a go at playing a trumpet.

“I also enjoyed doing the sport outside and the best part of that was playing rounders.

“There was lots to do and I couldn’t wait to come every day.”

Sister Isobel, five, was equally happy about taking part in the sessions.

“I liked playing rounders in the playground and I also liked it when we all ran round pulling a big parachute behind us. I hope I can come again next time.”