PAS Talent Development Programme
2015/16
The focus of the new Coventry Performing Arts Service Talent Development Programme is
to inspire and develop as many able students in Music and the Arts from the city of
Coventry as possible. This programme takes the form of financial contributions to
instrumental lessons, workshops with professional artists, tickets to concerts in world
renowned venues and chances to see how the world of performing arts really works.
The funding for the scheme will be broken down into different units of experiences that will
cater for the most gifted and talented students around the city whether they are KS1, year
13, a grade 8 cellist or a rock guitar player.
We have been able to create and offer this exciting programme with the generous support
of the Trustees of the Sir Charles Barratt Memorial Foundation.
"The Advancement Of Education By Providing Scholarships, Exhibitions, Bursaries, Fees
And Allowances For Persons Who Shall Be Residing In The City Of Coventry Or Receiving
Full-Time Education At A School Or Establishment Of Further Education In Coventry To
Enable Them To Pursue Or Extend Their Musical Education Either In Great Britain Or
Overseas."
The Sir Charles Barratt Memorial Foundation will support the following aspects of this
programme:
 Young Performer Development Programme (Secondary)
 Interactive Music Workshops (Primary)
 Rock/Pop/Musical Theatre Experience
All Age Tuition Support Scheme
A contribution of £10 per lesson towards a pupil’s tuition will be made during the year. This
will total £340 pounds for the year. Schools will be encouraged to contribute the rest of the
lesson price so that it is cost neutral to the parents.
So that this part of the scheme is viable, the support will be limited to 15 students who will
be means tested to ensure that the funds are being used in the most effective way.
Students will be selected by application form which will request details of annual net
household income and if the family is in receipt of any state benefits.
Young Performer Development Programme (Secondary)
The aim of this project is to provide highly talented students an inspirational ‘bridge’
between their studies and the professional world of the performing arts.
It will offer opportunities for pupils to gain a real insight into the working lives of
professional musicians/performer and the spaces that the work in – theatres, rehearsal
rooms and studios.
The project will offer a chance for talented pupils to undertake workshops, performance
opportunities and behind the scenes insights. This project will also offer the unique chance
to attend a concert/performance most likely including their workshop/master class leaders.
The project will offer two linked experiences:
CBSO Adopt a Player Programme
This part of the programme links our most able performers up with performers from the
CBSO to create a performance piece that is inspired by something from the orchestra’s
repertoire. There will be four half day creative workshops led by two CBSO musicians
leading towards a sharing event for parents and teachers of what the students have created.
These will be held in Coventry. The final part of this experience will be the students
attending a performance of the selected piece where their CBSO leader will be playing in the
concert and will greet them on arrival. This opportunity should help inspire the pupils by
getting them involved with professional musicians and stretching their creative and
technical skills. We will be investigating adding a dance artist to the workshop delivery so
that we can make the sessions accessible across the performing arts.
This will be aimed at our upper ability students in secondary education and grade 4 and
above (and dance students as appropriate – this will be assessed by PAS teachers).
Birmingham Royal Ballet Discovery Day
Participants will explore the story, themes and characters of a particular ballet through
creative music and mime/movement workshops. In addition, they will have the opportunity
to go backstage, tour the orchestra pit and see the awe-inspiring sets, props and costumes
meet musicians, dancers, set and costume staff. At the end of the day pupils will watch the
chosen ballet. This day would include both music and dance students on the Talent
Development Programme and will really give the feel of the collaborative nature of a ballet
production.
This will be aimed at our upper ability student in secondary education and grade 4 and
above (dance students will be assessed by teachers).
Interactive Music Workshops (Primary)
For our primary school pupils we will organise four half day music workshops where
musicians come to teach, perform and work with our gifted and talented students. This
could be with musicians from the CBSO, Birmingham conservatoire, Warwick Arts Centre or
artists from the West Midlands region. This will give our younger pupils the opportunity to
work with inspirational people. We would offer the opportunity for younger pupils to see a
concert by the Coventry and Warwickshire Youth Orchestra in order to develop their
aspirations and inspire them for their future musical progression.
Rock/Pop/Musical Theatre Experience
So that we include all types and genres of music and performance there will also be
opportunity for pupils to experience more mainstream/popular music and dance.
We anticipate being able to offer some workshops or attendance to a performance in line
with musical theatre, rock and pop bands.
This is important as we need to offer a wide experience to inspire our pupils and to help all
pupils from all music and performance backgrounds.
Selection and Development of the Programme
Pupils will be selected through an application process which will include an assessment of
their skills. There will be no age restriction for applications and everyone can apply as long
as they are still in full time school education. The successful applicants will be expected to
take part in all projects applicable to their age and development. This is in order that we
continue to develop our young artists and encourage them to gain knowledge and
appreciation of a wide selection of genres and performance styles. Pupils will be expected to
document their journey and demonstrate their responses to the experiences throughout
the year.
The project as a whole will be evaluated by the participants and PAS staff throughout the
year so it can be reviewed and adjusted for the next academic year.
PAS Talent Development Scheme – Staff:
 David Taylor – Teaching and Learning Leader PAS
 Alexis Haines – Teaching and Learning Leader PAS