SONIG celebrated its 11th birthday in style this week.
Hundreds of young people joined in the fun at a special event held at the Muni Arts Centre, Pontypridd, to celebrate the amazing contribution that this unique programmed has made to thousands of young people’s lives across the County Borough.
SONIG Youth Music Industry Programme is part of Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Cultural Services Department and utilises the strengths of the music industry in Wales to support the personal, learning and career development needs of young people aged between 8 and 25 in the County Borough.
SONIG was launched back in 2000 at the BBC Radio 1 Fringe Event and since then the SONIG Youth Music Industry Co-ordinator, has led on the creation of opportunities for children and young people across the County Borough to engage with and participate in music activities.
This has resulted in the project supporting thousands of young people to develop their skills through individual and group mentoring and guidance; providing a platform for individuals and bands to showcase their talents; introducing them to the pathways and progression routes into the music industry and enabling them to reach their potential and achieve their aspirations.
Through workshops, seminars, music surgeries and band events, over 30,000 children and young people have engaged with the SONIG Youth Music Industry programme to date!
This programme has included working with individuals within Looked After Children Services to develop their djing skills; supporting a disabled young person to develop and record their music, working with Menter Iaith Rhondda Cynon Taf to create a platform for Welsh-language bands to showcase their talents and supporting 800 bands through music industry related opportunities!
The special event, which was attended by Lost Prophets and Bullet For My Valentine record label manager Julie Wier, from Visible Noise Records, was followed by a performance from Brazilian death-metal band Sepultura who raised the roof of the Muni Arts Centre. who raised the roof of the Muni Arts Centre.
Councillor Robert Bevan, Cabinet Member for Leisure, Culture and Tourism, said: “There is so much musical talent in Rhondda Cynon Taf and a lot of original music being produced by young people, all this has been highlighted thanks to this amazing programme.
“Young people across the County Borough have been given the opportunity to learn about the music industry and shine in the various events and gigs that are hosted in Rhondda Cynon Taf every year.
“I would like to wish SONIG a happy 11th Birthday and I look forward to many more as this programme continues to grow – it certainly keeps getting better with age!”
For more information on the SONIG Youth Music Industry Programme or to get involved call 01443 490205 / 07786 523613 or email [email protected].
