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24 December 2009
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Xylosound hits the right notes in Slaithwaite

Rehearing in Slaithwaite

On a quiet autumnal afternoon in Slaithwaite you might hear the sound of music rising up from the streets as the Xylophone group prepare for their next concert.

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Around twelve adults living with Down's Syndrome get together on a Friday to play music assisted by teachers Andy and Liz.

The longest members of the group have been meeting for over ten years.

On the blocks

Project co-ordinator Liz Challenger explains: "We work on short tunes that we use at performances which we do about six or seven times a year.

"Recently we've started to do longer pieces, we have one called 'journey' which we have performed at several places.

"Our latest piece is called 'New Street' which is based on the street in Slaithwaite where we rehearse. It is a musical descriptions of different buildings on the street. It has been evolved by the group. Andy writes the basic tunes and the group adds bits and creates the whole piece.

"New people do join the group, but it is difficult to join with people having been together so long it takes a while to learn all the tunes.

People living with Down's Syndrome can often become isolated and Xylosound provides a great opportunity for people to meet each other and develop friendships.

Jenny: one of the members of group

Liz says the group also helps improve participants self-esteem: "It's a great confidence booster for the group to get out and meet new people, which they wouldn't do without this group. To meet new people, new faces and perform in front of new people can be quite nerve wracking."

Jenny has been attending the group for three years, she explains why she likes Xylosound: "I enjoy coming here and playing the tunes. I also play the flute. I'd like to teach music and dance."

Interested in this article? See also...

Jenny: living a dream
Jenny sets up her own dance company

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