Performances by young people marked the end of the two day sessions Photo by Jack Offord

Miss Tee taking a break from music production Photo by Jack Offord

Saffron Records hosted insightful conversations about the role on women in the music industry Photo by Jack Offord

Trinity staff hosted workshops in music making Photo by Jack Offord

Students joined in conversations hosted by Saffron Records Photo by Jack Offord

Young people have the opportunity to take part in 121's with music professionals Photo by Jack Offord

Making sound from found sound with Access Creative College Photo by Jack Offord

Over two days young people, who take part in the Making Tracks youth music project, came together to explore new musical possibilities and gain industry insights.

Following on the success of last years sessions we invited Access Creative College back to deliver workshops in music production. This year was all about experimental sound and students went around the building, recorded found sounds that were then sampled and then used to create unique sounding beats.

We also invited Ngaio and Kayla Painter from Bristol based Saffron Records, who work to create more representation of women in the music industry, down. They hosted two motivational discussion based workshops exploring the current roles and opportunities available to women within the music industry.

"Coming here has given me something to look forward to and has helped me with my mental health especially interacting with others. It helps me have a voice." 
Kevin, Making Tracks Participant

Trinity tutors were also on hand to lead sessions in song writing and recording alongside supporting young people during the final live performances. 

Over the two days 28 young people came along – some coming "to meet other musicians and collaborate" and others well,  "because music is life".

These sessions form just part of the many music making opportunities available to young people as part of the Youth Music funded Making Tracks project.

If you are a young person or know a young person who would like to take part in the Making Tracks project then get in touch with Dave Thomas, Trinity’s Youth Activities Manager.

Benjamin Zephaniah poses with young people from Making Tracks, Dave Thomas, Trinity Youth Activities Manager, Roseanna Dias, Assistant Producer and Emma Harvey, Trinity CEO. Photo @Khali Ackford

Benjamin Zephaniah: Poet, writer, musician, actor, Rastafarian and proud vegan, anarchist and political campaigner / activist kindly agreed to take part in an exclusive industry insight session designed to better integrate Trinity’s live event programme with our in house music training provision.

Funded by Youth Music and partner funders, ‘Making Tracks’, is a dynamic city wide partnership between Trinity, Basement studios and Aspiration, Creation and Elevation (ACE) providing 121, small group music sessions, workshops and performance opportunities to young people in challenging circumstances. The focus of this provision is to build confidence, develop and support talented young musicians providing them with realistic progression routes leading them to reengage back in to education, work, tapprenticeship or meaningful activity.

"If you want to be a musician, artist or poet you need to act and think like a musician, artist or poet. Just do it." Benjamin Zephaniah

Benjamin was in good spirits and smiling broadly. After a brief informal meet and greet / book signing session with 12 students he hopped up on to Trinity’s main stage to join his band, The Revolutionary Minds, finishing off the soundcheck in preparation for the evenings performance. Shortly afterwards Benjamin rejoined our students and spent well over an hour of his own free time to answer questions providing the young people we work with a rare, informative and truly inspirational insight into his life and professional working methods.

From reminiscing about his early years, as a small child disinterested in the usual kids stuff like toys and action figures he would spend hours upon hours amusing himself quietly in the corner, ‘playing with words’, as he describes it. In fact, he became so obsessed by words and the different the ways in which they can be moulded, shaped and misinterpreted depending on context, that his worried mum took him to a psychiatrist at the tender age of 7!

Benjamin spent over 1 hour chatting with young people, answering questions and sharing his story. Photo @Khali Ackford

It wasn’t too long after that his burgeoning rebel spirit coupled with severe dyslexia got him into all kinds of scrapes, which, unfortunately led to him being expelled from school and placed into a pupil referral unit, in which, at that time, the teachers would regularly punish the children and shamefully tell him he would never achieve anything in life. As he got older, his behaviour worsened and he ended up in a Borstal prison for young offenders. It was here that he had a lot of time to think about his life and began to change his ways. Determined to prove the prison officers who taunted him by saying he would be back behind bars within 3 months wrong, he set about changing course in order to focus more seriously on his poetry and performance.

"I could have hung out with these cats all night. I love them. I hope they all stay creative. We need to hear them." Benjamin Zephaniah

He regaled us with often hilarious anecdotes and hair raising tales of performing at Northern miners strike benefit gigs in the early 80s. He talked about being confronted by shocking levels of racism, ignorance and bigotry through to receiving praise from Nelson Mandela to nostalgic recollection of an old much admired tutor who taught him how to build and deconstruct a car engine, for which he is still grateful.

Benjamin chats with Dave Thomas, Trinity Youth Activities Manager and young people from Making Tracks. Photo @Khali Ackford

Benjamin’s main piece of advice to our music students wanting to progress within the music industry was to, ‘think for yourselves’, he could not stress enough how important this is. He also said that despite sounding cliched, it is vital to ‘believe in yourself. If you want to be a musician, artist or poet you need to act and think like a musician, artist or poet. Just do it.’, he enthused. He also went on to talk in great detail about the importance of, ‘understanding how the industry works’, surrounding yourself with the right people (managers / band members, etc) his approach and methods to songwriting, ways to counter creative block and last but by no means least, the ritual of ensuring his teeth are thoroughly cleaned before each and every live / public performance!

This was a truly exceptional and inspirational industry insight and on behalf of all at Trinity, Making Tracks and our partners ACE and Basement, we would like to once again thank Benjamin, his management, band, live engineer and especially his booking agent for helping to make this incredible opportunity a reality.

Written by Dave Thomas, Trinity Youth Activities Manager

Making Tracks is supported by Youth Music and using public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England.

Josh has been attending 121 sessions at Trinity as well as workshops and other events delivered as part of Making Tracks (photo Alastair Brookes - KoLAB Studios).

"I had heard Trinity provided people who have had difficult pasts with good opportunities to develop skills with performing and recording music"

Hi, I am Josh I'm 21 and I come to Trinity weekly to attend 121 music sessions that are part of the Making Tracks Project .

As well as the recording sessions I attend I also have been learning skills in songwriting workshops and other music related events at Trinity.

I came to trinity because music is something that I’ve always been passionate about and I had heard Trinity provided people who have had difficult pasts with good opportunities to develop skills with performing and recording music, I mainly work with Al in the studio and greatly enjoy it.

I’ve struggled with mental health problems all my life and being able to record at Trinity has been a massive help with keeping myself positive and active. Taking part in Trinity has benefited me in more ways than I ever would have imagined, it’s enabled me to be able to write and record my own songs and has helped me develop my skills and confidence as a musician. When I first started attending trinity I was very shy and struggled with depression a lot and the friendly atmosphere provided at trinity has really brought me out of my shell and helped me become the strong confident person I am today.

Without trinity I would never have gotten the chance to make my own music or improve my skills as a musician.

If I had to describe my experience at trinity in three words I’d use “truly amazing experiences".

You helped secure Trinity's past, now play your part in Trinity's future

Xyzelle, Sealvia and Chantaleaze - students from project partners ACE perform at Trinity's Festival of Light. Photo Khali Ackford

1. Playing at the Unity stage at St Pauls Carnival

"The Carnival Stage provided an excellent opportunity for young people to perform at one of the City's most significant and historic cultural events. It was great to have staff and  young people across the Making Tracks programme there on the day." Darren Alexander, ACE.

Josh Carter practices singing in one of our recording studios during the Summer Sessions at Trinity (photo @ Alastair Brookes)

2. Summer Sessions at Trinity

"Trinity's in house annual summer workshop and live performance event. Held over two days in August. Working in partnership with Access Creative College Bristol, who delivered bespoke DJ and Film sound workshops." Dave Thomas, Trinity Community Arts

Making Tracks showcase at Trinity's Festival of Light (photo @ Khali Ackford)

3. Youth Music Showcase at Festival of Light

"The Festival of Light provided our young people with the biggest audience of their music journeys so far. The sound quality was amazing and the experience provided a taste of what a professional performance feels like." Darren Alexander, ACE.

Area of Effect play on the main stage at Trinity's annual Garden Party (photo @ Jesscia Bartolini)

4. Youth Music Stage, Trinity Garden Party

"Area of Effect rock band opening on main stage. Seeing these three 15 year-olds rise to the amazing opportunity of performing their set with hi spec stage and PA  and at such a public event was so exciting. It really upped their expectations and motivation in terms of performance, and it also opened them up to 1:2:1: music development and support." Troy Tanska, Basement Studios

5. End of Year Showcase Party, Trinity

"I was really proud of the range of performances - from those who'd never made music in front of others, to performances good enough to charge for. They were really respectful and supportive of each other - even though there were such varied genres and skills. It was a massive highlight seeing a young person who had such a difficult time in the past, but who turned their life around since being part of Making Tracks in the summer and is now at music college, absolutely smash it centre-stage. Such an honour to see the power of music in action." Troy Tanska, Basement Studios

Photo @ KoLAB Studios

Joan is a young women who has been home schooled. She struggles being around groups of young people but really enjoys the opportunity to play one to one with a music teacher. Joan now plays the bass and until her introduction to Making Tracks mainly played alone.

“Trinity as a whole seems to be a safe space for Joan. She seems quite nervous when I've seen her mix with people outside, but when she is mixing with people inside Trinity she's really open. So I think it's important for her to have a space like that... it really seems to be benefiting her.” Bridget, Trinity music tutor

Having taken part in group sessions at both Basement Studios and ACE where she struggled in integrate with other young participants she was offered one to one bass lessons at Trinity.

“Even though I have a bass at home I like playing music with people, so it's given me an opportunity to play music with people, which then gives me more inspiration to play at home. I’ve definitely been taught a lot that I wouldn't have learned if I just played on my own. I've got a lot more confident with playing music and I feel like I understand my instrument more than I did before.”

Her experience at Trinity has marked a significant improvement in Joan’s musical ability, her confidence and her motivation.

When she started lessons she described herself as playing “only one song on one string of the bass” whereas now she has mastered “a whole playlist of songs”. She has developed a good relationship with her music tutor, who she feels understands her and responds well to her individual needs.

Making Tracks is supported by Youth Music and using public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England, as well as support from match funders.

Music student plays at the Garden Part at Trinty

Young musicians from Trinity, Basement Studios & Aspiration Creation Elevation (ACE@Docklands) set to take the stage at this years St Paul’s Carnival.

Performing on the Unity Stage, hosted by ACE, young musicians will be given a chance to shine in this years Carnival – performing alongside some of Bristol’s most popular artists. On these experience Cherelle Grant, Music Tutor at ACE said, "these talented young people have been working hard each week to create, prepare, and rehearse songs for St Pauls Carnival. Making Tracks has provided a focused environment, with skilled tutors to help them set objectives that will see them elevate their creativity and confidence."

The young people are supported by the Making Tracks project – a two year collaborative project between Trinity, Basement and ACE. Making Tracks offers young people the chance to take part in a wide range of life changing music making activities alongside 121 and group tutoring young people benefit from mentoring, peer learning and joint-project activity.

Catch the performances through out the day at the Unity Stage at St Paul’s Carnival, Bristol Saturday July 8.

Student writes lyrics during a youth music session

“The Trinity Centre has a proven track record of helping young people channel their energy into music, young people who may have struggled to find their way in school and have a raw musical talent but no way of developing this. We’re delighted to be partnering with Basement Studios and ACE for this important youth music project.” Emma Harvey, Trinity’s Centre Director

We are really excited to announce that we have join forces with Basement Studio at The Station and ACE at Docklands Youth Centre to provide life-changing music-making experiences for young people in Bristol.

Funded by Youth Music, Making Tracks is a two year collaborative partnership that offers young people from the inner city communities of Easton, Lawrence Hill and Ashley and Central Bristol to take their first steps into their music making journey. Young people can take part in music-making sessions, workshops and showcase events and will have access to 1-2-1 support and performance opportunities - to take the next steps in their own music-making journey.

Young people will have the chance to take part in a range of activities: tailored 121 and small group music making sessions mentoring, peer learning and joint-project activity showcase events and performances live-learning Q&As with artists & industry professionals.

Are you an aspiring musician wanting to get involved ? Would you like to refer a young person? Find out more here or email davet@3ca.org.uk.

My name is Imoleayo and I live in Bristol. Before I started the Youth Music sessions at Trinity I wasn't doing very much, I was doing okay at school and doing some music sessions in a group - but not really learning very much.

I came here to get guidance and help so that by the time I get back to school I wouldn’t be lost. I would know what I’m doing, so yeah, Trinity really helped out.

My Mum found out about Trinity by searching online and we though that Trinity's courses would suit me the best, they are local and the people seemed really nice.

When I first came I was really shy, so my Mum came along and I just forgot she was there. I got totally involved in the session and it was like heaven. My confidence has grown and now I am like; ‘okay, if I can do it through music then I must be able to do it through just speaking to someone or meeting new people’.

Since being at Trinity I joined the BFI Film Academy and made a documentary! I've also been on Ujima, the communtiy radio based in Bristol, have gained work experience with a few companies and I am studying for my A Levels.

I joined one of Trinity's Youth Music courses when I was 17, I was having a really hard time, I'd been kicked out and was on probation. When my probation officer suggested the course to me I didn't even know they existed.

I separated myself from the bad people around me and I had something to focus on - it was a place to come where you don’t feel judged. It's really welcoming and it was nice to have people that believe in you.

So I joined up to the sessions and the tutors helped me put together a CD. To build up my confidence I worked with a lady who worked at Trinity at the time, she helped me with performance - standing on stage singing, things like that. It was just a big self confidence booster for me and gave me the determination to actually do something. I then went off to Access to Music and got my diploma in Music and it was an upward spiral from there on really.

Now I am studying part-time at university whilst also working at a residential young person's care provision with young people aged 8-18.

I am a 21 year old singer songwriter from Thornbury. I enjoy music and skateboarding.  A friend recommended Trinity's music session to me and I’ve really benefited from attending. It’s really good to be in a creative environment working with other musicians and collaborating with them. Coming in to Trinity means I was able to record my album.

It’s a comfortable environment. I’m comfortable with it. It helped me to be more productive and get work done. The staff at Trinity are professional but can have a laugh too, they also know when to knuckle down, which is good for me. I have definitely got more confident since I started. It’s been a boost to my confidence working with other people in a legitimate studio environment. It’s always interesting and enjoyable here at Trinity. There are always great opportunities going on.

Since attending the 121 sessions at Trinity I have gone on to attend a course a the renowned music school BIMM. Last year I performed at Trinity's AGM and played a professional gig at the Fleece in Bristol.

I am French but was born in Switzerland. I am mixed race. I currently in Staple Hill, Bristol. I was born with schizophrenia. I love music especially writing and recording positive rap lyrics. I am currently unemployed.

I was referred across to Trinity by one of my college tutors at Access to Music. I had managed to get through the first year of the course and achieved a pass but it was clear I would really struggle with the amount of assignments and paperwork involved in the second year so they linked me in with Trinity as an alternative. I can now focus on my music without stressing about paperwork which is a really good for me.

The benefit’s of being on a music course at Trinity  are that I can work on my lyrics, music, beats and prepare my album without any pressure. I can take my time. I’m really struggling with my illness at the moment and have been experimenting with different dosages of medication. Sometimes I come in and am too drowsy to properly concentrate on my work. Dave and Al are always really supportive and assure me that I can use the session in whatever way best suits me at the time. It’s good to know they understand. That makes a lot of difference. I enjoy working on a 1:1 basis this means I can get more positive things done in a short space of time.

Children's Adventures in Nature

Mon, Wed & Thu from 27 Jul to 31 Aug, 2pm-4pm

Children aged 6-12 can join the fun at the Trinity Community Garden, where they can connect with nature through all weather activities, like forest school, bushcraft and play. Free  - suggested donation £5. Contact Lisa: lisat@3ca.org.uk / 07791 140 916

Outdoor Adventure Youth Group

Mondays, 6pm-8pm

12-18 year olds can join us every week to learn about bush-craft, fire-lighting, shelter building, foraging, food growing and cooking at the Trinity Garden. No need to book, just come along, its free! Contact Lisa: lisat@3ca.org.uk / 07791 140 916

Holiday Lunch Clubs

Wednesdays: 29 July, 12 & 26 Aug, 10am-12pm

A cookery club for parents and children of all ages. Come and enjoy cooking with other local families, and enjoy your creations in our beautiful garden. Free (donations welcome) - Booking essential, contact Helen: helenw@3ca.org.uk / 0117 935 1200

World's Largest Samba Dance!

Wednesdays 29 Jul; 5, 12 & 19 Aug, 5.30pm-6pm

Help us beat the current Guinness World Record for the World's Largest Samba Dance at the Stapleton Rd Make Sunday Special event on Sunday 23 August. Join the free dance workshop sessions and learn the simple routine created by World Jungle Samba Dancers. Contact Ripley: ripley@3ca.org.uk / 0117 935 1200

Hype Dance Street Dance

Wednesdays, 6pm-7pm and 7pm-8pm

Exciting and vibrant street dance training, which is not only fun but a good way of keeping fit! for ages 5 to 11 and 12 to 25 yrs old. £5 per session (please arrive 10 minutes early to sign in). Contact Natasha: thype@hotmail.co.uk / 0117 935 1200

Little Green Warriors

Fridays, 12.30-2.30pm

A weekly meet for parents, carers & their preschoolers to enjoy seasonal activities and the urban outdoors in our beautiful community garden – Free! Contact Helen: helenw@3ca.org.uk / 0117 935 1200

Music Open Day!

Fri 14 Aug, 10am-4pm

Are you 13-21 yrs old? Try something new for free! Drums, Guitar, DJ, MC, Vocals, Production; followed by a BBQ and your chance to perform on our stage!

Contact Karina: info@3ca.org.uk / 0117 935 1200

@ Paul Blakemore

@ Paul Blakemore

@ Paul Blakemore

@ Paul Blakemore

Making Tracks is a life changing music making project delivered in partnership with Trinity and leading youth providers Basement Studio and ACE.

Making Tracks offers young people who are facing challenging circumstances the opportunity to access music making opportunities. Ranging from 121 music making sessions to opportunities to perform a city-wide festivals (Harbourside, St Paul’s Carnival) to Q&A’s with professional artists. Young people are able to receive support and training bespoke to their needs - so they can take the next step into their future.

"It was interesting to see all the other students performances and it shows how far you can get with Making Tracks. I was pleased to see vegan pizza provided and meet lots of friendly people too." Joan, 15

The end of year celebration event is an opportunity for young people, their parents, careers and friends to celebrate the achievements and hard work of everyone who has taken part in Making Tracks over the year.

Taking place in Trinity's main hall the evening included performances from some of the young people who take part in the project. Performers included Chloe Thorn (Basement Studio), Miss Tee (Trinity), Sam Neal (Trinity) and Tom Meadley (Trinity).

The celebration is also an opportunity to network/ meet others who take part in the Making Tracks project as well as other young people from across the city. We were delighted to welcome 15 young people from Hartcliffe who came along with their youth workers to experience more creative opportunities in the city, joining 60+ others for the evenings activities.

Community members who take part in activity at Trinity also had an opportunity to showcase their talents. Flash-mob style dance interventions came from some of the young women who took part in the Let Us Dance project and liver music was performed by members of WECIL Collective,  whose members attend regular group music sessions with tutors at Trinity.

Making Tracks is supported by Youth Music and using public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England, as well as support from match funders.

Area of Effect play Garden Party in 2018 photo @Jessica Bartolini

Garden Party is one of our most popular events - each year we programme family friendly workshops and some of Bristol and the South West's best bands and DJ's.

Our Making Tracks Showcase is an opportunity for young people, from our music making project, to showcase their talent to a 3,000 person Garden Party audience! The Showcase will be on the main stage from 12:00 - 12:30 then, in the main hall from 3pm - 6pm.

Students will join an awesome lineup including Sam Binga,  Rider Shafiue, Dutchie + Indra and Almatic.

We wish them all the luck x

Singer-songwriter Holly Miller performing in Making Tracks Christmas Showcase in 2018

Holly Miller

Holly has been attending the Making Tracks programme for 8 months and has used this time to hone her singer-songwriter craft to create intimate acoustic songs covering universal themes of love, loss and life.

Miss Tee is prime for a summer hit, watch out for her.

Miss Tee

Miss Tee is a multi skilled singer, songwriter and producer who has progressed in leaps and bounds through taking part with our Making Tracks programme, developing her awesome writing capabilities and finding her own distinctive sound.

Sam Neal has been honing his distinctive sound during 121 sessions at Trinity

Sam Neal

Sam Neal is a Making Tracks veteran. This uplifting singer-songwriter's soulful summer sounds are guaranteed to get the crowd moving.

Meghan

Meghan is a multi-discipline drummer / singer. As a performer she is a ball of energy, that can't be ignored - whether it's rocking out on her drum kit or serving fierce vocals Meghan always packs a punch.

Rob B

Rob proves it's never to late to pursue your passion. Having joined 18 months ago his Drum and Bass DJ stylings have thrived producing a mature sound. Area of Effect - Making their return to the Trinity, Garden Party stage Area's of Effect are a young Indie-Rock band - with oodles of talent and buckets of energy.

Making Tracks is a collaborative partnership between Trinity, ACE and Basement Studios. Making Tracks is supported by Youth Music and using public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England.