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Credits

2007-04-16T20:38:02+00:00

...credits...

Projects

2007-10-18T20:29:52+00:00

Firebird runs a comprehensive range of projects across the East Midlands.

Current initiatives include:

Interdisciplinary collaborations between astronomers at the University of Leicester and professional musicians that enable young people from both mainstream and special needs sectors in Leicester to share their musical experiences

Using music as a catalyst for rural communities in Derbyhire Dales and East Lindsey (Lincolnshire) to explore cultural identity

Guiding the highly successful Good Vibrations – Gamelan in Prisons project through the process of constituting as an independent organisation

Setting up creative collaborations between musicians in the East Midlands and world music artists from across the globe

Experimenting with new approaches to training by facilitating group contexts in which individuals can draw on their own resources to identify and solve professional and personal development issues

These diverse activities are all linked by our concerns for...

innovation in artistic practice

developing and sustaining bespoke relationships between artists and communities of interest

inspiring and empowering people through a creative and dynamic involvement in music making.

Welcome

2007-10-31T11:54:06+00:00

WHO ARE WE?

Firebird is a specialist music charity operating across the East Midlands providing a range of services to clients around the region. We are also a Regularly Funded Organisation of Arts Council England and raise additional funds for our work through a variety of sources including local government, and charitable trusts and foundations.

WHAT DO WE DO?

The core of our work has always been about providing the very best musical experiences for some of the most vulnerable people in society. Our unique approach to achieving our goals is in the quality of support we offer the musicians.

We believe this empowers musicians to do their very best work. In doing their best work we improve the quality of life for everyone in society.

MUSICIAN FEEDBACK

"Firebird's apporach to working with artists is excellent as it values the artist's individual working methods and ideas and allows enough space for the creative process within projects, fully recognizing each individual artist's strengths and ideas."

"Firebird provides a supportive environment in which musicians can present ideas, gain feedback and support towards achieving their ideals."

"What is unique about this support is that whilst guidance is given on the best way of achieving the aritist's aims, the original intent of the musician remains intact without having to compromise the original vision.

History

2007-11-06T10:45:17+00:00

The Firebird Trust was originally constituted as a charity in 1984 by a group of Trustees based in Nottingham to “benefit the community especially disadvantaged groups through the expressive and creative power of music and allied artforms...”

Stuart Bruce, currently a Partnership Manager for Orchestras Live, was the organisation’s first CEO, followed by Sibyl Burgess MBE who stayed with the Trust for 15 years until her retirement in 2005. The Trust is now a strategic client of Arts Council England operating regionally across the East Midlands.

On 1st October 2007 Firebird’s operation and governance was transferred to a new charitable company, Firebird Trust Limited, constituted as a fitting vehicle for the 21st century to carry the Trust’s work forward.

Board of Directors and Trustees

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Dave Groom (Chair)
Philip White (Treasurer)
Alan Humberstone
Nigel Minton
Gerard Rogers

People

2007-11-15T11:38:52+00:00

One of Firebird’s primary objectives is to support artist and artform development and to provide a level of innovation in the field of CPD for artists that is distinctive and unique.

Firebird’s new website is designed to allow artists, both those working closely with us on current initiatives, as well as those who have a looser association with our work, to post details of their activities by providing the facility to upload text, sound and images.

Whilst our approach here is still experimental we are hoping that the facilities provide will bring the benefits of Web 2.0 to support and promote the work of artists across the East Midlands.

...with the London Mozart Players

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In the Summer of 2007, Firebird was privileged to work with Hawk Henries, a native musician from the Nipmuc people of North America and the London Mozart Players.

...visiting schools

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An important aspect of Hawk's visit to East Lindsey was an extensive tour of local schools, performing his music for pupils and engaging them in lively debate about music and life.

Good Vibrations Music

2008-01-18T23:45:09+00:00

Click on the player below to hear an example of some of our work....

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Mission Statement, Aims and Objectives

2008-01-22T11:00:00+00:00

MISSION
The Firebird Trust is a pioneering music organisation, committed to artistic excellence, founded on the principle of inspiring and empowering people through a creative involvement in making music.

AIM
To develop Firebird’s position as a leader in the field of collaborative music making, artform development and artistic excellence, through the development and support of creative and dynamic relationships between artists and communities of interest.

OBJECTIVES

Artistic
Design and carry out a wide range of projects and programmes of work

Ensure that the work is musically and inclusive and of the highest possible standard in its context

Ensure personal and professional development of artists

Maximise partnerships with other relevant bodies

Ensure quality control by monitoring and evaluation systems

Governance and Organisational
Maintain appropriate managerial resources

Ensure that the principle of equality of opportunity underpins the work

Financial
Consolidate and broaden the funding for Firebird’s existing work and new initiatives

Ensure value for money

Marketing
Market the work regionally and, where appropriate, nationally; to promote the work widely

Raise awareness and be an advocate for collaborative music-making of exceptional quality in cultural, social and life-long learning policies