Photography by Alan Taylor of Planet Vision photography

ACCESS ALL AREAS -Summer 2005 After three successful years, Planet Sound Community Arts carried out Access All Areas 2005 throughout August and September. Internationally acclaimed artists were introduced to the project and worked alongside the core team of artists from Planet Sound. The project involved young people from across the Midlands and Europe, and the summer phase took the form of four residential based weekends. This years theme was ‘ASBOs’ and each residency produced an individual performance piece using a variety of art forms. These pieces will be performed at the Planet Sound Showcase to be held on 28th November 2005 at the Victoria Hall, Hanley. AAA -summer 2005 was funded by the Youth Music Action Zone "Make Some Noise", Staffordshire Youth Services and the Barnardo’s trust. CCP/Meir Group 13th and 14th Aug The first residency held at Consall scout camp (nr Wetley Rocks) brought together a group of 18 young people from Belarus who were visiting the country as part of the ‘Chernobyl Childrens Project UK’ - www.chernobyl-children.org.uk and a group of 8 young people from Meir youth centre. Working to the projects theme of ‘ASBOs’ the young people discussed different scenarios that were common to them all, which provided the story to base a performance piece around. The collaboration provided the opportunity to explore the theme from the perspective of each others cultures. The theme was explored through dance/movement, music technology, visuals, percussion, vocals or sound engineering. The results of each art-form were joined together and despite the bad weather, the enthusiasm of the young people saw the creation of a powerful performance piece which was seen by family and friends. Waterside Group 16th and 17th Aug 2005 The second of the AAA residencies took place at Stanley head outdoor pursuits centre. The residency worked with 20 young people from youth centres in Waterside, Burton-on-Trent. The residency took the theme of ASBOs’ and looked at feelings associated with them and how this might lead to anti-social activities. The young people had a choice of dance/movement, music technology, percussion, visuals, vocals and sound engineering workshops in which to explore the theme. As a result the piece focussed on feelings of boredom and loneliness, and even involved a battle with percussion! The performance finished with a visual sequence and vocal chorus that inspired hope and a positive outlook on the way that young people can express themselves. Barnardo’s Group 20th and 21st Aug 2005 Stanley Head saw the arrival of 40 lively young people from the Barnardo’s Charity - www.barnardos.org.uk Through drama, dance/movement, music technology, junk drumming or Mcing, the group looked at the typical definition of the term ASBO. A group discussion highlighted common situations leading up to and resulting in antisocial behaviour. The story was split into four sections: boredom, buzz, consequences and resolution. The Planet Sound Team and the young people from Barnardo’s had the opportunity of working with Johnno the "Dubdadda" - for the first time. Johnno is an internationally known MC/vocalist, who assisted the young people in creating an energetic climax to this performance. Dubdadda can be found at www.wobblyweb.com/ue/34705.htm The group have already had the opportunity to perform their piece at the 100th anniversary of Barnardo’s death held at Shugborough Hall on 10th September. Burton Youth Centres Group 3rd and 4th Sept 2005 The last of the AAA residencies involved young people from youth centres in Burton-on-Trent. This residency focussed on how language and words can be interpreted and can mean different things when put into different contexts. This residency was made particularly interesting through the inclusion of Arabic Vocals. Reem Kelani, another internationally recognised artist, delivered a workshop on Arabic vocal techniques, which gave the performance a unique and distinctive edge. Reem can be found on the web at www.reemkelani.com The poem ‘Silence In Our Screams’ by Benjamin Zephaniah, provided the inspiration for this performance piece.