'A heartwarming exchange' - youth music project brings smiles to St Rognvald's

There were smiles a’plenty when the ‘Let's Learn and Jam’ youth music group visited residents at St Rognvalds House recently.

The special performance was the culmination of hard work over 13 weeks by young people who’ve been working with local music tutor Leroy Brown and Richard Smith, Community Learning Officer with Orkney Islands Council, on a repertoire of toe-tapping tunes. Classic hits like "Budapest" by George Ezra were among the highlights of their performance.

Speaking about the atmosphere created by the young people’s performance, Richard said: “It was heartwarming to see the exchange of melodies and smiles between these talented young musicians and residents, as the young people showed off their newfound musical prowess. The warm welcome and enthusiastic participation of the St Rognvald’s House staff and residents made the event even more special.”

St Rognvald’s House is a residential care facility in Kirkwall, Orkney, dedicated to providing a supportive and caring environment for elderly residents, fostering well-being and community involvement.

Kirstin Swannie, Senior Social Care Worker at St Rognvald's, said: “We’d like to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone involved in the Let’s Learn and Jam group for their visit and especially the young musicians for their dedication and outstanding performances. The music was enjoyed by all, and really brightened the day for residents – and staff too!”

Let's Learn and Jam is a youth music programme in Orkney dedicated to nurturing local youngsters’ musical skills and confidence, made possible through funding support from the Scottish Government’s Community Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund and Orkney Islands Council’s Community Learning and Development and Employability service, and run by its Youth Services team.

Chair of the Council’s Education, Leisure and Housing team, Gwenda Shearer, said: “The Let's Learn and Jam performance at St Rognvald House clearly created a positive impact on all involved, building connections and bridging generational gaps.

"It highlights the profound results and benefits community initiatives like this can have.

"I congratulate the young musicians on their dedication to their musical development and bravely performing to others in the community - and thank everyone involved in supporting them and helping make the event a success for the young people - and a joy for residents at St Rognvald's.”