On 24 July, Tomorrow’s Warriors hosted a group of four creative organisations who came together for the day to have their Arts Award projects moderated by a visiting Arts Award Moderator.
Joining Tomorrow’s Warriors were the London Transport Museum, Afghan Association Paiwand and Coram. Young people from each organisation attended the moderation, along with their Advisors, and were treated to some true TWHQ hospitality, with a selection of drinks and snacks on offer.
After three organisations had spoken with the Moderator, it was our turn to discuss some of the excellent work our young people have been involved in. Sheila Maurice-Grey – an apprentice music leader, office intern and all round Tomorrow’s Warriors star – created an excellent online blog, chronicling her work as leader of our Female Collective, along with some exceptional artwork that she painted for her group, Nérija, in response to the compositional work of the band’s alto saxophonist, Cassie Kinoshi. The new artwork was premiered at the Purcell Room, Southbank Centre, for the Nucleo weekend on 7 July, accompanied by some of Sheila’s earlier work.
Meanwhile, young pianist Jonah Grimbly had put together a portfolio of his work, in particular discussing his role within Tomorrow’s Warriors Junior Band, for which he arranged his own version of Jimmy Heath’s Gingerbread Boy (notably recorded by Miles Davis on his 1967 record Miles Smiles which also features the Wayne Shorter classic Footprints). Jonah also did some excellent research into classic jazz recordings by artists including Thelonious Monk and Wynton Marsalis, focussing on how he could improve his own playing through detailed listening and analysis of these great musicians’ canon of work.
We were absolutely thrilled that both young people’s projects were approved by the moderator, validating the assessment undertaken by our Arts Award Advisor/ Learning & Participation Coordinator, James Hill that they had passed the Arts Award at Silver Level.
About the project, Jonah said “I’ve really enjoyed working on the Arts Award as it’s allowed me to think critically about my progress as a jazz musician. The support I’ve received to achieve this has been great. Thank you Tomorrow’s Warriors!”
Sheila said “The Arts Award has allowed me to realise some ideas that may not have otherwise seen the light of day. I had thought often about creating some artwork to accompany Nérija, but I think Arts Award gave me a context and a structure to do this.”
Many congratulations to both of them!