for-Wards: Curating a Hyperlocal Compositional Methodological Framework

Bobbie-Jane Gardner

In this exposition, I present the curatorial methods I devised to create a hyperlocal compositional methodology used in the research project, for-Wards. for-Wards is a two-year citywide music programme involving a large-scale artistic partnership to co-create new music within and about forty Birmingham wards. The curated hyperlocal methodological framework I constructed was used to support the creation of hyperlocal musical works. I use the term ‘hyperlocal’ which is borrowed from the realm of citizen journalism. It infers community-produced news that is extremely localised. Hyperlocal is concerned with events and stories within a specific geographic community (Radcliffe 2012).

for-Wards Citywide Music Programme Collaborative works:

1. Under the Blossom that Hangs on the Bough (2017) by Pram and volunteers from Martineau Gardens, families from Haven Community Project, pupils of Chad Vale School, members of Bartley Green District History Group, and Friends of Woodgate Valley Country Park.

Recorder, flute, marimba, electric guitar, bass guitar, violin, electronics, Sooty and Sweep puppets and mixed percussion.

2. Sweet Selly (2017) co-written with Manningford Hall Elders’ Lunch Group, Crunch Creative Writers, Year 7 & 8 students based at University of Birmingham School & Billesley Primary School.

Carillon, flute, clarinet, mixed percussion, violin, cello, electric guitar, violin, double bass and drum kit.

3. Nord Feld Stefn (2017), by Percy Pursglove, students from Jervoise Primary School in Weoley Castle, the Teen Home-Education group, and the Under 5’s Group and families from NAF CAF at Northfield Baptist Church.

Trumpet, oboe, viola, viola and percussion.

4. An Ode to York's Wood (2017), by Justin K Broadrick, The Pump Youth Centre Shard End, Hodge Hill Community Theatre, Women’s Empowerment Group & Elders Lunch Group in Bordesley Green and volunteers from Friends of Ward End Park.

Electric guitar and electronics.

5. I R I S (2018), by Scott Johannsson Polish Expats Association, Stockland Green History Group, Chivenor Primary School and Kingstanding Food Community.

Electric guitar and electronics.

6. Re-Sounding Yardley (2018), by Annie Mahtani with Kimichi School, South Yardley Craft Group, Sheldon Tai-Chi Group and the 261st Birmingham Beavers Group.

Oboe, viola and electronics.

7. Moving Ladywood (2018), by Xhosa Cole, James Watt Primary School, South Aston URC ramblers, Via Nova Choir and the Deaf Cultural Centre.

Choir, saxes, vibraphone, electric piano, guitar, double bass, percussion and electronics.

8. Universal Sounds (2018), by Simon Duggal, Maryvale Community Centre, DISC Community Centre, Yew Tree Community School and Handsworth Park Fitness Group. Violin, table, electric guitar and electronics.

9. Somewhere Over the Galaxy (2018), by Grandmaster Gareth, All Saints Youth Group, Robin Hood Academy, The Springfield Project and Ashiana Community Project.

Saxophones, recorder, viola, percussion and electronics.

10. Harmonious Generations (2018), by Chris Eddowes (Pøgman), Sutton Rock Choir, Whitehouse Common Primary School, Shaggy Dog Golf Club and Greville House Retirement Home.

Electronics and voice.

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