One night in Folkestone, thirty people arrived at a bookshop by the sea. Cautiously curious, they were coming to find, or re-discover, the particular rush of joy that comes when you make music with other people.    

Folkestone First Timers is a music group delivered by United Response’s Community Network, in partnership with Peter Sheridan, founder of Folkestone First Timers CIC. Neurodiverse people and people from marginalised groups are invited to try out different instruments and create new bands.  

Peter said:

I was nervous at the beginning, but loads of people came to our first session. At one stage I just stood and listened. There were people tinkling away on keyboards, a drumming section, someone strumming guitar, and a quiet corner where people were writing. It was so fantastic.

‘First Timers’ making music together

Learning to play music together  

Music is something we all share. Many of us find joy in experimenting with music as teenagers, before those instruments find their way to dusty cupboards as life gets in the way. Peter added:

People were so excited to have something like this. They told us they’d always wanted to be in a band. For me it was just about giving them that opportunity.

There have been 21 sessions since that first jam session in the bookshop, including a band ‘speed-dating event’ to help people form bands with one another. Most of the sessions have taken place at United Response’s Community Network.

At Folkestone First Timers, it’s not about learning scales or learning an instrument. It’s about coming together, learning to play music and bringing communities together.

Peter shared one story which demonstrated why First Timers means so much:  

One person told me this had allowed her to reengage with her creativity again after many, many years. She said how much she loves First Timers, and at last night’s workshop, she came over and gave me a big hug.

‘First Timers’ in rehearsal

Music is an inclusive art form 

Inclusivity is at the heart of First Timers. Peter said some of the best moments come when someone who is apprehensive finds their own way of taking part in music.

Senet Yohannes, Area Manager for Kent, explained why music is an important tool for accessibility:   

Music is universal. It’s a universal language. It can be enjoyed by people who have all sorts of abilities or needs in terms of communication. It can be a sensory experience, and a physical experience through the vibrations.

Senet was instrumental in bringing First Timers to United Response, and secured Small Sparks funding for the project. Small Sparks is a grant funding programme which United Response services can apply for, generously supported by The Clothworkers’ Foundation.

‘First Timers’ performing together in the sunshine

Senet said:

I’m really proud of exposing United Response to people who’ve never been, and watching people overcoming their lack of confidence and coming back to sessions, time and time again.

It’s really beautiful. Not everybody there has ever played a musical instrument before, but that’s not the point of it. The point of it is to play together and connect.

For more information about First Timers, visit https://www.folkestonefirsttimers.co.uk/

  • Ali Mills is Communications and Engagement Officer at United Response