New Schools Band

Oriel Ministries are offering Cornish young people a great opportunity to be involved in an exciting new schools ministry here in Cornwall. Kernowyouth put the questions to Chris Uglow to find out more...

What is being offered?

We are offering young people the chance to audition for a new schools band to work primarily in secondary schools and working with local churches of the South West to reach the young people with the Gospel.

What's the aim of the band?

The overall aim of the schools band is to present the Gospel in an attractive and relevant manner to pupils in schools through the medium of dance and music. We would aim to reach about 12,000 students a year through assemblies, RE, PSHE, Dance & Music lessons, lunchtime workshops and evening concerts. The band will be going into schools for a full week of lessons including assemblies and workshops finishing the week with a concert where the Gospel is preached and a chance for the students to respond. The follow up for the week will be led by the local churches working with the band to make sure that the young people will be discipled in the right way. The band will be responsible for running performing arts workshops, attending youth events and festivals and working with the local churches.

Where did the inspiration come from?

Nikki has worked in a schools band (called “Collective” based in Wiltshire, pictured right in concert at Space SW) for the last 4 years and has been heavily involved in running the band and seeing the results of the work that God has done through them. Unfortunately the organisation Nikki works with has refocused their vision meaning that Collective is now ending. Both Nikki and Chris feel that God has been preparing them for this vision of a schools band to continue to go into schools while the doors are still open to us.  

Who are you looking for at the auditions?

It is difficult to get band members who can sing and dance but where possible this is the aim as it provides greater flexibility and a more attractive and balanced stage presence. However the fundamental qualification should be a real heart and commitment to the work plus a positive testimony. The mix at this stage should be either a girl band or possibly a boy/girl mix. The advantage of a girl band is that they appeal to a far greater range of kids – the girls like them and of course they go down well with the lads. Confidence in speaking is also very important as you will need to be able to present the Gospel but also teach lessons to all years. Obviously training in all these areas will be given before venturing out into the schools.

What age range are you envisaging being in the band?

The age range for the band would be 19/20 (depending on maturity) to 30 (depending on their youthful side).

If I wanted to be in the band, what financial commitments would there be?

You will need to be living by faith/support this will cover your basic living expenses so we would recommend that a basic starting goal would be £300 per month. We will give training on how to obtain sponsorship and you will also be hosted with a Christian family who will take you to their church to help further your support for the first 6 months and give you spiritual home (this maybe longer depending on relationships and individual needs for Church life).

What will the band be called?

LED – this stands for “Let Everyone Decide” this can be used for positive life choices but mainly for them to make a decision to follow Christ. Oriel is the name of the ministry/charity that will be supporting the work of the band and is headed up by Chris and Nikki.

When are the auditions?

Auditions will take place this year 2009 between the end of July and the start of October for Cornwall and there will be other audition dates available around the country – dates will be provided on enquiry.

How can I get involved?

You can ask for more details or information or audition dates etc. by ringing Nikki on 07977901444 or emailing nikki@orielministries.org.
If you would like to be involved in supporting the work that the band LED will be doing, prayerfully or financially, please do get in touch with Chris on 07590387531 or emailing chris@orielministries.org.

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