Welcome to The Sound House

by Karen Shaw

Get ready for an exciting musical journey with The Sound House, a vibrant series of after-school music sessions in Colne for ages 10-16!

The Sound House Project is an inspiring series of after-school sessions designed for young people aged 10-16 in Colne, Trawden, Laneshawbridge, and Foulridge.

With the support of the Colne Youth Action Group (CYAG) and funding from the Youth Music Trailblazer Fund, these sessions will unfold over four transformative months at the CYAG Headquarters on Byron Road in Colne. This initiative presents a remarkable opportunity for young individuals to immerse themselves in music, explore a variety of instruments, and learn from dedicated professionals in a nurturing and creative environment.

Colne Youth Action Group proudly provides a wealth of free and exciting activities for young people in Colne and surrounding villages. With an annual membership fee of £5, young members can dive into a variety of experiences, from cooking and football to gardening.

The Sound House Project is the latest addition to CYAG’s growing list of dynamic activities and is designed to ignite a passion for music among its members! This dynamic initiative offers a welcoming space where budding musicians can explore the enchanting world of sound. Whether your dreams resonate with strumming a guitar, keeping the rhythm on the drums, or exploring melodies on the keyboards, The Soundhouse invites you to dive in and express yourself through music.

Each session is a step into a vibrant community that encourages collaboration and creativity.

Under the talented guidance of seasoned music professionals, participants will not only learn the fundamentals of playing various instruments but also discover the joy of performing. Each session is a step into a vibrant community that encourages collaboration and creativity. Imagine the thrill of jamming with fellow enthusiasts, the satisfaction of learning to play an instrument, and the exhilaration of sharing your unique sound with an audience!

Led by saxophonist Chris Pearson, who, after gaining a BA Hons in Jazz Studies from Leeds Conservatoire, took on the role of producer
and session musician for the Music Factory Entertainment Group – the team behind Jive Bunny. As a versatile freelance musician, he has recorded and performed across the UK. His extensive collaborations include performances with notable artists such as BAFTA nominee Neil C Young Quartet, Gwyn Ashton, American soul legend Sam Moore, and appearances on BBC Radio 6 Music’s Marc Riley’s Live Sessions. Proficient in alto and tenor saxophone, flute, clarinet, trumpet, guitar, bass, and piano, he is committed to inspiring others through the transformative power of music.

“Colne has an abundance of talented musicians with a wide spectrum of musical skills, from singers to guitarists, keyboard players to DJs,” smiles Chris. “The Sound House is an opportunity for young people to find their musical voice.

“Getting involved in making and playing music can be a great experience, especially for young people from tough financial and environmental situations. It’s a fun way to express themselves, connect with others, and boost their self-confidence. Plus, music can
create new opportunities and help them develop important life skills, all while giving them a sense of belonging!”

Sound House Leaders Jay Stansfield and Chris Pearson

Alongside Chris at the ‘helm’ is Jay Stansfield – a versatile musician and vocalist with over 30 years of experience, known for his unique blend of creativity and emotional depth in music.

Jay’s career spans a variety of genres, with a focus on experimental rock and indie pop. He is the frontman of the band ALL HAIL HYENA, where his energetic stage presence and distinctive vocal style have gained a loyal following.

Jay’s songwriting is known for its raw honesty, quirky melodies, and thought-provoking lyrics. He has been featured on ITV’s ‘This Morning’ programme with an improvised song.

Jay’s talent for blending voice and music has also extended into his work with his children’s brand The Squibbles®, where he crafts songs that capture the imagination of children and families worldwide. Jay continues to push the boundaries of music, exploring new sonic landscapes while maintaining his signature emotive style. Jay’s passion for inspiring creativity was evident at the soft launch on Tuesday, 24th February. “It was such an uplifting and enriching experience seeing so many enthusiastic and vibrant young minds bashing away at keyboards and plastic tubes and blasting out notes on a saxophone,” laughs Jay. “It was beautiful chaos, and I can only imagine where that chaos is going to lead!”

The grand finale of the project in July promises to be an unforgettable celebration at CYAG’s HQ, culminating in a spectacular concert that you won’t want to miss! And that’s not all—after the finale, they’ll take the excitement on the road, bringing those incredible performances to local schools.

CYAG isn’t just about music; it’s a powerhouse for positive change, offering a diverse range of free, engaging activities that empower our youth and combat antisocial behaviour. Join us and unleash your potential as you build self-confidence, ambition, and new skills! The Sound House project is not just an initiative; it’s your stage—are you ready to shine?

The Sound House is on Tuesdays from 6.30 pm – 8 pm. Call Stacey on 07514 981444 or email stacey@cyag.org for more details. CYAG – Byron Road, Colne. BB8 0BQ