West Bromwich musicians' arts centre vision hits the right notes

Ryan Drummond, who is behind Project 4Tune, aims to create a music and arts base at the Wesley Methodist Church, in High Street, for disadvantaged youngsters.

Plans were thrust into motion earlier this year when Mr Drummond and two of his University friends, Mike O'Farrell and Laurie McGee, received backing for their project from West Midlands Police.

Mr Drummond, aged 27, who is a pianist, explained: "Firstly, we had a call from the church to say there were facilities available as it is currently only used on Sundays.

"While at university we had an idea to set up an independent music school and when we came to the church and saw all the space they had on offer. It was astonishing.

"We believe something like this could be a boost for Sandwell as a whole and West Midlands Police has already funded us £500 for our website."

Project 4Tune aims to set up a choir, youth orchestra, music lessons and outside concerts for the wider community.

The church has around eight multi-purpose rooms including a kitchen and halls that would be used for teaching and performances.

Mr Drummond said: "We would love to set up after school workshops, and weekend and summer classes.

"We even plan to branch out to an adult community choir in the future.

"Our long term goal would be to be able to offer a free artistic centre to 650 young people each week for a year.

"If we could get children off the streets and offer a place for people to learn, and do it enjoyably, then it would be an incredibly positive thing."

The group has already received backing from Tesco, The Samaritans, local children's centres and Sandwell councillors.

They are now looking for outside funding to get an initiative in place for this summer.

"We have set up a Crowdfunding page and online presence," added Mr Drummond. If anyone could donate towards it then it would be fantastic as it would help us get the right equipment in place.

"Even if anyone could donate instruments or if local businesses would be up for sponsoring us it would really help us on our route to help others. We have a core team of post graduate musicians who could get behind this straight away.

"But the main thing is we need to get the word out there to get support.

"Looking towards the future we hope to start adult courses and activities too. Maybe they may have started to learn an instrument and then given up so would like to pick it up again and we could help.

"Not only music and art but we feel we could offer so much more – anyone would be welcome to join in and it would improve confidence and life skills too. It will give a sense of community with local businesses too if they were to get on board. Any help we could get would be appreciated.

Mr Drummond spoke of how the project would also be a welcome replacement to the loss of West Bromwich arts centre The Public in 2013.

"We could get projectors and top music software installed and hold big outdoor events in the space we have to offer – who knows what the future might hold. With The Public going Sandwell kind of loss an arts base too so this could be something to fill that gap."

The Public was a multi-purpose venue and art gallery in the town and at the time of opening was at the forefront of a regional regeneration programme. It closed in November 2013. For further inforamtion about the project search for Project 4Tune on Facebook. To donate to the project visit crowdfunding.justgiving.com/Project4Tune#!