Discovering song
Musical project hopes video of the Welsh anthem will go viral
AMUSICAL group that’s providing a lockdown lifeline for people in Gwynedd with and without learning disabilities has launched a new video with the help of some star names.
Performing with the members, tutors and volunteers involved in the Canfod y Gân (Discovering Music) project were Geraint Lovgreen, from Caernarfon, Dewi Pws who lives in Nefyn on the Llŷn Peninsula, along with Rhys Parry who plays guitar in Bryn Fôn’s popular band.
The video was produced using audio and video from members improvising musically which were recorded by family members or support workers on phones and tablets. The music track was then mixed and edited by Edwin Humphreys, from Pwllheli, a tutor with the project and the video was created by Gwydion Davies, from Canolfan Gerdd William Mathias Music Centre.
The Coronavirus pandemic hasn’t stopped the group from making music despite the fact they can no longer meet up for their fortnightly sessions in Caernarfon, Pwllheli and Harlech.
Led by CGWM and working in partnership with Gwynedd Council’s Learning Disability Team, they have put together a video of members performing the national anthem of Wales as well as the group’s own unique signature piece which they’re hoping will go viral on social media.
The project, which is funded by a three-year grant from Spirit of 2012, the London 2012 legacy fund, gives disabled and non-disabled people the opportunity to come together as equals to create music with the aim of improving mental health and wellbeing.
Matthew Murray, 25, from Bangor, a member of the Caernarfon group, loves being part of the group.
He said “I like to rap and have been writing my own stuff for a long time. My social worker was looking for a music project I could get involved with and that’s how I got to be with Canfod y Gân.
“I volunteer in a cafe at the leisure center in Caernarfon on Mondays’ or until the virus I did. So, I started going to Canfod y Gân after my shift in the cafe. I love working with other people and like pretty much everything about the group.
“I’ve met a friend there who volunteers and we are going to work together on some raps and we plan to record some of my lyrics. That’s really exciting.”
The project has been organised by Canolfan Gerdd William Mathias, and its website is at: www.canfodygan.cymru. Link to video : https://youtu.be/nEa1Novc0Po