A TALENTED young drummer is having the ‘year of his life’ embarking on a dream career, helping lead a musical summer school and looking forward to becoming a first time dad.

Alfie Ellis spent the August heatwave as one of the leaders of the popular Schools Out 2022! summer school run by the award-winning Wrexham Music Co-operative.

Helping to run the course at Ysgol Bryn Tabor in Coedpoeth is one of several important new roles the 18-year-old has had to step up to over the last year.

According to Alfie, he couldn’t believe his luck when he was selected to be the first ever candidate for a jobs mentorship scheme launched by the not-for-profit organisation which is part of the North Wales Music Co-operative (NWMC).

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After years of being involved with the pioneering co-operative as a pupil, he was recruited by them as a trainee music coach giving him the opportunity to teach his beloved drums to more than 130 students a week across 23 schools.

The NWMC was founded by Heather Powell who is Head of Service for both the Wrexham and Denbighshire music co-operatives.

She said: “We hope to see these projects develop more fully over the start of the new school year term as a new revamped curriculum is rolled out, backed by the Welsh government.” Wrexham Music Co-operative matches potential students to freelance music tutors registered to deliver instrumental and singing lessons across the region.

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PIC: The Schools Out team including Alfie front and centre.

Lessons are offered through a combination of in-school and after-school lessons, but the co-operative also runs a number of ensembles and choirs, plus well-being courses during the school summer holidays.

According to Scott Lloyd, manager of the Wrexham Music Co-operative, Alfie was living proof of the life-changing qualities of music.

Scott said: “Alfie is just fantastic, a very talented drummer and his dedication to improving his music skills is second to none. He is a real role model and that’s why we thought he would be perfect for a mentorship.

“We are all very proud of him. He has the promise to make a fine name for himself in music teaching. You only have to look at the way the kids at our summer school react to him to see that.”

Cllr Phil Wyn, Wrexham Council’s lead on education, said: “It’s great to see the level of enthusiasm among children attending the summer school. The co-operative is doing a great job and I know plans are in hand to extend its reach over the coming year to make music lessons more accessible and a key part of the schools’ curriculum.”

It was a sentiment endorsed by Cllr Mark Young, chair of the NWMC, who added: “Wales is the land of song and has a long tradition of music and eisteddfods. It’s vital we maintain this enriching aspect of our culture and encourage children to enjoy music. The co-operative is doing an excellent job promoting this cause and deserves credit for bringing the importance of music lessons to the fore again.”