Borders
Neurodiversity
Support for
Young People


  • Home
  • About
  • Fundraising/EVENTS
  • Activities
  • Useful Resources
  • DONATE
  • NEWS
  • Contact

Harris Trust Music Programme



Harris Trust is delighted to have the ‘SPaRKs’ and ‘Music with Erin’ sessions running in several schools this academic year. Read on to find out more about them.


We are always happy to discuss any creative music projects that young musicians would like to deliver with our support. Please get in touch via email


S.P.a.R.K.s
Music with Erin
email

S.P.a.R.Ks (Songwriting, Performance and Recording Kickstarter)



Billy Kennedy



Patron of S.P.a.R.K.s



After captivating audiences for years as a key member of the renowned band Frightened Rabbit, musician and songwriter Billy Kennedy has embarked on a new journey with his solo project, Haiver. He emphasises the profound impact of the Harris Trust and S.P.a.R.k.S project on his return to recording and performing, as well as its role in helping him overcome some of his own mental health and anxiety challenges.


A former student of Selkirk High School, Billy was deeply honoured to be invited to serve as the Patron of the S.P.a.R.k.S project last year. He passionately shared his extensive knowledge and experiences in all facets of the music industry, cultivated during his 16-year career as a full-time professional musician. In one-on-one sessions, Billy effectively bolstered the students' confidence and ensured that they found joy in their performances.


Billy firmly believes that project-based learning is invaluable for students and wishes such initiatives had been available during his own school years!



Sam Johnston



is the award-winning creator and lead coordinator of the S.P.a.R.K.s project.



Graduating from the Academy of Music and Sound, Glasgow in 2023 with first class honours, he has been working professionally in the contemporary music business as a freelance musician since he was 13 years old. His band 3 out of 4 have toured Scotland and are now pushing into England. Sam has worked on music projects with Sound Cycle, Borders Young Creatives, Live Borders, CABN, Creative Scotland and Hit the Road.


Sam brings his experience of being neurodivergent to help other young people increase their confidence and sense of belonging. This is enabled through workshop- style learning and practical experiences relating to the contemporary music industry.



Mia Lannan



is a multi instrumental musician.



Her talent belies her tender years and she has shown great strength in adversity as she was not always so confident. She is bass player for 3 out of 4 and trailblazing for young female musicians in the Scottish Borders and beyond. She is delighted to be working on the S.P.a.R.K.s project and hopes to pass on some of her courage to others who might lack confidence in themselves or need help with their mental health.


Read more

Devin Casson



is a singer/songwriter and solo musician



Based in the Scottish Borders with an eclectic taste in music styles and genres.


Understanding the benefits to be found in writing and performing, Devin says


“I’d love to inspire pupils to harness their creativity and use their music as an outlet for self-expression. The positive environment that S.P.a.R.Ks offers is a fantastic opportunity for Borders schools. To be part of the team is very exciting.”



Music with Erin



Erin Highton



BSc(Hons)PgDip



started off her academic journey in Child Health Nursing, leaving in her final year and completing her honours whilst working with people with learning disabilities and studying modules in mental health and social sciences. She then completed a postgraduate diploma in Inclusive Education at the University of Glasgow. She decided to use her experience to create sessions that can support, enable and enrich peoples lives through the use of music.


Erin has been working for the Harris Trust at Selkirk High School since August 2022 providing songwriting sessions. There are no set expectations or outcomes – the sessions are flexible around the students – with the important goal of improving mental well-being, self-esteem and learning new skills. Erin will soon be starting to dip her foot into primary schools working in small groups or 1:1 with children who enjoy learning skills through music.


more info

Registered Charity SC050803


© The Harris Trust Oct 2021
| Terms & Conditions
| Website Lunncreative