Junior Groovers

Junior Groovers is about more than learning an instrument.

Children are part of a band from the beginning.

They learn to listen to one another, play together and support each other's progress. They also learn alongside experienced musicians from Generation Groove, giving different generations the opportunity to share their enthusiasm for making music.

Our first Junior Groovers group launched in May 2026 with children from Ralph Butterfield Primary School in Haxby. Some joined as complete beginners. Within weeks they were playing tunes together and performed their first concert for family and friends.

• “I am honestly amazed at the pace at which the whole band has improved, developing from a standing start... to playing concerts together as a group in a matter of weeks.”
  Junior Groovers parent

Learning an instrument can be expensive. For some families, the cost of buying or hiring an instrument and paying for lessons means their child simply doesn't get the opportunity to learn.

Junior Groovers removes that barrier.

We provide the instruments, tuition and weekly rehearsals free of charge, so children can start making music whatever their family's circumstances.

• “We had never considered signing our child up to learning an instrument as the cost of buying an instrument and committing to lessons is a huge expense that we can't afford. So when the opportunity to try learning an instrument came up for free we jumped at the chance.”

• Junior Groovers parent

Parents tell us that Junior Groovers is helping their children develop much more than musical skills. They describe children growing in confidence, becoming motivated to practise, learning to work with others and enjoying the feeling of being part of something.

Through Junior Groovers, children have the chance to:

• learn to play an instrument and read music

• develop confidence and creativity

• listen, work together and support one another

• experience the achievement of performing for others

• learn from experienced musicians

• make friends and feel part of a group and their local community.
  

• “My daughter is very excited to go to band each week and join her friends in making music together... her confidence is growing week by week.”
  Junior Groovers parent

For some children, Junior Groovers has been their first opportunity to discover what playing an instrument can be like.

One parent told us that their son had never played an instrument or read music before joining. Within a few weeks he was already playing several tunes and proudly playing his saxophone for visiting family and friends.

• “It has really ignited a passion for music in him since he joined the band.”
  Junior Groovers parent

Other parents describe children excited to return after the holidays, motivated to practise and looking forward to continuing to play in the years ahead.

Parents tell us that Junior Groovers is helping their children develop much more than musical skills. They describe children growing in confidence, becoming mJunior Groovers meets weekly at Haxby Memorial Hall in a friendly and supportive environment.

Children learn and rehearse together with experienced tutors, supported by members of the wider Generation Groove community.

We provide:

• free weekly rehearsals and group tuition

• an instrument to play

• music and learning materials

• the opportunity to learn as part of a band from day one

• opportunities to perform for family, friends and the wider community.

No previous musical experience is needed.

If your child is aged 7 or over and would like the opportunity to learn an instrument and make music with others, we'd love to hear from you.

Register your interest and we'll let you know when places become available.

Email [email protected]

Junior Groovers grew from Generation Groove's ambition to make music accessible to more children in our local community.

Our first group was made possible through community fundraising and launched in May 2026. Since then, children, parents, tutors and members of Generation Groove have all contributed to creating a supportive musical community.

One parent particularly valued the involvement of experienced adult musicians, saying that the children enjoy learning from them and can see “what can be achieved with practice.” Another described Junior Groovers as an opportunity for generations to come together and demonstrate the strength of our local community.

Now we want to give more children the same opportunity.

Junior Groovers is completely free to families, but providing instruments, tuition, music, equipment and weekly rehearsals has a cost.

We are raising funds to sustain Junior Groovers and expand the programme so that more children from Haxby and surrounding communities can take part.

Whether you donate, fundraise for us, support us as a local business or simply help spread the word, you'll be helping more children discover music, build confidence and experience the sense of belonging that comes from playing together.