Help more children find their place in music

Generation Groove is a community concert band and registered charity based in Haxby, York. In May 2026, following successful community fundraising, we launched Junior Groovers – a free after-school band giving children aged 7 and over the chance to learn an instrument and make music together.

Some of our children had never played an instrument before. Within weeks they were making music together and performed their first concert for family and friends.

And this is what one of our Junior Groovers told us:

Now we want to keep Junior Groovers free, sustainable and growing – to give more children the same opportunity.

Why Junior Groovers matters

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

Junior Groovers removes that barrier. We provide instruments, tuition and weekly rehearsals completely free, so children can start making music whatever their family's circumstances.

One parent told us they had never considered instrumental lessons because buying an instrument and committing to lessons was an expense they couldn't afford.

Your support helps children:

• develop confidence and creativity

• learn to listen, work together and support one another

• feel part of a group and a local community

• access music opportunities they might otherwise miss

What we've achieved so far

Following successful community fundraising, our first Junior Groovers group launched in May 2026 with children from Ralph Butterfield Primary School in Haxby, York.

Some joined having never played an instrument or read music before. Parents have been amazed by their progress: children have gone from complete beginners to playing tunes and performing together as a band in a matter of weeks.

Junior Groovers parent

What we offer every week

Junior Groovers provides:

• free weekly rehearsals straight after school

• group tuition from two experienced tutors

• quality instruments provided by the charity

• the chance to learn and play as part of a band from day one

• a warm, inclusive environment where every child can succeed

This is a high quality musical experience – completely free to families.

How your donation helps

Every donation helps keep Junior Groovers free, sustainable and ready to grow. Your support covers the everyday costs of running the band, from rehearsals and instruments to music, equipment and the resources needed to help every child succeed.

Building on the success of our first Junior Groovers group, we are fundraising to launch a second group. We need around £3,000 to purchase additional instruments and £6,000 to run a second Junior Groovers cohort for a full year, ensuring more children can enjoy making music without cost becoming a barrier.

Every gift makes a difference:

• £5 could provide musical essentials such as reeds and valve oil.

• £20 could provide a music stand or other rehearsal equipment.

• £86 could sponsor one child for a full term of Junior Groovers.

• £100 could help maintain and grow our instrument bank.

• £1,500 could sponsor a section and help establish a second Junior Groovers group.

Help us reach more children

Our next step is to open Junior Groovers to more children from Haxby and surrounding communities.

We want more children to have the opportunity our first Junior Groovers have had: to pick up an instrument, discover what they can do and experience the confidence and belonging that comes from making music with others.

Your donation will help make that possible.

Please donate today and help us welcome the next group of Junior Groovers.

Let’s keep the music playing.