WORKSHOP LEADER
Alana leads arts workshops for a wide range of community settings. She specialises in facilitating music sessions:
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as a Choir Leader
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alongside Speedwell Dance Company
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alongside Jambalaya
Photo credits: Brian Slater/Speedwell Dance
Workshops with learning disabled people of all ages
Alana is passionate about facilitating inspiring, creative and inclusive workshops for people with learning disabilities
Alongside old-time band Jambalaya, Alana leads interactive folk music workshops with children with additional needs in Specialist Inclusive Learning Centres in Leeds.
She has also worked 1:1 with children with learning disabilities and autism to increase connection and communication.
As an employee of Purple Patch Arts (2023-2024), Alana facilitated multi-sensory educational sessions for adults with learning disabilities through the arts. These sessions are an inclusive and creative space where learning disabled and autistic people can thrive and be empowered through exploring a wide range of topics via dance, drama, art, music and multi- sensory activities.
Speedwell Dance
Company
Alana works as a musician, songwriter, improviser and facilitator with Speedwell Dance Company, delivering multi-disciplinary movement and music sessions for children alongside dancers and musicians funded by the National Lottery Community Fund.
In Autumn/Winter 2023 Alana worked with Speedwell Dance to deliver 20 sessions to nursery children (aged 2-3) at Chapeltown Community Nursery. These sessions had a strong emphasis on the seasons; autumnal songs and fireside music were woven with improvised movement and circle dance.
In May 2024 Alana worked with Captain Bullhead Ceilidh Band in Speedwell Dance's Move and Play group. We delivered a month-long Ceilidh Course with parents and children, teaching traditional dances from the British Isles. This project culminated with a brilliant Family Ceilidh at the Attic at Seagulls, Leeds. For more information and to book Speedwell Dance:
Photo credits: Brian Slater/Speedwell Dance
Jambalaya
Jambalaya is an experienced workshop band formed of Simon Robinson (banjo, guitar, vocals), Alana Middleton (fiddle, vocals), Will Fletcher (percussion), and Alice Phelps (double bass, vocals). Ever since coming together in 2020, they have been privileged to share their love of music and live performance through folk music workshops with children & adults around the UK & Europe.
"It was so wonderful for the children to experience a quality live music act"
Greenside Primary School
"They were brilliant with the children, they pitched their performances perfectly for the age-groups of children they were performing for, the music was beautiful and inspirational, one of my children couldn't believe the harmonies weren't on backing tapes - she was stunned!"
Southryd School
"What a fantastic experience for the children. It inspired us to make up our own songs during a music lesson"
Swillington Primary School
"A hearty thank you – a lovely visit this morning, which left our children fizzing. Superb vocal harmonies – better than the likes of Fleet Foxes"
Cross Gates Primary School