MATT © gigsandbands.com
Musician Matt Park is fundraising for local music charity, Coda, by running the Bournemouth half marathon.
Matt plays guitar and synthesiser in Empire Affair, a Bournemouth-based band that recently played their biggest gig to date at the Scala in London for Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds’ aftershow party and have also been confirmed as support for Toploader in Brixton this month.
He came across Coda some time ago and was intrigued by the work done by the charity both at their Music Centre in Christchurch and in the community.
Unique to the area, Coda Music Centre provides a range of music opportunities to people of all ages and abilities, with facilities dedicated to teaching, music groups, choirs, workshops, training, music therapy and music for health and wellbeing.
Matt says, “I think that the arts are so important in this country and the more exposure to music, drama and theatre that kids can get, the better. Music especially is so powerful; it is fun, expressive, involving, accepting and can also be very healing. I want to support Coda as much as I can because they help break down barriers such as age, health and ability.”
Matt is especially keen to show support for the Coda Young Music Makers programme because “it helps kids pick up an instrument and learn how to play. I think that learning a musical instrument when growing up is a great way to develop co-ordination, creativity, self-esteem and communication.”
The run will take place on 4 October and Matt has set himself a fundraising target of £200 to raise before that date.
“We are obviously delighted that Matt has chosen Coda as his charity,” said Phil Hallett, chief executive of Coda Music Trust. “It is especially touching to have a young ambassador who feels so strongly and talks so eloquently about Coda’s work. We wish him all the very best with his run.”
If you would like to show your support, you can donate at www.justgiving.com/MattParkCoda
To find out more about Coda Music Trust visit the website www.coda.org.uk or contact Coda on 01425 276161 or via email contact@coda.org.uk
