Finding Belonging, Confidence and Community Through Music

Over the past three years, Oliver has become one of the most recognisable young faces at Jack Drum Arts. From playing caixa with the Get Set Samba Band on Tuesdays and Thursdays, to drumming with Jazzy Dystopia on Fridays, to contributing his ideas on both the Games Night Youth Steering Group and the Jack Drum Arts Youth Board. Oliver has embraced every opportunity with energy and enthusiasm.

New Beginnings in County Durham

When Oliver moved to County Durham a few years ago, the transition was far from easy. Without a local accent and new to the area, he experienced rudeness from some peers and extensive bullying at school. Internet delays left him feeling cut off from friends and familiar routines, making his first months in the North East especially isolating.

Discovering Jack Drum Arts

Oliver’s first encounter with Jack Drum Arts came in 2022, when he and his mum attended B.O.P Fest—our annual celebration of sustainability and culture led by the Youth Board. It was here, and later at a drumming workshop in Tow Law, that Oliver first connected with Youth Music Leaders Brendan and Sam and caught the samba drumming bug.

Music had always been woven through Oliver’s childhood—his mum fondly remembers soothing him to sleep with AC/DC—so picking up drumming again was a natural progression. With his mum’s electric kit at home and a practice pad for standing work, Oliver rediscovered his passion and soon joined Get Set Samba. His involvement quickly expanded, and he now also plays kit with Jazzy Dystopia, forming friendships and sharpening his performance skills along the way.

Jack Drum Arts also supports Oliver by funding his kit drum grades, helping him progress formally in the instrument he loves.

Education, Confidence and Community

Because of the bullying he faced early on, Oliver was home educated for a time. He now attends Bishop Auckland College and continues to grow in confidence both socially and musically. Being part of Jack Drum Arts has provided a welcoming space during challenging periods and a community where he feels valued.

As Oliver puts it, being “kidnapped by Eve” and invited onto the Youth Board became a defining moment of his Jack Drum journey. He loves having a say in “some of the important stuff” and helping organise B.O.P Fest—the very event that first introduced him to the organisation. He also planned and pitched for a small Key Fund grant, enabling a group of young people to enjoy a trip to ROF59 trampoline park in Newton Aycliffe.

“Coming here is fun because you can be yourself. I don’t think there is any discrimination about who can join, which is nice!” — Oliver

The Sky’s the Limit

Oliver’s musical world continues to grow. He recently joined the Collective Music Making group, is preparing for several winter drumming Elf gigs, and has taken part in Crook Winter Light Parade and our summer gigs. He says people in the North East feel far more welcoming now, and he’s even enjoying school.

Reflections From Mum

Oliver’s mum has seen the transformation up close and shared: “Jack Drum has literally changed Oliver’s life! We came here to this little place in Crook and Oliver found a new home. Being part of it has helped him gain the confidence to interact with people of all ages. He has positive role models he can look up to in leaders like James, Brendan and Sam, and he now has a safe place to escape to where he can play music and hang out with all his new friends.”