As he prepares to open a new arts and learning centre, Leon Patel reflects on those that have helped and inspired him since the moment he picked up his first tambourine.
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Iain was my first percussion teacher and, quite simply, without his friendship and guidance I wouldn’t be doing what I’ve done all my working life. As a 14-year-old, long-haired rock guitarist, I was told about an amazing percussion band at my local community centre in Mossley (now Cabasa Carnival Arts). I reluctantly walked up the hill to enter a brightly lit room full of people and had a tambourine shoved in my hand. I shook it. Twenty-one years later and I’m still hooked on percussion.
Ian took all of the young musicians in the group under his wing and provided us all with a unique and meaningful musical journey that can’t be found in formal education. By the age of 16 I was assisting in professional workshops. By 18 I had a ready-made career in arts and culture, and at 21 I was co-directing Cabasa alongside three other people I’d grown up with.
Iain’s mentorship went far deeper than just music education and facilitation. Anywhere Iain goes, he takes his warm energy and amazing ability to inspire and nurture anyone who will listen. He is completely dedicated to the idea that the arts can transform lives, no matter who you are, where you’re from or what challenges you may face. This core message is now at the heart of the educational social enterprise Bangdrum CIC that I direct alongside him.
