The charity, which supports young people in the area by providing various creative outlets, was set up by Ian McManus and his wife Dawn in memory of their son Kyle, who died tragically aged 16 from a brain haemorrhage. Since Kyle had such a keen interest in the arts, his parents began a legacy that now coaches and mentors young people in creative arts, providing a valuable focus and outlet.
Red Dreams has a very basic ethos of 'Confidence Through Creativity'; however this is underpinned by a number of values, including dedication, respect, focus, determination and support. Red Dreams not only looks to support young people in their creative endeavours, but also offers to mentor them individually, allowing them to grow in self-esteem, self-confidence and self-belief.
The charity was created to support young people between the ages of 11 and 19, and offers mentoring and coaching for bands, singers, songwriters, actors, musicians, artists, writers, film makers, editors (film and sound) and many more. They now have over 25 dedicated mentors who volunteer to teach their skills and knowledge.
With the completion of the Red Dreams Unit in 2009, offering use of rehearsal rooms, and recording and editing, each person who enters 'The Unit' is given a performance plan and goals; as well as a wealth of opportunities to show their talent, at festivals, on local stages, local and regional radio, and sometimes even national television.
Both studio spaces within the Red Dreams Unit are now kitted out with pairs of Tannoy Reveal 601P studio monitors, allowing the students to hear their mixes clearer than ever before. The original Tannoy Reveal near field monitor has become an iconic fixture in recording studios across the world since first appeared in the mid-nineties, widely recognised as the benchmark reference product that defined the category and has been the monitor of choice for thousands of amateur and professional recording, creative composition and postproduction facilities worldwide.
TC Group marketing manager - tour and install, Mark Flanagan said, "We are delighted to support the Red Dreams charity in their excellent work with young people in the UK. To nurture talent in such a way is invaluable, and the facilities here are a real testament to Dawn and Ian's determination to provide these free services in memory of their son."
"We are honoured to have the support of a company like Tannoy," said Ian McManus. "With professional kit like the Reveal studio monitors, our students get a richer experience from The Unit, getting to hear their mixes in crystal clear audio. Our aim is to delight and inspire, and with the help of our partners and volunteers, we can make a real difference to the young people at Red Dreams."
(Jim Evans)
