Usually at this time of year we are getting ready for the annual Surrey Arts Easter Music week, a fun packed week of a variety of residential and non-residential music courses and workshops. Unfortunately due to the current lockdown the week has had to be cancelled for a second year. However, following the success of last summer’s online music and art activities (SMASH) we will be running an exciting week of workshops and videos from Monday 12 – Friday 16 April. These activities will include music production & music composition, multiple singing workshops, arts workshops, piano tasters, Celtic folk strings and much, much more. Registration is required for the live sessions and you can watch the recorded video tuitions for free by following Surrey Arts on social media. The timetable and registration details are now available.
Joining a group or ensemble is a great way to develop your learning and perform with other musicians and in front of audiences. There are over 50 performing ensembles in Surrey for beginners and the experienced musician both youth and adults. These include area and county ensembles as well as youth and adult choirs.
Our music groups offer young people a chance to rehearse and perform with others, make new friends and improve their playing. Groups and ensembles rehearse once a week, and perform a number of times each year in schools and professional venues.
These groups and ensembles rehearse once a week and give regular concerts, performing a number of times each year in schools and professional venues. Many also go on overseas concert tours.
Two online music ensembles – TAH for SEND is for young people aged 9 to 19 who attend Special Schools in Surrey. TAH for Arabic Speaking Children is for young people aged 8 – 18 whose first language is Arabic.
For young vocalists there is the Surrey County Youth Orchestra and Youth Training Choirs as well as choirs for children with SEND. There are also choirs for carers as well as many community choirs across the county.
A new project launched by Surrey Music Hub to bring together professionals who work with, or have an interest in supporting newly arrived and vulnerable young people (for example, young asylum seekers, young refugees, young people who have been trafficked to UK) through the arts and music.
A workshop for teachers who want to develop their choir’s skills in singing in 2 or more parts. This practical workshop, rescheduled from November, will explore ways in which to introduce part singing, rehearsal techniques, and real-world examples from music submitted by teachers. Learn methods you can put to use straight away in preparing music for the Primary Music Festival concerts!
Thursday 24 November 17.00-18.30 at Cranleigh School, Horseshoe Lane, Cranleigh, GU6 8QQ
A workshop hosted by Cole Bendall, for teachers who want to develop their choir’s skills in singing in 2 or more parts. This practical workshop will explore ways in which to introduce part singing, rehearsal techniques, and real-world examples from music submitted by teachers. Learn methods you can put to use straight away in preparing your holiday concerts!
Please see below for news about our summer programme of events and CPD. In particular please note programme details for our Surrey Schools Music Conference on 21 June, and be sure to book your ticketbefore the Early Bird Discount runs out on the 21 April!!
As always if you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to get in touch SurreyArtsSchools@surreycc.gov.uk We wish you a restful and enjoyable spring holiday!
Wednesday 21 June 2023, University of Surrey, Guildford
Surrey Music Hub Conference 2023 is focused on the theme of the new National Plan for Music. We take the new music strategy’s aims to heart, working with all Surrey Schools to use the Power of Music to Change Lives. There will be content for all specialist and non-specialist teachers from primary, secondary and special school settings, built around active workshops, forums, discussion groups and focused surgeries. Content will be delivered by leading national providers, alongside our own highly skilled music leaders from Surrey, please see below for further details.
There will be a parallel conference for our ‘youth delegates’ who will learn alongside teachers, take part in performances and reflect on what their music education means to them.
Keynote presentations will come from Prof. Nate Holder, and Christopher Stephens HMI. Nate holder is an advocate for inclusive and anti-racist approaches to music education, if you haven’t heard it before listen to his poem ‘If I were a racist’ . Christopher Stephens is Ofsted’s national lead for music. He has recently shared extremely useful thoughts and advice for teachers on areas such as assessment, mastery and OFSTED deep dives. We are delighted that he will be able to speak directly to our music teachers here in Surrey. Both keynotes will include opportunities for Q&A from delegates.
The conference will take place in the magnificent setting of the University of Surrey with lunch and refreshments provided throughout the day. Please book your tickets via our eventbrite site here. Early bird tickets are available until Friday 21 April.
Conference activities will include:
Keynote and discussion: The Power of Music to Change Lives, Nate Holder (Professor and International Chair of Music Education at the Royal Northern College of Music)
Keynote and discussion: Christopher Stevens (HMI and OFSTED Subject Lead for music in schools)
Youth delegate programme: will take place in parallel with the main conference. Youth delegates will participate in workshops led by conference workshop leaders, and will interact with the main conference at key points during the day
Secondary Forum: Pathways into the music industry (secondary/P16 focus)
Primary Forum: Network, case studies, issues and discussion
Forum: Music in Special Schools and Alternative Settings
Workshop: Musical Futuresled by Fran Hannan based on the work of Prof. Lucy Green on ‘How pop musicians learn’ and using online classroom resources (primary and secondary focused sessions).
Workshop:Royal Opera House Primary singing focus exploring storytelling and music through the Royal Opera House’s Create and Sing programme.
Presentation:Music and Displaced Children and Young People, led by Jim Pinchen from Surrey Arts and Kayte Cable Big Leaf Foundation about joint projects to support children and young people living in Surrey after being displaced due to conflict and/or persecution.
Workshop: From the Classroom to the Cloud, case study from The Windsor Boy’s School about using Music First online resources to support the music curriculum (secondary and primary focused sessions).
Workshop: Inclusive school bands and ensembles, led by Tim Palmer (Trinity Laban and Animate Orchestra).
Workshop: Sing Up, looking at using improvisation in singing as a route into song writing; including vocal percussion/beat boxing within song arrangements) secondary singing focus but also of interest to UKS2.
Workshop: Simple & Effective Audio Recording Techniques for the Classroom led by staff from the University of Surrey Tonmeister course.
Workshop:Royal Opera House Exploring dramatic storytelling and music through ROH Create and Sing. This version of the workshop will focus on work with transition aged students at upper KS2/lower KS3.
Plenary panel discussion, including student delegate performance.
Singing Picnics are back for 2023 and places are filling up quickly and allocated on first-come-first-served basis. We only have places remaining at Runnymede on Wednesday 28 June or Lingfield on Tuesday 11 July, so if you’d like your year 3-5 children to join us for singing in the sunshine, take a look at our website for details of how to apply.
Secondary School Young Leaders: We have places available at three of our Singing Picnics for secondary school Young Song Leaders to help lead younger children in singing games alongside our professional team of vocal tutors. For more information, contact Nancy Gillio-Terry, Vocal Strategy Manager at nancy.gillioterry@surreycc.gov.uk
Surrey Arts has launched a new singing ensemble in Limpsfield, Oxted to give young people aged 8-13 years the opportunity to sing and perform with other enthusiastic singers. Surrey Arts Young Singers (SAYS) is a new singing experience, led by Hannah Carpenter, where students will learn to sing songs from Bach to Beyoncé, combining movement and song, singing all the music they love.
Area Manager for the East, Yvette Madden says ‘We are really excited about this new singing group as it will give young people based in the east of the county a chance to experience a fun and dynamic singing group and combine music from different genres. We have an amazing tutor and are looking forward to future performances.’
Come and join us in this new adventure under the guidance of our fantastic tutors! No experience is needed, just the love of singing and having fun.
Age range: 8 – 13 years
Venue: Hazelwood School, Wolfs Hill, Limpsfield, Oxted RH8 0QU
Day and time: Saturdays 9am – 10.30am
Cost: £7.70 a session. (no extra cost for existing area ensemble members)
Just So Singers is for those young people who love to sing! Led by experienced conductor Caroline Pearce with assistant teacher Lucy Zirins. We are an adaptable, welcoming, and wholly inclusive group for young people age 9-19 years in mainstream education, with additional needs and for those attending SEND schools.
Maybe you struggle to feel part of a group, or have additional needs which require a celebratory, friendly, empathetic environment? Well, this vocal ensemble is right for you! We aim to celebrate and bring out the best in each individual, whilst promoting awareness of how to be a ‘team player’ through singing together.
Just So Singers is so much more than a singalong; we build self-esteem by encouraging a ‘can do’ attitude. There is opportunity within our rehearsals to share verbally and vocally, but no pressure to do so if you are not feeling confident that day. We sing a range of songs, including many well-known ‘pop’ songs. We encourage signing, movement to music and actions, as well as simple percussion parts.
You may read; if so there are the words available to all our songs. You may prefer to learn as you listen and respond in the sessions; that’s great too! You may join in with Makaton signing, BSL or movement to music and that’s very welcome too! Whatever is right for you we will take on board. We believe music is for everyone to enjoy in their own way.
There will be opportunities to sing in front of an audience and build on those team skills developed in sessions: to take turns; work together; listen to each other and understand some of the important performance skills which translate into life skills for
the future.
Age range: 9 – 19 years
Venue: Philip Southcote School, Weybridge, Addlestone, KT15 2QH
Together at Home is an inclusive music ensemble for young people aged 9 – 19 who attend Special Schools in Surrey. Whilst there are no specific entry requirements and no audition process, participants need to be comfortable making music with peers and interacting with tutors via Zoom.
Together at Home will be led by a small, yet awesome team of music teachers who are experienced in supporting young people with a wide range of learning needs. Participants will be able to sing, vocalise and play percussion. If you have access to a drum that’s fantastic but not crucial as we will be teaching body percussion and using objects from around the home (don’t worry, not breakable ones!).
For students between 11 and 18 years old. The only UK school and college composition festival that celebrates ALL genres of music. Whether your students are classically trained and play an instrument, talented rappers and singer-songwriters or have a keen ear for
mixing sounds to produce unique tracks, the MusicFirst Young Creative Musician Festival
gives your students a platform to share their talents.
Winning students receive a Focusrite studio kit and personalised message from YolanDa, and the school will also receive a license of Soundtrap for Education for one year. MusicFirst are also offering any school who takes part the option to sign up for an extended trial of Soundtrap to use for the duration of the competition, so their students have a DAW to work with.
This is a fantastic opportunity for students and a great project for teachers to get them involved in over the coming. Entries must be submitted by Friday 2 June. For more information and to sign up, visit https://lp.musicfirst.co.uk/young-creative-musician-festival
The Primary Singing Toolkitis a free digital resource for primary music teachers, by the ISM Trust, in partnership with the Voices Foundation and supported by the Schools Music Association (SMA). Discover inspirational and practical singing strategies to enhance your music curriculum, and feel empowered to share the joy of singing with your students.
Music Mark: Ofsted Update on SchoolsThere is a recording now available of Music Mark’s presentation from Christopher Stevens HMI. The presentation focuses on Ofsted ‘Deep Dives’ on music and should be of great interest to school music leaders. You can find the recording and presentation slides here:
This session will provide an opportunity to develop your skills and confidence in delivering simple songs and instrumental work with very young children. We will also look at ways of encouraging musical play, supporting it through adult interactions with children, and ways settings can celebrate children’s musical achievements.
Participants will:
· Gain skills in learning a few appropriate rhymes and simple songs to develop very young children’s musicality
· Develop skills to notice and support very young children’s music-making in all areas of your setting
· Watch and discuss young children’s spontaneous music making and look at ways adults might play creatively with them
Discuss theoretical information to inform and support our practice, with a brief over-view of musical development of very young children and the benefits of music making in the early years.
For all primary music teachers and music leaders in Surrey schools to discuss practical ways to provide a music provision in their school. We invite primary schools to present case studies and facilitate discussion on the current challenges, needs and seek to find solutions. This session will include a case study from St Nicholas Primary about First Start Music. We will also be looking at the new ISM and Voices Foundation Primary Singing Resources. Full agenda will be confirmed near the time. Send and points you would like discussed or case study ideas to alex.bondonno@surreycc.gov.uk.
Growth spurts during puberty bring about a period of extraordinary physical growth for both girls and boys which has a dramatic effect in boys’ voices. Girls’ voices also undergo a period of more subtle, but often noticeable, change. Teenagers find that their singing range completely alters and their voice becomes unpredictable, leading to frustration, self-consciousness and ultimately a lack of confidence and reluctance to sing.
This workshop will provide participants with a clear explanation of the effects of pubertal growth on both boys’ and girls’ voices and the vocal difficulties that are frequently faced by teenagers and those undergoing hormonal change. It will also outline a number of practical strategies and approaches in order to equip teachers and choir directors with ideas for creating an inclusive approach that aims to encourage young people to continue to engage with singing.
Suzanne Chadwick, MA (Music), MA (Voice Pedagogy), is a graduate of the University of St Andrews and the University of Wales Trinity St David. Suzanne is a passionate educator of young singers and combines her many years of performing and teaching experience with an active engagement in voice science and research. She is currently completing a PhD on the subject of the adolescent male voice, and also includes vocal registers, breathing methodology and vocal health in her research interests. Sign up via our CPD events form
Create and Sing CPD Workshops
Thursday 27 April 16.00–17.30 (online)
Tuesday 23 May 13.00–16.00 (in-person)
Audience: Primary School Teachers
Session Leaders: Royal Opera House artists
Create and Sing from the Royal Opera House is coming to Surrey with a NEW and FREE offer for schools to take part in! No previous experience of music or drama is needed for teachers to take part.
Part 2 at Furzefield Primary School, Merstham, Redhill RH1 3PA: Tuesday 23 May 13.00–16.00 book your FREE place here
Alternative Part 2Session. We will be offering an alternative in-person session in the Autumn Term for teachers who can’t make our May date! Register your interest via our CPD events form and watch this space!
Once you have completed the Create and Sing CPD training, you are invited to use the resources with your class in the way that best suits you.
Easy to deliver across a half term. Once your training is complete you will receive termly invites to optional interactive digital workshops, led by Royal Opera House artists, which bookend an optional and flexible 5 lesson scheme of work. Find out more on our website.
An Introduction to Music and Makaton
Wednesday 24 May 16.00-17.00 via Zoom
Audience: Special schools, music teachers working in SEN settings
Session leader: Jane Allen
This session is aimed at teachers who work using music as a tool to support Children and Young People with Special Needs and Disabilities. During the session the trainer will explore the role of Makaton to support participant’s musical development and inclusion as well as sharing some useful signs and symbols that can be put straight into practice.
Following the relocation of Surrey County Council, this Electone Yamaha Electric Organ was removed from the decommissioned County Hall and now needs a new home.
Running for over 40 years, the next Easter Music Course is from Sunday 5 – Thursday 9 April 2020. Bookings are now open.
Other workshops
Surrey Arts run a variety of music workshops throughout the year for young people. These range from instrumental master classes to instrument skills, DJ & music production with experienced tutors. Workshops are held during school holidays, after school or at weekends all over the county.
DJ & Music Production
DJ & Music Production – a chance to learn how to beat match tracks and produce some unique beats of your own.
A unique half day workshop for young people to learn the art of DJ-ing and an introduction to music technology in a fun and educational way. Use mixing consoles to beat match , blend, cut, paste and scratch music to create a DJ mix. No previous musical experience necessary.
Saturday 14 December – The Bridge Youth Centre, Leatherhead KT22 7RB
8 – 16 year olds – 10.00am – 1.00pm
Monday 6 April – Royal Alexandra & Albert School, Redhill
8 – 11 year olds – 9.00am – 12.00pm 11 – 16 year olds – 1.00 – 4.00pm
The Surrey Primary Festival concerts are back! Come along to this online workshop with conductor Cole Bendall as an introduction to Teresa Jennings’ “Positive” and some of the other music to be included in the 2023 Primary Festival concerts. This is a good way to have a first listen to the songs your children will be singing and to get some ideas for ways to teach the music in your school. A follow-on workshop with more teaching tips will be offered in January.
Thursday 10 November 16.00-17.30 at Chertsey High School, Addlestone KT15 2EP
A session to help develop the choral leadership skills of teachers/MEH staff to lead high quality, whole school singing and choir sessions. This session is appropriate for new choir leaders or more experienced leaders who would like to further develop their leading skills. It makes a good follow-on session from our October “Start Your Choir!” workshop.
Greetings from all our colleagues at Surrey Arts and very best wishes for the coming half –term and for your preparations for seasonal performance events at the end of term.
Please see below our second newsletter for this term, with details of a wide range of events and courses of interest to all who are interested in developing opportunities for music in Surrey schools.
The 2023 Primary Music Festival concerts are filling up quickly and several dates are already full. Space remains at our Dorking Halls concerts on the following dates 26 April, 11 & 15 May, 14, 15 & 20 June. Get in touch now if you’d like your school to take part!
Your registration gives you access to all the music you will need and some helpful online learning resources to help you prepare your children in learning the music. Specialised CPD is also available to teachers. The concerts are a great way for children to sing with other schools in one of Surrey’s top venues, along with a professional backing band. Email becca.jones@surreycc.gov.uk to request an application form for your preferred date.
Surrey Arts are expanding their ABRSM Grade 5 music theory online group classes and now offering individual online theory lesson for ABRSM Grades 1-3 or 6-8.
The lessons cost £9.50 per session for a 45minute online group lesson or £21.50 per session for a 30 minute online individual lesson.
Offering students of all abilities, from year one and above, the chance to try a wide range of contemporary instruments, learning together, as a group of 3 or more students. Instruments include guitar, drums, keyboards, bass guitar and ukulele – try each instrument or focus on your favourite.
Cost: £8.60 per lesson
Day and time: Thursdays from 4pm
Venue: Woking Youth Arts Centre, Trinity Road, GU21 2SY
In thisrecording of this Music Mark session, Ofsted’s Christopher Stevens, HMI National Lead for music, presents their latest thinking on effective assessment of music in schools. Christopher’s presentation, touching on different types and regularity of assessment, is followed by a period of Q&A covering a variety of topics raised by attendees.
Please find the recording of the session along with presentation slides on this link:
Classroom 200 is a free online resource for school teachers working with students up to the age of 14. Featuring 200 recordings of inspiring music in a range of styles, plus accompanying lesson plans, Classroom 200 is all about bringing music to life in the classroom.
Lessons can be filtered by age, musical element or classroom layout. Each lesson plan contains a learning objective, key terminology, resources needed, ideas for whole class learning, small group activities and ‘support and challenge’ suggestions.
Surrey Arts continues to offer all schools in Surrey free membership of Music Mark, the UK’s subject association for music education. Music Mark membership can offer your school opportunities for training and networking, as well as useful resources. You can find out more here.
In order to apply for membership please complete this form. To be granted membership we ask you to write a short statement which addresses the Music Mark membership criteria, and shows:
evidence of a willingness to engage in developmental conversations related to improving music provision, including with the Music Hub
recognition of the value of music education as part of a broad and balanced curriculum
a strategy for music in place which provides for all children
• evidence of engagement with Surrey Music Hub
Applications should be made with the support of the school’s headteacher.
UP! Orchestra is a free inclusive orchestra for experienced musicians, complete beginners and anyone in between. This award-winning ensemble is designed to be accessible for young people aged 13+ of all abilities, including those with special educational needs. We are particularly interested in welcoming Looked After Children, children from diverse backgrounds and any young people who have found it difficult to access music because of their life circumstances. Equally, if you’re a young person who just loves to make new music in a fun and creative way then we’d love to hear from you also. Best of all, there is no audition process and it’s totally free to attend!
UP! Orchestra is led by an awesome team of professional musicians whose aim is to ensure each participant has a meaningful musical and dance experience regardless of ability, musical interest, vocal style or instrument. The team is experienced in supporting young people in mainstream settings as well as those who have mental health, disability, behavioural, ESL (English as a second language) needs and young people from diverse cultural backgrounds.
During the Saturday morning music sessions, the young people will be taking part in a range of fun and fulfilling music activities. The theme this term is Pop Music! UP! Orchestra warmly welcomes new members to apply online or contact Lucy.Zirins@surreycc.gov.uk for further information.
The Role of Play in Children’s Musical Learning and Singing
Thursday 3 November 15.45-17.15 via Zoom
Singing doesn’t always have to take place in the choir! Establishing a culture of singing-play in your classroom is easier than you might think and can have significant benefits on your classroom community and each individual child’s wellbeing, vocal and musical development, and personal and social skills. This session led by Ex Cathedra’s ), Rebecca Ledgard will leave you with lots of activities to enjoy doing with your children. Rebecca has worked as Ex Cathedra’s Director of Education and Participation since 2000 and has led Singing Playgrounds and other significant projects across the UK and internationally. She was bestowed with honorary membership for the services to music education by Royal Birmingham Conservatoire.
Thursday 10 November 16.00-17.30 at Chertsey High School, Addlestone KT15 2EP
A Voices Foundation session to help develop the choral leadership skills of teachers/MEH staff to lead high quality, whole school singing and choir sessions. This session is appropriate for new choir leaders or more experienced leaders who would like to further develop their leading skills. It makes a good follow-on session from our October “Start Your Choir!” workshop.
Introducing the Music of the 2023 Primary Festival Concerts – workshop 1
Tuesday 15 November 15.45-17.00 via Zoom
The Surrey Primary Festival concerts are back! Come along to this online workshop with conductor Cole Bendall as an introduction to Teresa Jennings’ “Positive” and some of the other music to be included in the 2023 Primary Festival concerts. This is a good way to have a first listen to the songs your children will be singing and to get some ideas for ways to teach the music in your school. A follow-on workshop with more teaching tips will be offered in January.
An opportunity to hear about music opportunities for vulnerable children and young people as well as make connections, find solutions and discuss the topics that are currently important to attendees.
Tuesday 22 November 16.00 -17.00 at Surrey Arts, 14 The Pines, Guildford, GU3 3BH
A workshop exploring teaching years 5 & 6 how to compose using GarageBand. This session, with our Digital Music Lead, James Crompton, will provide lesson ideas for teaching full classes to create their own musical projects; teach students how to make voice collages & sonic art, video game themes, raps & vocals, rock & pop and dance music. GarageBand is easy to use, and notes are available with lesson ideas, learning objectives and studio tips. The workshop would suit both class teachers and music specialists looking to get their pupils exploring and creating their own music digitally.
Thursday 24 November 17.00-18.30 at Cranleigh School, Horseshoe Lane, Cranleigh, GU6 8QQ
A workshop hosted by Cole Bendall, for teachers who want to develop their choir’s skills in singing in 2 or more parts. This practical workshop will explore ways in which to introduce part singing, rehearsal techniques, and real-world examples from music submitted by teachers. Learn methods you can put to use straight away in preparing your holiday concerts!
Charanga and the Model Music Curriculum
Monday 5 December 16:00-17:00 via Zoom
Please note change of date due to National Bank Holiday
Surrey Arts and Charanga warmly invite you to this high-level overview looking at the structure of the Charanga units, the range of learning activities and supporting documentation. Led by Timothy Bond.
Below we highlight some free music workshops by other providers, that may be of interest
Inspire-Works free online djembe leader training
Wednesday 9th November 5:30pm-6:30pm (GMT)
Fully interactive session via Zoom – bring a hand-drum (e.g. djembe) to brush up on your technique!
Using Inspire-Works’ model of workshop facilitating as a starting point, participants will have the opportunity to:
Learn:
new djembe facilitation skills for whole-class teaching
the roles of the djembe, dununs, bells and talking drums within a typical Senegalese ensemble and what classroom percussion instruments are suitable substitutions
how to use differentiation in a whole-class environment with different age groups.
Engage:
in practical music-making activities to help enhance your own teaching
in discussions with other like-minded facilitators/teachers.
Develop:
techniques for teaching djembe in the classroom
an understanding of appropriate West African music and pedagogy for different age groups.
We are delighted to be sending you our first newsletter of this academic year, and we send it with very best wishes to all Surrey teachers for the coming year in school. Below you will find news and information about opportunities for schools, including an exciting programme of CPD for the autumn term, delivered both by Surrey Arts and by external provider organisations.
As you will be aware, the new National Plan for Music Education was announced by the DFE just before the summer. This will be an important focus for Surrey Music Hub and Surrey Arts during the coming year and will be an important topic for discussion at the Primary Music Network, and also at Music Mark’s OFSTED Update on Music in Schools. Other CPD this term includes a variety of practical workshops, both online and face-to-face, covering various aspects of music making in primary schools, an introduction to the latest version of Charanga’s Musical School, and a session on whole class teaching using GarageBand. Pleasesee below for full details.
We are also pleased to remind schools about our Wardrobe Hire where you can find an amazing range of costumes for your productions, workshops and projects, see below for full details.
Finally, to help us provide the best possible service to schools, please note our request regarding signing up to CPD sessions, and also do let us know if your school would be interested in being a host school for one of our CPD sessions.
We will be discussing the impacts of the new plan at the Primary Music Network on Wednesday 21 September. In the meantime, a very good summary of the impact for schools can be found at The Music Teachers Association website: https://www.musicteachers.org/npme/
Surrey Arts Open Ensemble Rehearsals Week 17-23 September
Surrey Arts provides over 40 different choirs, bands, orchestras and music groups across the county, for all ages and abilities. Our Open Rehearsals Week gives young people of all abilities the opportunity to come and try an ensemble, for free. The aim of this week is to encourage young musicians to play a musical instrument of their choice in a setting that’s best for them. Playing an instrument has many benefits; including helping to boost or aid development, as well as providing the opportunity to have fun and make new friends.
We were delighted to welcome schools back for the Primary Music Festival season in 2022 and have now confirmed the following dates for the 2023 season. Applications will open shortly!
Surrey arts is able to offer all schools in Surrey free membership of Music Mark, the UK’s subject association for music education. Music Mark membership can offer your school opportunities for training and networking, as well as useful resources. You can find out more here.
In order to apply for membership please complete this form. To be granted membership we ask you to write a short statement which addresses the Music Mark membership criteria, and shows:
• evidence of a willingness to engage in developmental conversations related to improving music provision, including with the Music Hub
• recognition of the value of music education as part of a broad and balanced curriculum
• a strategy for music in place which provides for all children
• evidence of engagement with Surrey Music Hub
Applications should be made with the support of the school’s headteacher.
Wardrobe News
Wardrobe is raring to go and looking forward to welcoming you back for the Autumn term, which is traditionally our busiest period. Surrey Arts Wardrobe provides theatrical costume hire and educational resource for schools, drama groups and industry professionals; offering a unique collection of thousands of items of costume, vintage clothing and accessories to bring your shows, productions and events to life.
Browse our wardrobe! If you haven’t been to our Wardrobe for a while, or are new to our service, we encourage you to book a ‘prep’ appointment to come and explore our vast stock and discuss your aspirations for your next school production or topic workshop.
Costumes can be reserved for up to six weeks before your hire date and we operate an appointment only system for pick-ups and drop offs. If you are a regular hire customer, you could benefit from our membership programme, which includes 15% off our listed prices and a free ‘borrow’ week for fittings but membership is no longer compulsory for invoiced hire.
As accessories make a look more believable, we have reduced the prices on many of our accessories to help you complete outfits at an affordable price. You can find an up-to-date price guide and contact details on our website www.surreyartswardrobe.org.uk
Baroque Sessions from The Benedetti Foundation
The Benedetti Foundation is delighted to present a new edition of the Baroque Virtual Sessions. Taking place between 26 September and 2 October, we will be joined by internationally acclaimed Baroque Specialists including: Rachel Podger (violin), David Watkin (cello), Leo Duarte (oboe), Liz Kenny (lute), Steven Devine (harpsichord), Ursula Paludan Monberg (horn).
From 26-30 September, we will be releasing a series of short films exploring a range of baroque concepts. We hope these will be particularly of interest to students studying baroque as part of their exam-based music courses, and teachers can access this resource free of charge. They will be added to our existing Discover Baroque video resources.
On the weekend of 1-2 October, each baroque specialist will lead a live 1-hour session exploring the baroque era through the eyes of their instrument / family of instruments. These sessions are open to all ages, all instruments, all levels and they will be recorded and made available to all registered participants for 3 months.
Full information and the registration form can be found here. There is a registration fee of £15 to cover costs, and full bursaries available to anyone (just tick the box on the form). The closing date to register to join in the live weekend is 30 September.
Schools who wish to register to receive the resources and access to the recorded sessions can do so free of charge by entering a lead teacher’s information.
It is important for us to have a good idea of who is attending our CPD sessions, so that we know they are viable, and can prepare according to the group size we are expecting.
We would ask for your assistance and only sign up via the Autumn CPD events form for those sessions you intend to attend, and please let us know as early as possible if you will not be joining a session for any reason.
Primary Music Network
Wednesday 21 September 15.45-17.15 via Zoom
A session for all primary music teachers and music leaders in Surrey schools to discuss practical ways to provide a music provision in their school. We invite primary schools to present case studies and facilitate discussion on the current challenges, needs and seek to find solutions. This session will include a vocal warm up from Cole Bendall and presentation from ABRSM on their 200 pieces digital resources. We will be using the session to have a detailed discussion around the New Music Plan and its implications for your schools.
Full Agenda will be confirmed nearer the time. Send points you would like discussed to alex.bondonno@surreycc.gov.uk
New to being a music coordinator? Want practical ideas on how to take on this role at your school? Perhaps you have been in the role for a while, but would like more support and ideas? Whether you are a musician or not, taking on the challenge of leading music at a school can be a daunting task, but highly rewarding! Led by Alex Bondonno (Surrey Arts) and Kate Sweeney (St John’s Primary), this workshop will give you practical ideas on how to be an effective music leader for your school, looking at curriculum, instrumental uptake, choirs and ensembles and just getting music happening in your school.
Inclusive drum circles and body percussion workshop
Saturday 1 October 11.00-12.00 at The Bridge Youth Centre, Leatherhead, KT22 7RB
Led by Ollie Tunmer from Beat Goes On, this free, bite size workshop will equip participants with new skills and activities to imbed within their practice. The workshop is aimed at music teachers who have already had some experience of incorporating percussion and movement within their sessions with young people and are interested in developing their inclusive practice.
Start your choir: how to teach a song, find diverse material and lead primary school children in singing. If you’re new to leading singing in your school or just want some fresh ideas to help energise your primary school choir, this is the session for you! Learn some new techniques, explore new songs, and come away with some practical materials that you can put to use right away with your children using tried and true teaching methods. Led by Ula Weber (Sing for Pleasure, National Teachers’ Choir, Ex Cathedra), this is a great confidence booster for the new year!
Music with a focus on rhythm in EYFS and KS1: Stephen Grocott
Tuesday 11 October 16.00-17.30 in Person, Location TBC
This practical workshop is full of material and ideas to enhance learning, performance and creativity. It will focus on the rhythmic elements in music and their connection with movement, language and mathematics and participants will learn:
• New highly enjoyable and memorable songs and rhymes that can make the basis of music teaching and contribute to sociable mat times
• Ways of using this material with a focus on finding and making rhythm patterns with and without percussion instruments
• How rhythm work connects with mathematical thinking and language acquisition as well as addressing each part of the revised EYFS statutory framework
• How to move from improvising with rhythm to the beginnings of composition with or without instruments and including tuned percussion
Rhythm is a fundamental skill that is the foundation for all musical performance. Alex Bondonno leads a practical workshop giving ideas on how to teach and embed rhythmic skills for all your pupils allowing them to grow into aspiring young musicians.
An opportunity to hear about music opportunities for vulnerable children and young people as well as make connections, find solutions and discuss the topics that are currently important to attendees.
The Role of Play in Children’s Musical Learning and Singing
Thursday 3 November 15.45-17.15 via Zoom
Singing doesn’t always have to take place in the choir! Establishing a culture of singing-play in your classroom is easier than you might think and can have significant benefits on your classroom community and each individual child’s wellbeing, vocal and musical development, and personal and social skills. This session led by Ex Cathedra’s Rebecca Ledgard will leave you with lots of activities to enjoy doing with your children. Rebecca has worked as Ex Cathedra’s Director of Education and Participation since 2000 and has led Singing Playgrounds and other significant projects across the UK and internationally. She was bestowed with honorary membership for the services to music education by Royal Birmingham Conservatoire.
Thursday 10 November 16.00-17.30 at Chertsey High School, Addlestone KT15 2EP
A session to help develop the choral leadership skills of teachers/MEH staff to lead high quality, whole school singing and choir sessions. This session is appropriate for new choir leaders or more experienced leaders who would like to further develop their leading skills. It makes a good follow-on session from our October “Start Your Choir!” workshop.
Introducing the Music of the 2023 Primary Festival Concerts – workshop 1
Tuesday 15 November 15.45-17.00 via Zoom
The Surrey Primary Festival concerts are back! Come along to this online workshop with conductor Cole Bendall as an introduction to Teresa Jennings’ “Positive” and some of the other music to be included in the 2023 Primary Festival concerts. This is a good way to have a first listen to the songs your children will be singing and to get some ideas for ways to teach the music in your school. A follow-on workshop with more teaching tips will be offered in January.
Tuesday 22 November 16.00 -17.00 at Surrey Arts, 14 The Pines, Guildford, GU3 3BH
A workshop exploring teaching years 5 & 6 how to compose using GarageBand. This session, with our Digital Music Lead, James Crompton, will provide lesson ideas for teaching full classes to create their own musical projects; teach students how to make voice collages & sonic art, video game themes, raps & vocals, rock & pop and dance music. GarageBand is easy to use, and notes are available with lesson ideas, learning objectives and studio tips. The workshop would suit both class teachers and music specialists looking to get their pupils exploring and creating their own music digitally.
Please note change of date due to National Bank Holiday
Surrey Arts and Charanga warmly invite you to this high-level overview looking at the structure of the Charanga units, the range of learning activities and supporting documentation. Led by Timothy Bond.
Below we highlight some free music workshops by other providers, that may be of interest
KS1 & KS2 focused interactive workshop from the Royal Opera House
Tuesday 4 October, 14.00-15.00, via Teams
This LIVE workshop invites schools to join ROH music and drama practitioners as they rehearse and lead participants through a culmination performance; followed by a special opportunity to meet an opera singer.
Register your class and/or school by Friday 30 September, to take part in this pilot study for ‘What is Opera?’ as the ROH explore how to best support school communities in providing access to the Royal Opera House. If you have any questions, please contact createandsing@roh.org.uk
Music Mark Event: OFSTED Update on Music in Schools
Wednesday 5 October, 16.00-17.15 (online)
Ofsted’s HMI National Lead for music, Christopher Stevens will discuss effective assessment in music and includes 15 minutes for questions.
