Surrey Arts are delighted to be shortlisted for not one but two national awards at the Music & Drama Education Awards 2021. The Music & Drama Education Awards celebrate the extraordinary contribution made by professionals, companies, charities, schools and other organisations to the lives of others through the medium of music and drama.

Head of Service Sarah Lee says ‘We are hugely proud to be shortlisted for two awards! We have an amazing inclusion team who have worked really hard to support young people during these challenging times. We are passionate about the impact music can have on young people’s lives and we are thrilled that our commitment has been recognised through this nomination’

Surrey Arts have been shortlisted in the category for Outstanding Musical Initiative with the Surrey Arts Online Inclusion Programme and the UP! Orchestra shortlisted in the Excellence in SEND (Music & Drama) category for their Music of Black Origin Programme.

Jim Pinchen UP! Orchestra Programme Lead said ‘We know that music of Black origin continues to inspire our children and young people and it’s been a privilege to explore the roots of some of these genres with out talented participants. We were delighted that our programme has been recognised and selected by the judging panel and we look forward to sharing our learning with colleagues and children and young people across our diverse county in the future. 

The organisers write: “The Surrey Arts Online Inclusion Programme has been shortlisted in the category Outstanding Musical Initiative and the UP! Orchestra for their Music of Black Origin Programme has been shortlisted in the category Excellence in SEND (Music & Drama).  This is a tremendous achievement against extremely tough competition this year, congratulations! 

The awards will be premiered live at 6.00pm on the 24^th March 2021 at https://www.musicdramaedawards.com/ and Facebook Live.”