LET THE MUSIC PLAY ON

It’s been nearly a year since the first national lockdown changed life as we know it. Caroline Morris, Head of the Brent Music Service, updates us on what they’ve been up to

In March 2020, we barely knew what Zoom musicians. “Sparks Fly” will be performed by was. In just two weeks, our dedicated thousands of school children over the next two teachers created two online resources for the years, culminating with a performance in 2,000+ instrument and vocal students and Brent Makes Music at Wembley Arena in 2022. the 9,000+ primary school children we teach “In winter we had our only live performance each week. That summer term we taught of the year as some of our brass players over 5,000 online lessons. brought some much needed festive cheer to

“We were so pleased to get back into schools the Designer Outlet in Wembley. and see our pupils again last September. “This year all teaching is online again and we

Although we had to make some changes to have been busy ensuring there are ensure that teaching was safe. Normally we opportunities for all young musicians in sing in all primary school lessons and share lockdown. Please follow us on social media drums and ukuleles but this wasn’t possible. or check online to see what’s available –

B&Q Cricklewood came to our rescue by www.bit.ly/bmsinfo. donating 1,650 buckets to use as drums and “I am proud that music has been playing on this was great fun for both staff and pupils. to contribute positively to the lives of so many

“We were so proud last term to facilitate Brent children. I thank all our partner schools creating the Brent Anthem “Sparks Fly” with and organisations for their hard work and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, composer support throughout the past year. Without

James Redwood and a group of 15 young Brent them, none of this would have been possible.”

Brent Music School rehearsing

Shivani Rattan, Music’sCool teacher, using B&Q buckets as drums