SMA Bulletin 188

Supporting Music in Schools

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the SCHOOLS MUSIC ASSOCIATION part of the Incorporated Society of Musicians

SUMMER 2015 No. 188 £2.50

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ULLETIN Hon. editor: Carole Lindsay-Douglas carole@lindsaymusic.co.uk tel: 01767-260815

Two Lions and another character from ‘The Way’ by Alison Hedger photo taken during the dress rehearsal at Winchester Cathedral on 11 March

SMA CATHEDRAL FESTIVAL takes place at

WINCHESTER CATHEDRAL

THE WAY, a music-drama by composer and ISM-SMA Member Alison Hedger was performed at Winchester Cathedral on Wednesday 11 March. The event incorporated local primary schools from Winchester as well as Princes Mead School and pupils from Winchester College.

Alison Hedger herself was musical director for this latest SMA Cathedral Festival with stage direction by Gillian Pitt. Alison and Gillian undertook the teaching of music and stagecraft through a series of visits to each of the participating schools.

The work itself is based upon John Bunyan’s ‘The Pilgrim’s Progress’ with music and lyrics by Alison Hedger. The piece continued overleaf…

is divided into eight ‘chapters’ with different schools taking responsibility for different chapters, thus lightening the amount of work for any one school.

SMA supported the project from a grant received from the NUT for Cathedrals Festivals. Time was also freely given by Alison and Gillian on the creative team, and Reg Fletcher and Jay Deeble on the administrative side. Technical support and expertise in the form of sound and lighting was provided by students and staff from Brockenhurst College.

Winchester Cathedral embraced this project as part of their education outreach programme, and SMA is most grateful to the Dean and Chapter for this assistance. An audience of 300, made up of parents and other family members, as well as visitors to the Cathedral from the UK and beyond, gave the performers a standing ovation at the conclusion of the performance - unprecedented in the experience of Cathedral officials for an event of this kind.

Alison Hedger, who directed from the piano, commented after the performance; “As the composer I am on cloud nine!”

Post performance comments received …

Micheldever C of E Primary Thank you so much for involving us. The children got so much out of the experience and had a wonderful time (as did the parents).You should feel extremely proud of putting it all together. It was remarkable!

Thanks again …

Winchester College Many congratulations on your extraordinary achievement in the Cathedral yesterday afternoon. The performance of ‘The Way’ was profoundly moving and an absolute triumph. It was wonderful to see the sense of pride on the faces of all those involved, and particularly the youngsters. We were amazed how it had all come together within a short and busy term; you must be delighted. Thank you for enabling our CS Entertainers to be involved in this important community project. The boys thoroughly enjoyed the experience, and the unique opportunity to perform alongside such enthusiastic and gifted youngsters.

Itchen Abbas Primary Thank you for yesterday. The children have really enjoyed it and have relished the opportunity to perform in the cathedral.

Many of our parents have mentioned how good it was and how proud of their children they were.

I was really impressed with how it all came together. All the contributing schools/groups were brilliant and, if I say so myself, put on a great show.You must be really pleased and proud.

Many thanks to Alison and Gilly, and everyone else involved.

Prince’s Mead School Yesterday was indeed a triumph and I was so amazed by what you achieved with all those children. Having the Winchester College boys in the key roles was perfect; I thought they were all amazing, beautiful voices and beautiful speaking voices.

Our children did us proud and as always Sue Williams (Choir Mistress) was inspirational, she is a wonder. I loved the playing of Alison Hedger; it was a joy to listen to.

All in all such a lovely afternoon in the Cathedral.

Well done and thank you for inviting us.

Alison Hedger pictured in Winchester Cathedral at the dress rehearsal for ‘The Way’

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Sparsholt C of E Primary It was a really special event to be part of. It was a fantastic idea and the music and direction from Alison and Gilly were amazing. We feel privileged to be part of it and who knows where our paths may cross in the future?

Thank you for inviting us to be part of ‘The Way’.

More snapshots from the dress rehearsal of ‘The Way’

(left) Gillian Pitt, stage director

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OCARINA world record legacy …

The next event in the continuing story of SMA and ocarinas, will be the Ocarina Festival, to be directed by David and Christa Liggins at Samuel Whitbread Academy in Clifton, Bedfordshire on Tuesday 28 April 2015. This will be an afterschool event with youngsters from the 14 schools who, in the Autumn term, received sets of ocarinas and teacher training.

SMA is funding the event in collaboration with Inspiring Music, the Music Hub for Central Bedfordshire.

On a corporate note, Ocarina Workshop, owned by David and Christa Liggins, received the Music Teacher magazine award for Best Music Education Product, for the four-hole ocarina, at the special awards dinner held in conjunction with the recent Music Education Expo at the Barbican in London. Heartiest congratulations go to David and Christa for this not insignificant achievment. SMA always knew you were winners!

The category of Best Music Education Product Award had to meet the requirement that the product should be something that combines creative potential, ease of use, affordability and practicality. The ceremony was hosted by ClassicFM’s Margherita Taylor.

If you haven’t yet discovered ocarinas, but would like to know more, go to www.ocarina.co.uk

Special opportunity for ISM-SMA Members from Ocarina Workshop You can request scores, videos and teaching resources to ‘get creative’ in response to the BBC’s Ten Pieces...

Pictured at the awards ceremony from left to right: Margherita Taylor, David Liggins, Christa Liggins and Paul McManus, (Chief Executive of the Music Industries Association)

As ‘National Champions’, Ocarina Workshop are producing simple but effective arrangements for Whole-class Ocarinas, suitable for Infants and Juniors, to encourage your children to listen to, play and respond creatively to these ten classical pieces.

Please email news@ocarina.co.uk with your details and your school details so we can forward pdf and mp3 files to you by return.

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See more details on http://www.ocarina.co.uk/bbc-ten-pieces

ISM-SMA CPD Opportunity …

A guide to progression, curriculum and

assessment One day seminar led by Dr Alison Daubney for primary school teachers

Tuesday 9 June, 9.30am-4pm, at ISM, 4-5 Inverness Mews, London W2 3JQ One year into the new National Curriculum for Music, this workshop offers a framework for reflecting upon the development of the music education in your school or hub. To help you to continue to develop music education, it will use examples from schools and hubs to present a range of new and developing approaches to music education throughout primary education, including examples of how worthwhile music education can be threaded through cross-curricular approaches. The workshop seeks to encourage you to share, critique and develop your own work, considering particularly whether the messages your music curriculum sends to pupils are those underpinning your core values and principles. The session also aims to promote understanding and confidence to: • develop a joined-up and relevant music education which takes into account children’s whole musical lives • encompass opportunities for musical learning within and beyond the curriculum • critique resources and strategies and develop ways to support other colleagues • explore and implement models of assessment and progression which have musical learning at the core • facilitate musical learning which is mindful of school and Ofsted expectations • lead inspiring and creative teaching and learning across the primary years The maximum number of delegates in the workshop is 16 in order for it to be personalised and in-depth. The workshop will be led by teacher-trainer and international music education consultant, Dr Alison Daubney, author of many of the National Curriculum support materials developed for the teaching professional and freely available through the ISM. To book* (£25 members, £35 non-members including refreshments and lunch) or for more information, please email ceri.wood@ism.org or call 020 7221 3499. *Please mention the SMA Bulletin when applying, to assist with marketing information.

ISM-SMA Annual Conference - the future …?

Carole Lindsay-Douglas, former Hon. Secretary of SMA, reports that although last year’s SMA 76th Annual CPD Weekend was a great success in terms of sessions delivered and satisfaction levels regarding content and presentation, the weekend failed financially. There were two factors which contributed to this; firstly, SMA was not in receipt of any grant funding from sponsors, as it had been in previous years, and secondly, that too few delegates attended, in order to balance the equation between expediture and income. Fortunately, there were sufficient reserves in the SMA bank account to cover the shortfall, but it is something that cannot be replicated year-on-year.

At the meeting of the new ISM-SMA Steering Committee, last November, the matter of an annual residential training weekend was thoroughly discussed. Members felt that there is great value to those who attend such an event, but that in today’s climate - both financial, and in terms of work-life balance, fewer and fewer music teachers are able, or willing to devote a whole weekend out of their valuable non-work time. So, it is with great regret that the long tradition of an SMA Annual Conference is suspended for the time being. Instead, the intention is to explore the possibilities of one-day events at various locations around the country.

We want to hear your views. What would you like to see? Where would you like to see such a day take place?

Our next Steering Group meeting is on 6 June 2015, so please send your thoughts on content, venue and time of year for possible one-day events to ISM-SMA Steering Group c/o 24 Royston Street, Potton, Beds., SG19 2LP or email Carole Lindsay-Douglas: carole@lindsaymusic.co.uk It would be appreciated if your ideas could arrive no later than 31 May 2015.

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News from Abbey Road Studios …

The world famous Abbey Road Studios has announced its first foray into education with the launch of Abbey Road Institute.

This international initiative will offer a 12-month Advanced Diploma in Music Production and Sound Engineering aimed at students aged 18 and over in locations around the world including the UK, Germany and Australia. The course is full time and taught over 48 weeks.

The curriculum, developed by audio educational specialists in conjunction with Abbey Road Studios engineers, offers a unique mix of theoretical and practical modules designed to equip students for their first step toward a professional audio engineering and production career.

The course also covers other areas of the music industry, including studio management and music business administration.

The course will be taught by qualified lecturers and recognised music industry experts including producers and label execs alongside guest lectures from Abbey Road Studios engineers.

Peter Cobbin, Senior Director of Engineering at Abbey Road Studios, said of the initiative:

‘Abbey Road Institute benefits from the studios’ 80 years of audio expertise, distilling some of our knowledge into a curriculum of classroom learning and practical studio experience. I’m delighted that the Institute will nurture and inspire a new generation of audio professionals.”

The London Institute will be housed in the legendary north London studio complex and will provide students with access to brand new, purpose-built classroom and studio facilities.

Students will also have the opportunity to use Abbey Road’s hallowed recording spaces, control rooms and equipment. Luca Barassi, a qualified audio engineer with 12 years’ experience in audio education will head up Abbey Road Institute, London.

Speaking of the new initiative he said:

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‘Synonymous with excellence in recorded music for more than 80 years, Abbey Road’s continued success is largely due to its staff and their knowledge. Now we will be able to share some of this expertise in a course which will provide first-class vocational training for people interested in forging a career in the music industry.’

Additional Abbey Road Institutes will launch in Berlin, Munich, Melbourne and Sydney for September 2015 intake with more locations to be announced shortly. Students at these institutes will also have the opportunity to visit and learn at Abbey Road Studios in London.

The Beatles crossing the iconic Abbey Road zebra crossing

ISM-SMA Quiz No.9

Your name:

Open to students who have not yet reached their 12th birthday on 30 June 2015. Please ask your teacher to send in your answers by post to the Hon. Quiz Secretary, 24 Royston Street, Potton, Bedfordshire, SG19 2LP. The deadline for receipt of your answers is 30 June 2015. There are 3 music-related prizes. All correct entries will be put into a hat, and the first three drawn out will receive a prize. Winners will be notified by post. The judges’ decision is final.

Name of teacher and school address:

Please circle your answers 1

What is the largest of the orchestral stringed instruments?

2

Who is the composer of ‘Jupiter’ (from The Planets Suite)?

a) Herold

3

John Williams is a famous composer of film music:

4

How many strings does a standard ukulele have? a) 3 b) 4 c) 5

5

Which composer continued to write music even when, in later life, he became deaf?

a) Beethoven

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In which London concert hall are the Promenade concerts held in the summer? a) The Barbican Centre

b) The Royal Festival Hall

c) The Royal Albert Hall

d) Wembley Arena

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From which work does the ‘Hallelujah Chorus’ come?

a) Handel’s ‘Messiah’

c) Mendelssohn’s ‘Elijah’

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‘Hansel and Gretel’, ‘Carmen’ and ‘The Barber of Seville’ are all examples of what?

a) Oratorio

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Which composer wrote the piano piece ‘Für Elise’?

a) Chopin

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Leonard Bernstein, composer of ‘West Side Story’ lived in the 19th century:

a) ‘Cello

b) Violin

b) Haydn

c) Double Bass

c) Hamilton

b) Britten

b) Musical

b) Liszt

c) Brahms

d) Viola

d) Holst TRUE

FALSE d) 6

d) Bach

b) Bach’s ‘Christmas Oratorio’ d) Britten’s ‘War Requiem’

c) Cantata

d) Opera

c) Beethoven

d) Schumann

TRUE

ANSWERS TO QUIZ no. 8 (SMA Bulletin no. 186 Autumn 2014) 1 b) Lyre: 2 c) Cornu; 3 d) Buccinator 4 a) 1 5 b) 3 beats in a bar 6 b) tambourine 7 a) Woodwind 8 d) Quarter-note 9 TRUE (The kithara was larger than the lyre) 10 a) 6 4 Unfortunately, no-one got all ten answers correct, so no prizes were awarded for Quiz no.8 We were sorry that lack of space in issue no.187 prevented the inclusion of a quiz in that edition. © Lindsay Music 2015

FALSE

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REVIEWS Key Signature Teacher Alfred Publications 99/MKST01 - 06 £6.25 Alfred, from time-to-time, have produced some rather natty devices to help teachers and students come to grips with music theory, and this is another in that tradition. It is an all-in-one flashcard with a quaver dial. There are sharps and flats on a treble stave on one side and the name of the key, both major and minor on the other. Simple but effective, and its durable construction will make you feel that the price tag is justified. It comes in a choice of colours: white (01), yellow (02), blue (03), green (04), purple (05) and pink (06).

Choral & Vocal Warm-ups for pianists ‘Everything the pianist needs to know’ Nancy Litten pub. Alfred 201434UK £8.95 As soon as I saw this book I thought ‘What a great idea!’ So often choirs and singers are in the hands of pianists, who are not necessarily singers or have had any singing training. This book, though only 38 pages long, has managed to present all the essentials. The exercises and examples are all designed to help singers make the best possible sound, while causing the least possible damage to the vocal mechanism, and also provides the pianist with helpful accompaniments to these warm-up activities. As a singer myself, I was delighted to see just how thorough and logical the approach has been. With sections on body relaxation, breathing, vowels, equalising/focusing the tone, intonation, diction (consonants), agility, gentle warm-ups, sight singing and ice-breakers, Nancy Litten has produced an excellent book which will prove invaluable to accompanists (and conductors) at all levels, whether working with choirs (young or old) or soloists. Highly recommended.

Good Morning Monday !

20 Super Songs for Collective Worship Sarah Watts pub. Kevin Mayhew 1450450 (inc. 2 CDs) £12.99 Fun but thought-provoking songs to introduce the values and issues addressed in daily collective worship,

by ISM-SMA member Sarah Watts. Sarah has a passion for encouraging people to enjoy music and this collection reinforces that.

The songbook includes songs about justice, patience, caring, friendship and sharing.

Some songs are upbeat and simple, suitable for Key Stage one, but there are also songs for Key Stage two that tackle more serious world and moral issues. All these songs have a contemporary feel that will appeal to primary and middle school children.

Carole Lindsay-Douglas

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IGAWP

Your participation is needed Pictured right is Beryl Foster an adjudicator of great experience, who has hitherto been the representative for the International Guild of Adjudicators and Workshop Presenters (IGAWP) on the ISM-SMA Steering Committee. Beryl has found it necessary to relinquish this position as she now finds that she is travelling the world to a greater and greater extent in the course of her duties as Chairman of the Grieg Society of Great Britain and President of the International Grieg Society. She is, however, still able to accept adjudication bookings.

So the Steering Group is looking for someone from members of IGAWP to fill Beryl’s position. It involves no more than 3 meetings per year, and much of the business is also done by email. If you would like to help in this way please contact Carole Lindsay-Douglas (carole@lindsaymusic.co.uk) or phone 01767-260815 for further discussion. The next ISM-SMA Steering Group meeting is on Saturday 6 June 2015.

ISM-SMA would like to thank Beryl for her thoughful and enthusiastic input over the last 5 years or so, and wishes her well in her international work.

SNIPPETS Creative Industries worth £8.8m an hour to the UK economy The Department for Culture, Media & Sport has published new figures indicating that the worth of the UK’s Creative Industries is at an all-time high - contributing £79.6 billion per year to the UK economy in 2013 (or £8.8 million per hour).

Other key findings include: - The GVA (Gross Value Added) of the Creative Industries accounted for 5% of the UK economy.

- The creative sector accounted for 5.6% of total UK jobs.

- It’s growth rate was higher than any other UK industry.

Commenting on the findings, Sajid Javid, Secretary of State for Culture, Media & Sport referenced the recent extension of tax relief for UK orchestras and said: “The UK’s Creative Industries are recognised as world leaders around the globe and today’s figures show that they continue to grow from strength to strength. They are one of our most powerful tools in driving growth, outperforming all other sectors of industry and their contribution to the economy is evident to all.”

ISM-SMA hopes that these findings will be influential in the next round of budgetting for music education - whatever the outcome of the impending general election.

London College of Music Exams has launched its new online shop in collaboration with ISM-SMA member Boosey & Hawkes. The shop’s exam music finder offers teachers and students a quick and easy way to select the sheet music they require for LCM exams. For further information visit: http://www.boosey.com/LCMshoplaunch