Around 1,200 children from across the area who are benefiting from the local Music Service will be taking part in a celebration of music in Bath on Wednesday 20th June and Thursday 21st June.
Primary school children from 36 schools will gather together at The Pavilion for the two-day event which will feature singing as well as guitars, percussion, ukuleles, violins and brass instruments.
They will also be offering local people and visitors a taste of their music when they perform at Southgate, Parade Gardens and outside The Abbey between 1pm and 2pm on both days.
Bath & North East Somerset Council has also announced that the music service has been successful in its application to Arts Council England to become a music education hub. The service worked closely with local partners on the bid, including Bath Festivals, Bath Philharmonia and Bath Spa University, and together they will form one of 122 music education hubs across the country.
The hub has been awarded £519,000 for a three-year programme which will see it work to ensure that every child has the opportunity to take part in music.
Councillor Nathan Hartley (Lib-Dem, Peasedown), Deputy Leader of Council and Cabinet Member for Early Years, Children and Youth, said: “Bath & North East Somerset Council is committed to providing activities and opportunities that help young people to make a positive difference to their lives and communities. I am delighted that by working together with our partners, we have been able to secure this funding for the local music hub.”
Rainer Dolz, Manager of Music for Bath & North East Somerset Council, said: “Our aim is that every child aged 5-18 has the opportunity to enjoy music, whether they want to sing, learn an orchestral instrument or play in a band.
“Research shows that being involved with music really benefits children and the results can be seen in improved behaviour, coordination, self-confidence, concentration, motivation, self-discipline, self-esteem, and ability to participate in team work.”
He added: “The way we provide music, in and out of school, will change as we work much more closely with schools, professional music organisations, higher and further education institutions and other Arts Council-funded organisations.”
Around 2,000 children, aged between seven and 11, from 42 schools learn an instrument in their school class every week – that’s about 75% of all schools. The aim is for all schools to get involved, providing all children with the opportunity to learn a musical instrument.
Comments from local pupils who take part in the music sessions include:
- “I enjoy playing because I like learning new songs and its fun.”
- “I enjoy it because I love music and when I find a melody I like I always sing along.”
- “I took part and I would like to do something like it again.”
- “I like that I can play my heart out!”
The music service also provides tuition in schools for small groups and one-to-one lessons for around 2,500 pupils each week. 450 young people attend the five local music centres each week. This includes a youth choir; music time for five – sevens; wind bands and a full symphony orchestra.
Find out more at www.bathnes.gov.uk (search under Education and Learning) or call 01225 395388.
