County Council Chairman's Concert marks launch of new Music Education Hub

Thursday, 20 September 2012

At his annual concert this Autumn, the Chairman of Hampshire County Council, Councillor Andrew Joy will take the opportunity to mark the launch of the new Hampshire Music Education Hub.

The Hub was launched on 1 September 2012, as part of a national network of partnerships to deliver music education to children and young people. Introduced by the Government, the partnership involves over 30 other music organisations. It will enable the range of opportunities for children and young people to be as broad as possible, with a joined-up approach to practical music-making within and outside of school, in the evening, at weekends and during the holidays.

Giving every child a chance to enjoy music

Together, the Hub partners will target especially vulnerable groups of pupils to ensure they have the same chance as their peers to enjoy the benefits of learning to play and sing.

As lead partner for the Hampshire Hub, Hampshire County Council's Music Service now heads a partnership comprising of Hampshire schools and colleges, local arts venues including The Anvil in Basingstoke, the Turner Sims Concert Hall in Southampton as well as a range of music charities and organisations. The University of Winchester, Winchester College and Winchester Cathedral will also contribute to the work of the hub.

Coinciding with the launch of the Hampshire Hub, Councillor Andrew Joy will host a special family concert on Sunday 7 October 2012 at 6pm in The Anvil, Basingstoke, which is also one of the Hampshire Hub partners.

The programme includes:

A large choir from The Romsey School singing "Be-Bop-A-Lula"

How many of these songs from the 60s can you join in with?

• Hampshire County Youth Band

Including a special request from the Chairman - "Those Magnificent Men in Their Flying Machines"

• Pan-jazz International

Chill out and relax to the sounds of the Caribbean

• Alton College Big Band

Contemporary impro at its best

• Flashfires

Winners of the Hampshire Music Service Battle of the Bands 2012

• Talented soloists

Hampshire's highest performing young musicians

Councillor Joy said: "I am delighted to host this special concert that promises to offer something for everyone. I hope that people from across the county will be able to join us for what will be an excellent evening's entertainment and a superb way to support our outstanding Music Service as they take up the Lead Partner role in the new Hampshire Music Education Hub."

Hampshire County Council's Annual Chairman's Concert : Sunday 7 October 2012, 6.00pm at The Anvil, Basingstoke.
Tickets: £6; over 60s, under 16s and full-time students £4
Box Office : 01256 844244

Hampshire Music Service provides a comprehensive music education service for all young people in Hampshire. Its work includes:

A wide range of out-of-school and after-school activities and services including Double Reed Centres, Holiday Clubs, Community Drum Clubs, Mini-V strings introduction, Specialist Tuition, School-based and Holiday Drum Clubs, and Instrument Hire

• Instrumental and vocal teaching in over 400 Hampshire schools and colleges
• 55,000 students learning to sing and play
• Primary, secondary and special school curriculum provision and advice
• Whole-class instrumental and vocal teaching in 250 primary schools
• Professional development for music teachers
• 70 bands, orchestras and choirs
• Hampshire Award Scheme for gifted and talented pupils
• Work in education centres, children's centres and residential centres
• World music workshops

Last November Hampshire Music Service was awarded the National Music Council's merit award in recognition of its excellent music provision. It was the seventh time the service has won the award in recent years.

• Hampshire Music Service

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