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2020
For the last 18 years we have celebrated Christmas together at the Winter Gardens, Tower Ballroom and Pleasure Beach. This has provided great excitement and some wonderful performances which w ...........
For the last 18 years we have celebrated Christmas together at the Winter Gardens, Tower Ballroom and Pleasure Beach. This has provided great excitement and some wonderful performances which will live in our children’s memories for so very many years to come.
This year we decided on a virtual event since there were so few options. Cancelling Christmas was not on my list! Consequently, we chose Christmas Carols, songs, instrumental arrangements and fun items in which we could all participate and celebrate Christmas together.
After choosing the music, preparing the arrangements, backing-tracks and making hundreds of recordings we now have a final edited DVD which we hope you will all enjoy. The full programme shows the standard of our young instrumentalists and their impressive ability and skills when they eventually leave school.
The DVD features performers from all Blackpool high schools, two of three Blackpool Special Schools, more than two-thirds of our Primary Schools, 8 Lancashire Schools and five Further Education National Orchestras and Bands. Our thanks go to each and every school, teachers and performers.
We do hope you get the opportunity to share these performances during the Christmas holidays and celebrate the achievement of your child.
We look forward to 2021 and sharing staged performances. Until then all of us at Blackpool Music Centre wish you all, a safe, Merry Christmas.
Andrew White
Music Adviser
BMS Virtual Christmas Festival DVD
Please help us to continue to meet your expectations as a Music Service by taking a few minutes to tell us what you think about the service that you and/or your child has received so far from us.
Please help us to continue to meet your expectations as a Music Service by taking a few minutes to tell us what you think about the service that you and/or your child has received so far from us.
Click on the 'Take Our Survey' button at the top of the page.
Please remember to use #easyfundraising when you do your Christmas shopping.
Over 4,300 shops and sites will donate to Friends of Blackpool Music Service at no extra cost to you - so y ...........
Please remember to use #easyfundraising when you do your Christmas shopping.
Over 4,300 shops and sites will donate to Friends of Blackpool Music Service at no extra cost to you - so you can raise donations when you buy gifts, decorations, your festive food shopping or anything else!
Please sign up and help us raise more at:
Easyfundraising link
Calling all composers aged 16 – 25
Philip Bates Prize for Composers and Songwriters 2020
18th January 2021 deadline
We are now inviting entries from all over the UK f ...........
Calling all composers aged 16 – 25
Philip Bates Prize for Composers and Songwriters 2020
18th January 2021 deadline
We are now inviting entries from all over the UK for the 2020 Philip Bates Prize for Composers and Songwriters. This exceptionally broad competition has recognised talent in a variety of genres in the past. Composers between the ages of 16 and 25 may submit a work written in any style by Monday 18th January 2021, the application deadline. All compositions, whether vocal or instrumental, must be inspired by a text and last no longer than 12 minutes.
Having been delayed by Covid restrictions, the competition this year will take place virtually. Rather than receiving a public performance, recordings of the shortlisted entries will be uploaded to the Philip Bates Trust website and YouTube channel and two cash prizes of £400 each will be awarded. The competition is run jointly by Royal Birmingham Conservatoire's Composition Department and Philip Bates Trust.
See below for full details of how to enter.
Sue Bates, Chair, Philip Bates Trust
Philip Bates Prize
FOR COMPOSERS & SONGWRITERS
Conditions of Entry & Submissions
• The competition is open to all young composers between the ages of 16 and 25
on 1st September 2020 and born / studying / resident in the UK.
• Entrants are invited to submit compositions inspired by a text or texts in any genre of music, suitable for live performance and appealing to a wide range of concertgoers. For the 2020 competition there will not be a live final, instead the composer must be able to submit a score plus an audio or video recording. Please see below for further details.
• The submitted work can be for any number of singers and / or instruments and may be purely vocal, instrumental or a combination of both; the choice of text is at the discretion of the composer. Permission must be sought if the text is in copyright. The style of the work can draw on any background (classical, jazz, rock, folk, Asian, fusion, etc.).
• The maximum duration is 12 minutes, and the piece may include more than one movement / section if desired. We regret that works with a duration of more than 12 minutes will not be considered.
• Typeset or neatly handwritten musical scores should be submitted electronically. Entries in other formats may be considered in consultation with the Composition Department at Royal Birmingham Conservatoire.
• A copy of the text / poem / lyrics that inspired the composition must also be provided.
• For the 2020 competition it is compulsory to provide an audio or video recording of the submitted work (either live or computer-generated) as a file. Please do not reduce the quality for large files, rather send an email link via WeTransfer, Dropbox or similar services. Philip Bates Trust will upload the performances of those compositions chosen for the final to its website / YouTube channel
• An accompanying letter, signed and dated by the composer, should give:
• the composer’s date of birth
• the composer’s contact details, including email address and mobile number
• a statement confirming that the music is entirely the work of the composer
and, where necessary,
• a statement that the copyright holder of the text has given full permission for its use
also, for this online competition
• a short biography of the composer
• a short programme note for the piece
• a statement that the composer agrees to Philip Bates Trust adding the recording of the composition to its website / YouTube channel
• names and instrument / voice details if live performers are used in the recording and a statement that the performers agree to Philip Bates Trust adding the recording to its website / YouTube channel
• Only one entry is permitted from each composer.
• The closing date for entries is Monday 18th January 2021. Entries should be emailed to:
Composition@bcu.ac.uk
Emails must have the subject: Philip Bates Prize 2020
Shortlisting, Judging & Prizes
• Short-listed finalists will be announced by Monday 25th January 2021.
• At the short-listing stage, judges reserve the right to consider none of the works suitable.
• Short-listed works will be adjudicated via online submissions and the winning pieces will be announced on Friday 12th February 2021.
• Entrants will be responsible for providing their own performers (if used) and for making their own recordings.
• Provision of performance material (parts etc.) for the recorded works (if needed) will be the responsibility of the composers.
• There will be two Philip Bates Prizes available for award: These will be equal in value (£400 each), one being adjudicated by Philip Bates Trust and the other by Royal Birmingham Conservatoire.
• More than one prize may be awarded to the same entrant.
• An opportunity will be given for one of the prize-winning works to be performed at A Touch of Basil on Saturday 25th September 2021, a concert organised by Philip Bates Trust.
Any enquiries should be sent to:
info@philipbatestrust.org.uk
Poppy a very talented 15 year old and member of the BMS Youth Concert Band treated the residents of The Conifers Care Home in Thornton to a thoughtful performance of The Last Post.
Poppy a very talented 15 year old and member of the BMS Youth Concert Band treated the residents of The Conifers Care Home in Thornton to a thoughtful performance of The Last Post.
Click on the link below for the video.
Rememberance Day
Rememberance Day< ...........
Rememberance Day
Mark Holt one of our talented teachers played the Last Post outside his home yesterday for Remembrance Sunday.
Follow the above link to our Facebook page and you can view the video from there.
We’ve registered Friends of Blackpool Music Service with #easyfundraising, which means over 4,000 shops and sites will now donate to us for FREE every time you use #easyfundraising to shop with them ...........
We’ve registered Friends of Blackpool Music Service with #easyfundraising, which means over 4,000 shops and sites will now donate to us for FREE every time you use #easyfundraising to shop with them.
These donations will help SO MUCH, so please sign up to support us – it’s completely FREE and doesn’t take long.
Easyfundraising
It is with regret that due to our lockdown being escalated to Tier 3, we have had to cancel forthcoming ensemble rehearsals at the Music Centre.
Please continue to practice because we ...........
It is with regret that due to our lockdown being escalated to Tier 3, we have had to cancel forthcoming ensemble rehearsals at the Music Centre.
Please continue to practice because we need to get back to rehearsals and recording the Christmas music as soon as government guidance allows.
Brass sectional rehearsals will be during half term. On Tuesday 27th October.
Timings are either 10:30-1:00 or 5-8 pm. Please let Colin Pinington know which is the better time for you ...........
Brass sectional rehearsals will be during half term. On Tuesday 27th October.
Timings are either 10:30-1:00 or 5-8 pm. Please let Colin Pinington know which is the better time for you all.
Telephone 01253 476767 or
email:colin.pinington@blackpool.gov.uk.
We will go with the majority. We will also try to record on the day.
Next sectional this coming Wednesday 14th and next Wednesday 21st will be:
4-4:45 INTERMEDIATE BAND plus helpers if available. (If we have too many people for Covid safety we will address that at the time)
5-5:45 FLUTES if any are available. Again please let Colin know.
6-6:45 SAXES. good turn out last time well done.
7-7:45. CLARINETS.
IN ALL CASES LET COLIN KNOW IF YOU CAN OR CANT COME.
Keep an eye out on here for timings for rehearsals/recording sessions in half term.
Please phone the office if you have any queries. 01253 476767 and ask for Colin Pinington or Andrew White.
Choir Musical Director and audio technician Richard Moore reflected on their win;
"We were delighted to win the Rock FM Big Online Audition. We raised £670 ourselves of a total of £37 ...........
Choir Musical Director and audio technician Richard Moore reflected on their win;
"We were delighted to win the Rock FM Big Online Audition. We raised £670 ourselves of a total of £3700 raised by all eight acts. We will now have the opportunity to sing at three Rock FM events next year – once things are a bit more back to normal.
All credit must go to Martha Brown who was a chief fundraiser. I did all the musical side and Martha organised a massive raffle and many other things to raise money for Rock FM’s Cash For Kids Charity. The final marks for the Competition were based partly points for on our performance and song choice (made by the three judges) and partly on the amount of money raised.
It’s not the easiest thing to put together these virtual videos. The choir members have busy lives and it’s tough to get everyone together, but we normally have at least 20 people rehearsing away on their own to the tracks that I send them. I then spend about 10 hours in front of a hot computer putting everything together and making us sound like a choir – No mean feat as it’s a very different sound when it’s like everybody has their own mic – and making the video.
Not many people know that the choir was very small last year after some members had to leave or not come for a while and we nearly folded, but after a successful recruitment drive we are now up to at least 25 people (Although quite a few more people have asked to join once we get back to normal rehearsals and some of those who left are coming back too – we might have to get a crow bar to allow us all to fit in the rehearsal room!"
If you are over 16 and interested in joining the choir, please email bmscomchoir@gmail.com
AmazonSmile donates to Friends of Blackpool Music Service.
If you shop through AmazonSmile, Amazon will donate to our charity Friends of Blackpool Music Service. It is a simple, automatic way t ...........
AmazonSmile donates to Friends of Blackpool Music Service.
If you shop through AmazonSmile, Amazon will donate to our charity Friends of Blackpool Music Service. It is a simple, automatic way to donate without costing you or us a penny!
As of August 2020, AmazonSmile has donated £4,621,862 to UK charities and £163,904,295 to enrolled charities worldwide.
Each time you shop through AmazonSmile, you must first select our charity 'Friends of Blackpool Music Service' and then shop in the usual way via the app.
Thank you for your continued support which means that we can provide free instrument loans to all of our budding musicians in Blackpool!
PCA Band
We welcomed Mark Holt from
@BpoolMusicServ to PCA for the first time ...........
PCA Band
We welcomed Mark Holt from
@BpoolMusicServ to PCA for the first time yesterday. (click link above)
Mark is supporting us with our brass & drum tuition this year & made his first public appearance with our famous #pcaamazingbrassband.(Note-the drummer plays on regardless as his cymbal blows away!)
Music makes an important contribution to the life of every school and should be celebrated, promoted and encouraged. It helps build pupils’ self-esteem and self-discipline and leads to higher standa ...........
Music makes an important contribution to the life of every school and should be celebrated, promoted and encouraged. It helps build pupils’ self-esteem and self-discipline and leads to higher standards across the curriculum. Today many more schools are benefiting from this transformational power that music brings to pupils, staff and parents alongside the wider whole school community.
Our talented Mr Richard Moore, Audio technician and Music teacher has done it again pulling choir members together for an online performance.
This time we have the Blackpool Council C ...........
Our talented Mr Richard Moore, Audio technician and Music teacher has done it again pulling choir members together for an online performance.
This time we have the Blackpool Council Choir singing 'Here Comes the Sun' by the Beatles.
Please click the link below:
Blackpool Council Choir
An interpretation of the DfE’s Guidance for Full Opening – Schools (2nd July 2020)
Music in the curriculum
The curriculum ...........
An interpretation of the DfE’s Guidance for Full Opening – Schools (2nd July 2020)
Music in the curriculum
The curriculum should remain broad, so that the majority of pupils are taught a full range of subjects over the year, including…the arts…
Music can and should be taught to all pupils in KS1, KS2 and KS3 from the start of the Autumn term, in order to ensure that “the curriculum remains broad and ambitious”. Schools should “make use of existing flexibilities to make time to cover the most important missed content” but “the majority of pupils” should still be taught “a full range of subjects over the year, including…the arts…”.
Some schools may keep children in their class groups for the majority of the classroom time but allow mixing into wider groups for specialist teaching.
All teachers and other staff can operate across different classes and year groups in order to facilitate the delivery of the school timetable.
Where one person teaches music across the school, subject to risk control measures on class changeovers, this can continue, either on the basis of the teacher moving classrooms – as may happen in some primary schools – or with classes going into a music department or room, as will happen in secondary schools.
Singing is possible in groups up to 15, subject to sufficient space and ventilation. Use of classroom instruments (e.g. the percussion trolley) and ICT equipment is possible but additional cleaning will be necessary. Pianos and keyboards count as shared instruments.
Wellbeing
Schools should consider the provision of pastoral and extra-curricular activities to all pupils designed to:
• support the rebuilding of friendships and social engagement
• address and equip pupils to respond to issues linked to coronavirus (COVID-19)
• support pupils with approaches to improving their physical and mental wellbeing
Some pupils will need support to help them contextualise and process their emotional experiences of lockdown and COVID-19. All pupils are likely to have something they need to articulate in response to lockdown and the return to normality. Music activities can help meet this requirement at all key stages and a variety of online learning resources, both pre-existing and written since March 2020, exist. Local music education hubs may have published a music recovery curriculum like this one from Tri-Borough Music Education Hub in London.
Instrumental and vocal tuition
Peripatetic teachers…can move between schools.
First Access instrumental tuition (Whole-Class Ensemble Tuition, Wider Opportunities) can be taught by peripatetic music teachers and/or class teachers in groups of up to 15. Tuition may include singing and mouth-blown instruments, subject to sufficient space: there is, as yet, no scientific justification for relaxing distances suggested in Music Unlocked. Mouth-blown instruments cannot be shared safely and children should play only on their own, allocated instrument. Ideally, this also applies to instruments like violin or guitar. It may not be practical for percussion-based programmes (e.g. African drumming, samba), in which case, instrument cleaning and enhanced hand hygiene are essential.
Subject to risk assessment, 1:1 and small group tuition can recommence. Small practice rooms are unlikely to be suitable for singing, woodwind or brass tuition. If they can be satisfactorily ventilated, they may suffice for other instruments, as long as minimum distancing can be maintained at all times while preserving the tutor’s view of the student.
Ensembles and choirs
Groups should be kept apart, meaning that schools should avoid large gatherings such as assemblies or collective worship with more than one group.
Schools should consider…playing instruments or singing in small groups…limiting group sizes to no more than 15…
This gives limited freedom to bring pupils together for music rehearsals. As always, risk assessment will be key. Even within the absolute limit of fifteen, the space available and the need for distancing must dictate maximum numbers.
N.B. exceeding the limit of fifteen in the guidance may affect insurance, even if the space is large enough to allow more than 3m2 per person or maintain 2-3m linear distancing.
All advice in Music Unlocked on choirs and ensembles of different types still stands. If singing or playing mouth-blown instruments, rehearsing time should be limited to 40 minutes.
Music around the school
Schools should consider resuming any breakfast and after-school provision, where possible, from the start of the autumn term.
Such provision will help…provide enrichment activities.
If it is not possible to maintain bubbles being used during the school day then schools should use small, consistent groups.
Ensuring that music regains its place in the school’s extra-curricular life will help the school community feel like normality is on its way back. Consistent groups will promote progression and meaningful preparation for performance or sharing, by whatever means may be possible (e.g. streaming). As with any musical activity, risk assessments will need to take into account the specific circumstances of the group, in order to ensure all participants’ safety.
Making music safely
While the science behind the risks of making music is still subject to peer review, it is prudent to follow sensible precautions. Therefore, in music lessons and musical activities:
1. Keep singing to a soft dynamic. Avoid chanting loudly or using repertoire or activities that contain plosive consonants (https://thesoundofenglish.org/plosives/). When doing these activities, try to keep as much physical distance as possible between all participants, including teachers. Actively use humming and vowel sounds as ways of pitching/singing.
2. When using instruments, try to keep as much physical distance as possible between pupils/teachers. If appropriate, position pupils back-to-back or side-to-side to encourage active listening. Stagger lines so that children do not face each other directly.
3. Do not share instruments between pupils and clean them between classes.
4. Actively use body percussion (view some ideas here and here), as this can engage the whole body in a musical manner.
5. Actively encourage listening tasks using quality recordings or films. Websites like the Classical 100 and BBC Ten Pieces are free to use; you may have access to paid resources like the Naxos Music Library (includes commercial recordings of jazz and musicals) through your library membership.
6. Deliver music sessions outside where possible and appropriate.
For more detail, consult the latest version of Music Unlocked.
Summary
The Department for Education expects that Music will taught in schools up to and including year 9 from September. It can be delivered by class teachers and visiting music teachers who can work with different classes during the day. The caveat is that everything needs to be clearly risk assessed with mitigating and practical control measures in place. Each school will take decisions that are best suited to their physical buildings, their pupils and their community.
Wherever possible, the local Music Education Hub will be a supportive partner in helping to shape the return to in-person delivery and will actively welcome discussions with headteachers and music leaders about music education delivery.
Music Education will look and sound different for a while but everything is achievable.
Acknowledgements
Stuart Whatmore (Tri-borough Music Hub, London)
Peter Smalley (Northamptonshire Music & Performing Arts Trust)
Published: 9th July 2020
Everybody Band
BMS Youth Concert Band perform 'Everybody needs someone to love' from t ...........
Everybody Band
BMS Youth Concert Band perform 'Everybody needs someone to love' from the movie 'Blues Brothers' (at a safe distance of course).
The video was the idea of Andrew White Music Advisor, Head of the Service who wanted to inject a bit of fun for band members who are missing rehearsals. Please click on the above link.
Mark Holt
Have a listen to one of our teachers, ...........
Mark Holt
Have a listen to one of our teachers, Mark Holt who has been playing for his neighbours every Thursday evening 'Clap for Carers'.
Well done Mark!
BMS Contemporary Choir
Have a listen to this fabulous version of 'Stop me from falling' ...........
BMS Contemporary Choir
Have a listen to this fabulous version of 'Stop me from falling' recorded remotely especially for lockdown by our BMS Contemporary Choir.
Choir member Suzanne says; “Being in the choir is such a lifeline, there is nothing like singing to lift the spirits. Having a close family bond is a real boost. If anyone is thinking about joining, I highly recommend it.”
The choir is welcoming new members, even during lockdown, and previous singing experience isn’t necessary. Those wishing to take part can send a message to the Facebook page (listed below) or alternatively can email bmscomchoir@gmail.com
FACEBOOK BMS Contemporary Choir
For this year’s Make Music Day on Sunday 21 June, ABRSM are creating a virtual ensemble and they want you, your students, your friends and your family to star in it! They've chosen How far I’ll go ...........
For this year’s Make Music Day on Sunday 21 June, ABRSM are creating a virtual ensemble and they want you, your students, your friends and your family to star in it! They've chosen How far I’ll go from the Disney film Moana for their ensemble, music that also features in our Singing for Music Theatre syllabus at Grade 5. Whether you play an instrument or sing, we want you to get involved.
We’re very proud to be a supporter of Make Music Day, a grassroots celebration that usually brings communities, musicians, venues and promoters together to put on free musical events. This year, it will be a very different but no less special Make Music Day and you can be a part of it.
To join the musical fun, download your part from our website and submit your performance by 7 June. ABRSM will then transform everyone’s contribution into an ABRSM community performance fit for Make Music Day.
Celebrate Music Day
More great news for Blackpool Music Service as our BMS Contemporary Choir came second in Radio Wave's Got Talent competition!
Well done everyone!
If you would like to ...........
More great news for Blackpool Music Service as our BMS Contemporary Choir came second in Radio Wave's Got Talent competition!
Well done everyone!
If you would like to join our Contemporary Choir and are 16+ years, once lockdown has been lifted, we rehearse at the Music Centre on Thursday evenings.
See our Facebook page for further information: https://www.facebook.com/BMScommunity
We are extremely proud of our Tegan Hughes who has won Radio Wave's Got Talent 2020. Tegan has a beautiful voice and is a member of one of our Youth Choirs.
Well done Tegan! ...........
We are extremely proud of our Tegan Hughes who has won Radio Wave's Got Talent 2020. Tegan has a beautiful voice and is a member of one of our Youth Choirs.
Well done Tegan!
Schools Alive 2020
THANK YOU for all your kind messages of support and request ...........
Schools Alive 2020
THANK YOU for all your kind messages of support and requests for videos. To lift your spirits during lockdown we have made available the full performance of the 2020 Schools Alive event which took place at the Blackpool Grand Theatre from Monday 10th February to Thursday 13th February 2020.
During the last twelve months we have performed for national and local radio, toured Salzburg with our Youth Concert Band, and supported numerous charities. More significantly, our talented young musicians have received 34 invitations to perform with national orchestras, one performed at Buckingham Palace for the Queen, another is being sponsored by Sir Elton John. We have started two new exciting choirs, Young Voices and Youth Choir. If your child wishes to participate in any of our instrumental or choral ensembles, please contact us.
Please note all appropriate permissions have been obtained in order for us to broadcast this material.
Let's go back to 10th February for our Schools Alive event. We had full houses every night at the Blackpool Grand Theatre. Here's a fabulous performance by our BMS Youth Concert Band. Watch this spa ...........
Let's go back to 10th February for our Schools Alive event. We had full houses every night at the Blackpool Grand Theatre. Here's a fabulous performance by our BMS Youth Concert Band. Watch this space for performances from schools and ensembles.
BMS Youth Concert Band, Schools Alive 2020
BBC Ten Pieces at home
Please click the above link for the BBC Ten ...........
BBC Ten Pieces at home
Please click the above link for the BBC Ten Pieces at home page.
Education and life has changed unimaginably over the last few weeks. Understandably many of the plans that we put in place for the Spring and Summer term are having to be postponed.
The BBC has made a major commitment to support the UK’s Education system in the coming months during this period of school closure for most children. We are working closely with colleagues to ensure that Music Education is included in these provisions. We are committed to supporting teachers and young people at this time and are excited to announce a new programme of activity created in response to the current situation.
From after Easter we will be releasing weekly “Ten Pieces at Home” resources. These will be simple weekly activities where children will be encouraged to watch a Ten Pieces film and the do a creative activity in response. Activities will be fun, simple and require no specialist equipment. Our hope is that these will be useful activities for teachers to send to their students working at home.
Connecting the Dots – Digital Meet a Musician sessions. We will be connecting BBC Musicians that are at home with schools that are open for one off Meet a Musician sessions. The online workshops will be tailored to individual setting and could include performance, interactive activities and Q&A.
Beyond this we are looking into a wider mass-participation Ten Pieces online event to take place closer to the end of the summer term (but within Scottish and Northern Irish term time). More news on this soon but please do let us know if you have any thoughts on how your organisation could support this or any of these initiatives.
More information about all these activities will be coming soon on the Ten Pieces website. We would love to know what you are up to and if there is any way that Ten Pieces can help you.
FutureLearn Teacher Courses
Follow the above link for more info ...........
FutureLearn Teacher Courses
Follow the above link for more information.
Learn new teaching methods to enhance your instrument or singing lessons
Vocal coaches and music teachers have an important role in improving their students’ ability to sing or play an instrument.
On this music teacher training course, you will learn to assess your current teaching strategies and look at new ways to engage your students during their lessons.
You’ll get instrument-specific advice and resources as well as guidance on how to plan music lessons within a broader curriculum.
You’ll gain the confidence to challenge your existing practices and identify weaknesses in your own teaching style in order to become a more effective music or singing teacher.
ABRSM Inspire
Play On is Here for You.
Follow the above link for more information. ...........
ABRSM Inspire
Play On is Here for You.
Follow the above link for more information.
Play On, a totally new section of the ABRSM website created to inspire, connect, entertain and inform ABRSM’s worldwide music community throughout this challenging period.
Whether a learner, teacher or a parent, ABRSM: Play On will bring people closer to the music, and other musicians, with a constant flow of new features, masterclasses, fascinating insights and competitions to help everyone make the most of their playing time and downtime.
This will be regularly updated and added to over the coming weeks so please check back regularly for more materials.
Do you want your children engaged and learning something new for 1 hour a day?
For 4 days?
Music Production For Kids
FREE 4 Day Online Course
Ages 8 ...........
Do you want your children engaged and learning something new for 1 hour a day?
For 4 days?
Music Production For Kids
FREE 4 Day Online Course
Ages 8 - 14
Follow this link on our Facebook page or copy and paste the link below into your browser.
https://beat-drop-online.mykajabi.com/mpfk-level1
We want to make sure that we are giving all our children the opportunity to realise their musical aspirations.
With this in mind, we have created a questionnaire to give you a chance t ...........
We want to make sure that we are giving all our children the opportunity to realise their musical aspirations.
With this in mind, we have created a questionnaire to give you a chance to let us know how we are doing, whether you are a parent, a pupil, an Organisation Partner or a friend of the Service.
If you have a minute, we would be grateful if you could fill this in for us. The link 'Take our Survey' is at the top of the page.
With our thanks
Blackpool Music Service
We hope you are all safe and well. Here's something to brighten your day by the BMS Contemporary Choir. If you are over 16 and interested in joining the choir please use our contact page and send us a ...........
We hope you are all safe and well. Here's something to brighten your day by the BMS Contemporary Choir. If you are over 16 and interested in joining the choir please use our contact page and send us a message.
Copy and paste this link into your browser or see our Twitter and Facebook pages for the video.
https://youtu.be/BTUDv2omLoM
Please note that we have been asked to work from home by the Government for the duration of the pandemic.
However, we can still be contacted via email: blackpoolmusicservice@blackpool. ...........
Please note that we have been asked to work from home by the Government for the duration of the pandemic.
However, we can still be contacted via email: blackpoolmusicservice@blackpool.gov.uk, our website, or Facebook messenger.
We hope you and your family stay safe and well and we look forward to resuming our event programme, tuition timetables and ensemble rehearsals as soon as possible.
Please note if you have bought tickets for this event, Blackpool Tower will automatically refund you if you paid by card.
If you paid by cash please contact the Ticket Office and they ...........
Please note if you have bought tickets for this event, Blackpool Tower will automatically refund you if you paid by card.
If you paid by cash please contact the Ticket Office and they will discuss a refund.
Thank you for your patience.
Please note BASSO rehearsals at Park School have also been cancelled until further notice. ...........
Please note BASSO rehearsals at Park School have also been cancelled until further notice.
After taking extensive advice, we will not be holding any rehearsals at the Music Centre until after the Easter Holidays. We will confirm when these rehearsals, theory classes and one off sessions wil ...........
After taking extensive advice, we will not be holding any rehearsals at the Music Centre until after the Easter Holidays. We will confirm when these rehearsals, theory classes and one off sessions will start again in the near future. So many of our bands have instrumentalists from more than 30 schools. We just can’t take the risk that we are compromising any persons health.
If you wish for support please email or call the office any time.
Yours sincerely,
Andrew White
Music Adviser
After taking extensive advice and, with much regret, we will not be holding our Choir of the Year competition on Monday 23rd March 2020 at Blackpool Tower. Choral numbers have reduced significantly in ...........
After taking extensive advice and, with much regret, we will not be holding our Choir of the Year competition on Monday 23rd March 2020 at Blackpool Tower. Choral numbers have reduced significantly in some schools and parents are simply not happy to support large events.
This is disappointing for so many but the health of every person is our priority and must not be compromised.
Please pass on my thanks to all who have trained our young choristers and to the choristers themselves.
Yours sincerely,
Andrew White
Music Adviser
We are delighted to feature two more musicians on our Student Spotlight tab. Read about the people who inspired Melissa and Kezia and about their ultimate musical aspirations. ...........
We are delighted to feature two more musicians on our Student Spotlight tab. Read about the people who inspired Melissa and Kezia and about their ultimate musical aspirations.
What a fabulous time we had at the Empress Ballroom on 10th December! The venue was overflowing with Christmas cheer and the audience joined in with the 1,500 pupil - schools massed choir. We sang alo ...........
What a fabulous time we had at the Empress Ballroom on 10th December! The venue was overflowing with Christmas cheer and the audience joined in with the 1,500 pupil - schools massed choir. We sang along to all the favourites.
The feedback received from parents and teachers has been amazing and we are so proud of everyone for rehearsing and making their schools (and us) proud before the Mayor of Blackpool and other VIPs who came along to enjoy the event.
Here are just some of the lovely comments that we received after the event:
St John Vianney Catholic Primary School
“It was another great occasion and the children loved it. Thanks again for all your organisation.
Have a lovely Christmas and New Year.”
Blackpool Gateway Academy
“The children are absolutely buzzing today- they are so proud of themselves as are we.”
Highfield Leadership Academy
“I wanted to let you know how much I and the choir thoroughly enjoyed last night. I've finally got my Christmas on!!!
I will definitely pass on your comments to my little band of singers - they will really appreciate it!
May I also take this opportunity to wish you and every single member of your team a very Merry Christmas”
Devonshire Primary Academy
“It was a wonderful night, the children and staff thoroughly enjoyed ourselves.”
Layton Primary School
“What a fantastic evening!! We all loved it!! The children are all talking about how much they enjoyed singing and watching all the musicians.
Thanks again.”
Unity Academy
“Thank you for giving us the opportunity to have so many pupils taking part. They have all come to school thoroughly pleased with themselves today.
With the new funding for primary lessons, there are so many children eager to perform.
I had a number of friends and family at the event this year who have children at other schools, who are finally old enough to take part. For years they've know I'd taken part in your events but last night they all confessed they hadn't realised the grandeur of the event and how wonderful it would be. They all commented on how well organised it was for so many children to take part.
I hope the last of your Christmas performances go just as well.”
Anchorsholme Primary Academy
“Cheers to you and all your team Andrew.
I heard many long serving school staff saying it was one of the best we have had and it was.
Well done!”
2020
For the last 18 years we have celebrated Christmas together at the Winter Gardens, Tower Ballroom and Pleasure Beach. This has provided great excitement and some wonderful performances which will live in our children’s memories for so very many years to come.
This year we decided on a virtual event since there were so few options. Cancelling Christmas was not on my list! Consequently, we chose Christmas Carols, songs, instrumental arrangements and fun items in which we could all participate and celebrate Christmas together.
After choosing the music, preparing the arrangements, backing-tracks and making hundreds of recordings we now have a final edited DVD which we hope you will all enjoy. The full programme shows the standard of our young instrumentalists and their impressive ability and skills when they eventually leave school.
The DVD features performers from all Blackpool high schools, two of three Blackpool Special Schools, more than two-thirds of our Primary Schools, 8 Lancashire Schools and five Further Education National Orchestras and Bands. Our thanks go to each and every school, teachers and performers.
We do hope you get the opportunity to share these performances during the Christmas holidays and celebrate the achievement of your child.
We look forward to 2021 and sharing staged performances. Until then all of us at Blackpool Music Centre wish you all, a safe, Merry Christmas.
Andrew White
Music Adviser
BMS Virtual Christmas Festival DVD ...........
For the last 18 years we have celebrated Christmas together at the Winter Gardens, Tower Ballroom and Pleasure Beach. This has provided great excitement and some wonderful performances which will live in our children’s memories for so very many years to come.
This year we decided on a virtual event since there were so few options. Cancelling Christmas was not on my list! Consequently, we chose Christmas Carols, songs, instrumental arrangements and fun items in which we could all participate and celebrate Christmas together.
After choosing the music, preparing the arrangements, backing-tracks and making hundreds of recordings we now have a final edited DVD which we hope you will all enjoy. The full programme shows the standard of our young instrumentalists and their impressive ability and skills when they eventually leave school.
The DVD features performers from all Blackpool high schools, two of three Blackpool Special Schools, more than two-thirds of our Primary Schools, 8 Lancashire Schools and five Further Education National Orchestras and Bands. Our thanks go to each and every school, teachers and performers.
We do hope you get the opportunity to share these performances during the Christmas holidays and celebrate the achievement of your child.
We look forward to 2021 and sharing staged performances. Until then all of us at Blackpool Music Centre wish you all, a safe, Merry Christmas.
Andrew White
Music Adviser
BMS Virtual Christmas Festival DVD
Please help us to continue to meet your expectations as a Music Service by taking a few minutes to tell us what you think about the service that you and/or your child has received so far from us.
Click on the 'Take Our Survey' button at the top of the page.
...........
Please help us to continue to meet your expectations as a Music Service by taking a few minutes to tell us what you think about the service that you and/or your child has received so far from us.
Click on the 'Take Our Survey' button at the top of the page.
Please remember to use #easyfundraising when you do your Christmas shopping.
Over 4,300 shops and sites will donate to Friends of Blackpool Music Service at no extra cost to you - so you can raise donations when you buy gifts, decorations, your festive food shopping or anything else!
Please sign up and help us raise more at:
Easyfundraising link ...........
Please remember to use #easyfundraising when you do your Christmas shopping.
Over 4,300 shops and sites will donate to Friends of Blackpool Music Service at no extra cost to you - so you can raise donations when you buy gifts, decorations, your festive food shopping or anything else!
Please sign up and help us raise more at:
Easyfundraising link
Calling all composers aged 16 – 25
Philip Bates Prize for Composers and Songwriters 2020
18th January 2021 deadline
We are now inviting entries from all over the UK for the 2020 Philip Bates Prize for Composers and Songwriters. This exceptionally broad competition has recognised talent in a variety of genres in the past. Composers between the ages of 16 and 25 may submit a work written in any style by Monday 18th January 2021, the application deadline. All compositions, whether vocal or instrumental, must be inspired by a text and last no longer than 12 minutes.
Having been delayed by Covid restrictions, the competition this year will take place virtually. Rather than receiving a public performance, recordings of the shortlisted entries will be uploaded to the Philip Bates Trust website and YouTube channel and two cash prizes of £400 each will be awarded. The competition is run jointly by Royal Birmingham Conservatoire's Composition Department and Philip Bates Trust.
See below for full details of how to enter.
Sue Bates, Chair, Philip Bates Trust
Philip Bates Prize
FOR COMPOSERS & SONGWRITERS
Conditions of Entry & Submissions
• The competition is open to all young composers between the ages of 16 and 25
on 1st September 2020 and born / studying / resident in the UK.
• Entrants are invited to submit compositions inspired by a text or texts in any genre of music, suitable for live performance and appealing to a wide range of concertgoers. For the 2020 competition there will not be a live final, instead the composer must be able to submit a score plus an audio or video recording. Please see below for further details.
• The submitted work can be for any number of singers and / or instruments and may be purely vocal, instrumental or a combination of both; the choice of text is at the discretion of the composer. Permission must be sought if the text is in copyright. The style of the work can draw on any background (classical, jazz, rock, folk, Asian, fusion, etc.).
• The maximum duration is 12 minutes, and the piece may include more than one movement / section if desired. We regret that works with a duration of more than 12 minutes will not be considered.
• Typeset or neatly handwritten musical scores should be submitted electronically. Entries in other formats may be considered in consultation with the Composition Department at Royal Birmingham Conservatoire.
• A copy of the text / poem / lyrics that inspired the composition must also be provided.
• For the 2020 competition it is compulsory to provide an audio or video recording of the submitted work (either live or computer-generated) as a file. Please do not reduce the quality for large files, rather send an email link via WeTransfer, Dropbox or similar services. Philip Bates Trust will upload the performances of those compositions chosen for the final to its website / YouTube channel
• An accompanying letter, signed and dated by the composer, should give:
• the composer’s date of birth
• the composer’s contact details, including email address and mobile number
• a statement confirming that the music is entirely the work of the composer
and, where necessary,
• a statement that the copyright holder of the text has given full permission for its use
also, for this online competition
• a short biography of the composer
• a short programme note for the piece
• a statement that the composer agrees to Philip Bates Trust adding the recording of the composition to its website / YouTube channel
• names and instrument / voice details if live performers are used in the recording and a statement that the performers agree to Philip Bates Trust adding the recording to its website / YouTube channel
• Only one entry is permitted from each composer.
• The closing date for entries is Monday 18th January 2021. Entries should be emailed to:
Composition@bcu.ac.uk
Emails must have the subject: Philip Bates Prize 2020
Shortlisting, Judging & Prizes
• Short-listed finalists will be announced by Monday 25th January 2021.
• At the short-listing stage, judges reserve the right to consider none of the works suitable.
• Short-listed works will be adjudicated via online submissions and the winning pieces will be announced on Friday 12th February 2021.
• Entrants will be responsible for providing their own performers (if used) and for making their own recordings.
• Provision of performance material (parts etc.) for the recorded works (if needed) will be the responsibility of the composers.
• There will be two Philip Bates Prizes available for award: These will be equal in value (£400 each), one being adjudicated by Philip Bates Trust and the other by Royal Birmingham Conservatoire.
• More than one prize may be awarded to the same entrant.
• An opportunity will be given for one of the prize-winning works to be performed at A Touch of Basil on Saturday 25th September 2021, a concert organised by Philip Bates Trust.
Any enquiries should be sent to:
info@philipbatestrust.org.uk
...........
Calling all composers aged 16 – 25
Philip Bates Prize for Composers and Songwriters 2020
18th January 2021 deadline
We are now inviting entries from all over the UK for the 2020 Philip Bates Prize for Composers and Songwriters. This exceptionally broad competition has recognised talent in a variety of genres in the past. Composers between the ages of 16 and 25 may submit a work written in any style by Monday 18th January 2021, the application deadline. All compositions, whether vocal or instrumental, must be inspired by a text and last no longer than 12 minutes.
Having been delayed by Covid restrictions, the competition this year will take place virtually. Rather than receiving a public performance, recordings of the shortlisted entries will be uploaded to the Philip Bates Trust website and YouTube channel and two cash prizes of £400 each will be awarded. The competition is run jointly by Royal Birmingham Conservatoire's Composition Department and Philip Bates Trust.
See below for full details of how to enter.
Sue Bates, Chair, Philip Bates Trust
Philip Bates Prize
FOR COMPOSERS & SONGWRITERS
Conditions of Entry & Submissions
• The competition is open to all young composers between the ages of 16 and 25
on 1st September 2020 and born / studying / resident in the UK.
• Entrants are invited to submit compositions inspired by a text or texts in any genre of music, suitable for live performance and appealing to a wide range of concertgoers. For the 2020 competition there will not be a live final, instead the composer must be able to submit a score plus an audio or video recording. Please see below for further details.
• The submitted work can be for any number of singers and / or instruments and may be purely vocal, instrumental or a combination of both; the choice of text is at the discretion of the composer. Permission must be sought if the text is in copyright. The style of the work can draw on any background (classical, jazz, rock, folk, Asian, fusion, etc.).
• The maximum duration is 12 minutes, and the piece may include more than one movement / section if desired. We regret that works with a duration of more than 12 minutes will not be considered.
• Typeset or neatly handwritten musical scores should be submitted electronically. Entries in other formats may be considered in consultation with the Composition Department at Royal Birmingham Conservatoire.
• A copy of the text / poem / lyrics that inspired the composition must also be provided.
• For the 2020 competition it is compulsory to provide an audio or video recording of the submitted work (either live or computer-generated) as a file. Please do not reduce the quality for large files, rather send an email link via WeTransfer, Dropbox or similar services. Philip Bates Trust will upload the performances of those compositions chosen for the final to its website / YouTube channel
• An accompanying letter, signed and dated by the composer, should give:
• the composer’s date of birth
• the composer’s contact details, including email address and mobile number
• a statement confirming that the music is entirely the work of the composer
and, where necessary,
• a statement that the copyright holder of the text has given full permission for its use
also, for this online competition
• a short biography of the composer
• a short programme note for the piece
• a statement that the composer agrees to Philip Bates Trust adding the recording of the composition to its website / YouTube channel
• names and instrument / voice details if live performers are used in the recording and a statement that the performers agree to Philip Bates Trust adding the recording to its website / YouTube channel
• Only one entry is permitted from each composer.
• The closing date for entries is Monday 18th January 2021. Entries should be emailed to:
Composition@bcu.ac.uk
Emails must have the subject: Philip Bates Prize 2020
Shortlisting, Judging & Prizes
• Short-listed finalists will be announced by Monday 25th January 2021.
• At the short-listing stage, judges reserve the right to consider none of the works suitable.
• Short-listed works will be adjudicated via online submissions and the winning pieces will be announced on Friday 12th February 2021.
• Entrants will be responsible for providing their own performers (if used) and for making their own recordings.
• Provision of performance material (parts etc.) for the recorded works (if needed) will be the responsibility of the composers.
• There will be two Philip Bates Prizes available for award: These will be equal in value (£400 each), one being adjudicated by Philip Bates Trust and the other by Royal Birmingham Conservatoire.
• More than one prize may be awarded to the same entrant.
• An opportunity will be given for one of the prize-winning works to be performed at A Touch of Basil on Saturday 25th September 2021, a concert organised by Philip Bates Trust.
Any enquiries should be sent to:
info@philipbatestrust.org.uk
Poppy a very talented 15 year old and member of the BMS Youth Concert Band treated the residents of The Conifers Care Home in Thornton to a thoughtful performance of The Last Post.
Click on the link below for the video.
Rememberance Day ...........
Poppy a very talented 15 year old and member of the BMS Youth Concert Band treated the residents of The Conifers Care Home in Thornton to a thoughtful performance of The Last Post.
Click on the link below for the video.
Rememberance Day
Rememberance Day
Mark Holt one of our talented teachers played the Last Post outside his home yesterday for Remembrance Sunday.
Follow the above link to our Facebook page and you can view the video from there. ...........
Rememberance Day
Mark Holt one of our talented teachers played the Last Post outside his home yesterday for Remembrance Sunday.
Follow the above link to our Facebook page and you can view the video from there.
We’ve registered Friends of Blackpool Music Service with #easyfundraising, which means over 4,000 shops and sites will now donate to us for FREE every time you use #easyfundraising to shop with them.
These donations will help SO MUCH, so please sign up to support us – it’s completely FREE and doesn’t take long.
Easyfundraising ...........
We’ve registered Friends of Blackpool Music Service with #easyfundraising, which means over 4,000 shops and sites will now donate to us for FREE every time you use #easyfundraising to shop with them.
These donations will help SO MUCH, so please sign up to support us – it’s completely FREE and doesn’t take long.
Easyfundraising
It is with regret that due to our lockdown being escalated to Tier 3, we have had to cancel forthcoming ensemble rehearsals at the Music Centre.
Please continue to practice because we need to get back to rehearsals and recording the Christmas music as soon as government guidance allows. ...........
It is with regret that due to our lockdown being escalated to Tier 3, we have had to cancel forthcoming ensemble rehearsals at the Music Centre.
Please continue to practice because we need to get back to rehearsals and recording the Christmas music as soon as government guidance allows.
Brass sectional rehearsals will be during half term. On Tuesday 27th October.
Timings are either 10:30-1:00 or 5-8 pm. Please let Colin Pinington know which is the better time for you all.
Telephone 01253 476767 or
email:colin.pinington@blackpool.gov.uk.
We will go with the majority. We will also try to record on the day.
Next sectional this coming Wednesday 14th and next Wednesday 21st will be:
4-4:45 INTERMEDIATE BAND plus helpers if available. (If we have too many people for Covid safety we will address that at the time)
5-5:45 FLUTES if any are available. Again please let Colin know.
6-6:45 SAXES. good turn out last time well done.
7-7:45. CLARINETS.
IN ALL CASES LET COLIN KNOW IF YOU CAN OR CANT COME.
Keep an eye out on here for timings for rehearsals/recording sessions in half term.
Please phone the office if you have any queries. 01253 476767 and ask for Colin Pinington or Andrew White. ...........
Brass sectional rehearsals will be during half term. On Tuesday 27th October.
Timings are either 10:30-1:00 or 5-8 pm. Please let Colin Pinington know which is the better time for you all.
Telephone 01253 476767 or
email:colin.pinington@blackpool.gov.uk.
We will go with the majority. We will also try to record on the day.
Next sectional this coming Wednesday 14th and next Wednesday 21st will be:
4-4:45 INTERMEDIATE BAND plus helpers if available. (If we have too many people for Covid safety we will address that at the time)
5-5:45 FLUTES if any are available. Again please let Colin know.
6-6:45 SAXES. good turn out last time well done.
7-7:45. CLARINETS.
IN ALL CASES LET COLIN KNOW IF YOU CAN OR CANT COME.
Keep an eye out on here for timings for rehearsals/recording sessions in half term.
Please phone the office if you have any queries. 01253 476767 and ask for Colin Pinington or Andrew White.
Choir Musical Director and audio technician Richard Moore reflected on their win;
"We were delighted to win the Rock FM Big Online Audition. We raised £670 ourselves of a total of £3700 raised by all eight acts. We will now have the opportunity to sing at three Rock FM events next year – once things are a bit more back to normal.
All credit must go to Martha Brown who was a chief fundraiser. I did all the musical side and Martha organised a massive raffle and many other things to raise money for Rock FM’s Cash For Kids Charity. The final marks for the Competition were based partly points for on our performance and song choice (made by the three judges) and partly on the amount of money raised.
It’s not the easiest thing to put together these virtual videos. The choir members have busy lives and it’s tough to get everyone together, but we normally have at least 20 people rehearsing away on their own to the tracks that I send them. I then spend about 10 hours in front of a hot computer putting everything together and making us sound like a choir – No mean feat as it’s a very different sound when it’s like everybody has their own mic – and making the video.
Not many people know that the choir was very small last year after some members had to leave or not come for a while and we nearly folded, but after a successful recruitment drive we are now up to at least 25 people (Although quite a few more people have asked to join once we get back to normal rehearsals and some of those who left are coming back too – we might have to get a crow bar to allow us all to fit in the rehearsal room!"
If you are over 16 and interested in joining the choir, please email bmscomchoir@gmail.com
...........
Choir Musical Director and audio technician Richard Moore reflected on their win;
"We were delighted to win the Rock FM Big Online Audition. We raised £670 ourselves of a total of £3700 raised by all eight acts. We will now have the opportunity to sing at three Rock FM events next year – once things are a bit more back to normal.
All credit must go to Martha Brown who was a chief fundraiser. I did all the musical side and Martha organised a massive raffle and many other things to raise money for Rock FM’s Cash For Kids Charity. The final marks for the Competition were based partly points for on our performance and song choice (made by the three judges) and partly on the amount of money raised.
It’s not the easiest thing to put together these virtual videos. The choir members have busy lives and it’s tough to get everyone together, but we normally have at least 20 people rehearsing away on their own to the tracks that I send them. I then spend about 10 hours in front of a hot computer putting everything together and making us sound like a choir – No mean feat as it’s a very different sound when it’s like everybody has their own mic – and making the video.
Not many people know that the choir was very small last year after some members had to leave or not come for a while and we nearly folded, but after a successful recruitment drive we are now up to at least 25 people (Although quite a few more people have asked to join once we get back to normal rehearsals and some of those who left are coming back too – we might have to get a crow bar to allow us all to fit in the rehearsal room!"
If you are over 16 and interested in joining the choir, please email bmscomchoir@gmail.com
AmazonSmile donates to Friends of Blackpool Music Service.
If you shop through AmazonSmile, Amazon will donate to our charity Friends of Blackpool Music Service. It is a simple, automatic way to donate without costing you or us a penny!
As of August 2020, AmazonSmile has donated £4,621,862 to UK charities and £163,904,295 to enrolled charities worldwide.
Each time you shop through AmazonSmile, you must first select our charity 'Friends of Blackpool Music Service' and then shop in the usual way via the app.
Thank you for your continued support which means that we can provide free instrument loans to all of our budding musicians in Blackpool!
AmazonSmile donates to Friends of Blackpool Music Service.
If you shop through AmazonSmile, Amazon will donate to our charity Friends of Blackpool Music Service. It is a simple, automatic way to donate without costing you or us a penny!
As of August 2020, AmazonSmile has donated £4,621,862 to UK charities and £163,904,295 to enrolled charities worldwide.
Each time you shop through AmazonSmile, you must first select our charity 'Friends of Blackpool Music Service' and then shop in the usual way via the app.
Thank you for your continued support which means that we can provide free instrument loans to all of our budding musicians in Blackpool!
PCA Band
We welcomed Mark Holt from
@BpoolMusicServ to PCA for the first time yesterday. (click link above)
Mark is supporting us with our brass & drum tuition this year & made his first public appearance with our famous #pcaamazingbrassband.(Note-the drummer plays on regardless as his cymbal blows away!) ...........
PCA Band
We welcomed Mark Holt from
@BpoolMusicServ to PCA for the first time yesterday. (click link above)
Mark is supporting us with our brass & drum tuition this year & made his first public appearance with our famous #pcaamazingbrassband.(Note-the drummer plays on regardless as his cymbal blows away!)
Music makes an important contribution to the life of every school and should be celebrated, promoted and encouraged. It helps build pupils’ self-esteem and self-discipline and leads to higher standards across the curriculum. Today many more schools are benefiting from this transformational power that music brings to pupils, staff and parents alongside the wider whole school community. ...........
Music makes an important contribution to the life of every school and should be celebrated, promoted and encouraged. It helps build pupils’ self-esteem and self-discipline and leads to higher standards across the curriculum. Today many more schools are benefiting from this transformational power that music brings to pupils, staff and parents alongside the wider whole school community.
Our talented Mr Richard Moore, Audio technician and Music teacher has done it again pulling choir members together for an online performance.
This time we have the Blackpool Council Choir singing 'Here Comes the Sun' by the Beatles.
Please click the link below:
Blackpool Council Choir ...........
Our talented Mr Richard Moore, Audio technician and Music teacher has done it again pulling choir members together for an online performance.
This time we have the Blackpool Council Choir singing 'Here Comes the Sun' by the Beatles.
Please click the link below:
Blackpool Council Choir
An interpretation of the DfE’s Guidance for Full Opening – Schools (2nd July 2020)
Music in the curriculum
The curriculum should remain broad, so that the majority of pupils are taught a full range of subjects over the year, including…the arts…
Music can and should be taught to all pupils in KS1, KS2 and KS3 from the start of the Autumn term, in order to ensure that “the curriculum remains broad and ambitious”. Schools should “make use of existing flexibilities to make time to cover the most important missed content” but “the majority of pupils” should still be taught “a full range of subjects over the year, including…the arts…”.
Some schools may keep children in their class groups for the majority of the classroom time but allow mixing into wider groups for specialist teaching.
All teachers and other staff can operate across different classes and year groups in order to facilitate the delivery of the school timetable.
Where one person teaches music across the school, subject to risk control measures on class changeovers, this can continue, either on the basis of the teacher moving classrooms – as may happen in some primary schools – or with classes going into a music department or room, as will happen in secondary schools.
Singing is possible in groups up to 15, subject to sufficient space and ventilation. Use of classroom instruments (e.g. the percussion trolley) and ICT equipment is possible but additional cleaning will be necessary. Pianos and keyboards count as shared instruments.
Wellbeing
Schools should consider the provision of pastoral and extra-curricular activities to all pupils designed to:
• support the rebuilding of friendships and social engagement
• address and equip pupils to respond to issues linked to coronavirus (COVID-19)
• support pupils with approaches to improving their physical and mental wellbeing
Some pupils will need support to help them contextualise and process their emotional experiences of lockdown and COVID-19. All pupils are likely to have something they need to articulate in response to lockdown and the return to normality. Music activities can help meet this requirement at all key stages and a variety of online learning resources, both pre-existing and written since March 2020, exist. Local music education hubs may have published a music recovery curriculum like this one from Tri-Borough Music Education Hub in London.
Instrumental and vocal tuition
Peripatetic teachers…can move between schools.
First Access instrumental tuition (Whole-Class Ensemble Tuition, Wider Opportunities) can be taught by peripatetic music teachers and/or class teachers in groups of up to 15. Tuition may include singing and mouth-blown instruments, subject to sufficient space: there is, as yet, no scientific justification for relaxing distances suggested in Music Unlocked. Mouth-blown instruments cannot be shared safely and children should play only on their own, allocated instrument. Ideally, this also applies to instruments like violin or guitar. It may not be practical for percussion-based programmes (e.g. African drumming, samba), in which case, instrument cleaning and enhanced hand hygiene are essential.
Subject to risk assessment, 1:1 and small group tuition can recommence. Small practice rooms are unlikely to be suitable for singing, woodwind or brass tuition. If they can be satisfactorily ventilated, they may suffice for other instruments, as long as minimum distancing can be maintained at all times while preserving the tutor’s view of the student.
Ensembles and choirs
Groups should be kept apart, meaning that schools should avoid large gatherings such as assemblies or collective worship with more than one group.
Schools should consider…playing instruments or singing in small groups…limiting group sizes to no more than 15…
This gives limited freedom to bring pupils together for music rehearsals. As always, risk assessment will be key. Even within the absolute limit of fifteen, the space available and the need for distancing must dictate maximum numbers.
N.B. exceeding the limit of fifteen in the guidance may affect insurance, even if the space is large enough to allow more than 3m2 per person or maintain 2-3m linear distancing.
All advice in Music Unlocked on choirs and ensembles of different types still stands. If singing or playing mouth-blown instruments, rehearsing time should be limited to 40 minutes.
Music around the school
Schools should consider resuming any breakfast and after-school provision, where possible, from the start of the autumn term.
Such provision will help…provide enrichment activities.
If it is not possible to maintain bubbles being used during the school day then schools should use small, consistent groups.
Ensuring that music regains its place in the school’s extra-curricular life will help the school community feel like normality is on its way back. Consistent groups will promote progression and meaningful preparation for performance or sharing, by whatever means may be possible (e.g. streaming). As with any musical activity, risk assessments will need to take into account the specific circumstances of the group, in order to ensure all participants’ safety.
Making music safely
While the science behind the risks of making music is still subject to peer review, it is prudent to follow sensible precautions. Therefore, in music lessons and musical activities:
1. Keep singing to a soft dynamic. Avoid chanting loudly or using repertoire or activities that contain plosive consonants (https://thesoundofenglish.org/plosives/). When doing these activities, try to keep as much physical distance as possible between all participants, including teachers. Actively use humming and vowel sounds as ways of pitching/singing.
2. When using instruments, try to keep as much physical distance as possible between pupils/teachers. If appropriate, position pupils back-to-back or side-to-side to encourage active listening. Stagger lines so that children do not face each other directly.
3. Do not share instruments between pupils and clean them between classes.
4. Actively use body percussion (view some ideas here and here), as this can engage the whole body in a musical manner.
5. Actively encourage listening tasks using quality recordings or films. Websites like the Classical 100 and BBC Ten Pieces are free to use; you may have access to paid resources like the Naxos Music Library (includes commercial recordings of jazz and musicals) through your library membership.
6. Deliver music sessions outside where possible and appropriate.
For more detail, consult the latest version of Music Unlocked.
Summary
The Department for Education expects that Music will taught in schools up to and including year 9 from September. It can be delivered by class teachers and visiting music teachers who can work with different classes during the day. The caveat is that everything needs to be clearly risk assessed with mitigating and practical control measures in place. Each school will take decisions that are best suited to their physical buildings, their pupils and their community.
Wherever possible, the local Music Education Hub will be a supportive partner in helping to shape the return to in-person delivery and will actively welcome discussions with headteachers and music leaders about music education delivery.
Music Education will look and sound different for a while but everything is achievable.
Acknowledgements
Stuart Whatmore (Tri-borough Music Hub, London)
Peter Smalley (Northamptonshire Music & Performing Arts Trust)
Published: 9th July 2020
...........
An interpretation of the DfE’s Guidance for Full Opening – Schools (2nd July 2020)
Music in the curriculum
The curriculum should remain broad, so that the majority of pupils are taught a full range of subjects over the year, including…the arts…
Music can and should be taught to all pupils in KS1, KS2 and KS3 from the start of the Autumn term, in order to ensure that “the curriculum remains broad and ambitious”. Schools should “make use of existing flexibilities to make time to cover the most important missed content” but “the majority of pupils” should still be taught “a full range of subjects over the year, including…the arts…”.
Some schools may keep children in their class groups for the majority of the classroom time but allow mixing into wider groups for specialist teaching.
All teachers and other staff can operate across different classes and year groups in order to facilitate the delivery of the school timetable.
Where one person teaches music across the school, subject to risk control measures on class changeovers, this can continue, either on the basis of the teacher moving classrooms – as may happen in some primary schools – or with classes going into a music department or room, as will happen in secondary schools.
Singing is possible in groups up to 15, subject to sufficient space and ventilation. Use of classroom instruments (e.g. the percussion trolley) and ICT equipment is possible but additional cleaning will be necessary. Pianos and keyboards count as shared instruments.
Wellbeing
Schools should consider the provision of pastoral and extra-curricular activities to all pupils designed to:
• support the rebuilding of friendships and social engagement
• address and equip pupils to respond to issues linked to coronavirus (COVID-19)
• support pupils with approaches to improving their physical and mental wellbeing
Some pupils will need support to help them contextualise and process their emotional experiences of lockdown and COVID-19. All pupils are likely to have something they need to articulate in response to lockdown and the return to normality. Music activities can help meet this requirement at all key stages and a variety of online learning resources, both pre-existing and written since March 2020, exist. Local music education hubs may have published a music recovery curriculum like this one from Tri-Borough Music Education Hub in London.
Instrumental and vocal tuition
Peripatetic teachers…can move between schools.
First Access instrumental tuition (Whole-Class Ensemble Tuition, Wider Opportunities) can be taught by peripatetic music teachers and/or class teachers in groups of up to 15. Tuition may include singing and mouth-blown instruments, subject to sufficient space: there is, as yet, no scientific justification for relaxing distances suggested in Music Unlocked. Mouth-blown instruments cannot be shared safely and children should play only on their own, allocated instrument. Ideally, this also applies to instruments like violin or guitar. It may not be practical for percussion-based programmes (e.g. African drumming, samba), in which case, instrument cleaning and enhanced hand hygiene are essential.
Subject to risk assessment, 1:1 and small group tuition can recommence. Small practice rooms are unlikely to be suitable for singing, woodwind or brass tuition. If they can be satisfactorily ventilated, they may suffice for other instruments, as long as minimum distancing can be maintained at all times while preserving the tutor’s view of the student.
Ensembles and choirs
Groups should be kept apart, meaning that schools should avoid large gatherings such as assemblies or collective worship with more than one group.
Schools should consider…playing instruments or singing in small groups…limiting group sizes to no more than 15…
This gives limited freedom to bring pupils together for music rehearsals. As always, risk assessment will be key. Even within the absolute limit of fifteen, the space available and the need for distancing must dictate maximum numbers.
N.B. exceeding the limit of fifteen in the guidance may affect insurance, even if the space is large enough to allow more than 3m2 per person or maintain 2-3m linear distancing.
All advice in Music Unlocked on choirs and ensembles of different types still stands. If singing or playing mouth-blown instruments, rehearsing time should be limited to 40 minutes.
Music around the school
Schools should consider resuming any breakfast and after-school provision, where possible, from the start of the autumn term.
Such provision will help…provide enrichment activities.
If it is not possible to maintain bubbles being used during the school day then schools should use small, consistent groups.
Ensuring that music regains its place in the school’s extra-curricular life will help the school community feel like normality is on its way back. Consistent groups will promote progression and meaningful preparation for performance or sharing, by whatever means may be possible (e.g. streaming). As with any musical activity, risk assessments will need to take into account the specific circumstances of the group, in order to ensure all participants’ safety.
Making music safely
While the science behind the risks of making music is still subject to peer review, it is prudent to follow sensible precautions. Therefore, in music lessons and musical activities:
1. Keep singing to a soft dynamic. Avoid chanting loudly or using repertoire or activities that contain plosive consonants (https://thesoundofenglish.org/plosives/). When doing these activities, try to keep as much physical distance as possible between all participants, including teachers. Actively use humming and vowel sounds as ways of pitching/singing.
2. When using instruments, try to keep as much physical distance as possible between pupils/teachers. If appropriate, position pupils back-to-back or side-to-side to encourage active listening. Stagger lines so that children do not face each other directly.
3. Do not share instruments between pupils and clean them between classes.
4. Actively use body percussion (view some ideas here and here), as this can engage the whole body in a musical manner.
5. Actively encourage listening tasks using quality recordings or films. Websites like the Classical 100 and BBC Ten Pieces are free to use; you may have access to paid resources like the Naxos Music Library (includes commercial recordings of jazz and musicals) through your library membership.
6. Deliver music sessions outside where possible and appropriate.
For more detail, consult the latest version of Music Unlocked.
Summary
The Department for Education expects that Music will taught in schools up to and including year 9 from September. It can be delivered by class teachers and visiting music teachers who can work with different classes during the day. The caveat is that everything needs to be clearly risk assessed with mitigating and practical control measures in place. Each school will take decisions that are best suited to their physical buildings, their pupils and their community.
Wherever possible, the local Music Education Hub will be a supportive partner in helping to shape the return to in-person delivery and will actively welcome discussions with headteachers and music leaders about music education delivery.
Music Education will look and sound different for a while but everything is achievable.
Acknowledgements
Stuart Whatmore (Tri-borough Music Hub, London)
Peter Smalley (Northamptonshire Music & Performing Arts Trust)
Published: 9th July 2020
Everybody Band
BMS Youth Concert Band perform 'Everybody needs someone to love' from the movie 'Blues Brothers' (at a safe distance of course).
The video was the idea of Andrew White Music Advisor, Head of the Service who wanted to inject a bit of fun for band members who are missing rehearsals. Please click on the above link. ...........
Everybody Band
BMS Youth Concert Band perform 'Everybody needs someone to love' from the movie 'Blues Brothers' (at a safe distance of course).
The video was the idea of Andrew White Music Advisor, Head of the Service who wanted to inject a bit of fun for band members who are missing rehearsals. Please click on the above link.
Mark Holt
Have a listen to one of our teachers, Mark Holt who has been playing for his neighbours every Thursday evening 'Clap for Carers'.
Well done Mark! ...........
Mark Holt
Have a listen to one of our teachers, Mark Holt who has been playing for his neighbours every Thursday evening 'Clap for Carers'.
Well done Mark!
BMS Contemporary Choir
Have a listen to this fabulous version of 'Stop me from falling' recorded remotely especially for lockdown by our BMS Contemporary Choir.
Choir member Suzanne says; “Being in the choir is such a lifeline, there is nothing like singing to lift the spirits. Having a close family bond is a real boost. If anyone is thinking about joining, I highly recommend it.”
The choir is welcoming new members, even during lockdown, and previous singing experience isn’t necessary. Those wishing to take part can send a message to the Facebook page (listed below) or alternatively can email bmscomchoir@gmail.com
FACEBOOK BMS Contemporary Choir
...........
BMS Contemporary Choir
Have a listen to this fabulous version of 'Stop me from falling' recorded remotely especially for lockdown by our BMS Contemporary Choir.
Choir member Suzanne says; “Being in the choir is such a lifeline, there is nothing like singing to lift the spirits. Having a close family bond is a real boost. If anyone is thinking about joining, I highly recommend it.”
The choir is welcoming new members, even during lockdown, and previous singing experience isn’t necessary. Those wishing to take part can send a message to the Facebook page (listed below) or alternatively can email bmscomchoir@gmail.com
FACEBOOK BMS Contemporary Choir
For this year’s Make Music Day on Sunday 21 June, ABRSM are creating a virtual ensemble and they want you, your students, your friends and your family to star in it! They've chosen How far I’ll go from the Disney film Moana for their ensemble, music that also features in our Singing for Music Theatre syllabus at Grade 5. Whether you play an instrument or sing, we want you to get involved.
We’re very proud to be a supporter of Make Music Day, a grassroots celebration that usually brings communities, musicians, venues and promoters together to put on free musical events. This year, it will be a very different but no less special Make Music Day and you can be a part of it.
To join the musical fun, download your part from our website and submit your performance by 7 June. ABRSM will then transform everyone’s contribution into an ABRSM community performance fit for Make Music Day.
Celebrate Music Day ...........
For this year’s Make Music Day on Sunday 21 June, ABRSM are creating a virtual ensemble and they want you, your students, your friends and your family to star in it! They've chosen How far I’ll go from the Disney film Moana for their ensemble, music that also features in our Singing for Music Theatre syllabus at Grade 5. Whether you play an instrument or sing, we want you to get involved.
We’re very proud to be a supporter of Make Music Day, a grassroots celebration that usually brings communities, musicians, venues and promoters together to put on free musical events. This year, it will be a very different but no less special Make Music Day and you can be a part of it.
To join the musical fun, download your part from our website and submit your performance by 7 June. ABRSM will then transform everyone’s contribution into an ABRSM community performance fit for Make Music Day.
Celebrate Music Day
More great news for Blackpool Music Service as our BMS Contemporary Choir came second in Radio Wave's Got Talent competition!
Well done everyone!
If you would like to join our Contemporary Choir and are 16+ years, once lockdown has been lifted, we rehearse at the Music Centre on Thursday evenings.
See our Facebook page for further information: https://www.facebook.com/BMScommunity
...........
More great news for Blackpool Music Service as our BMS Contemporary Choir came second in Radio Wave's Got Talent competition!
Well done everyone!
If you would like to join our Contemporary Choir and are 16+ years, once lockdown has been lifted, we rehearse at the Music Centre on Thursday evenings.
See our Facebook page for further information: https://www.facebook.com/BMScommunity
We are extremely proud of our Tegan Hughes who has won Radio Wave's Got Talent 2020. Tegan has a beautiful voice and is a member of one of our Youth Choirs.
Well done Tegan! ...........
We are extremely proud of our Tegan Hughes who has won Radio Wave's Got Talent 2020. Tegan has a beautiful voice and is a member of one of our Youth Choirs.
Well done Tegan!
Schools Alive 2020
THANK YOU for all your kind messages of support and requests for videos. To lift your spirits during lockdown we have made available the full performance of the 2020 Schools Alive event which took place at the Blackpool Grand Theatre from Monday 10th February to Thursday 13th February 2020.
During the last twelve months we have performed for national and local radio, toured Salzburg with our Youth Concert Band, and supported numerous charities. More significantly, our talented young musicians have received 34 invitations to perform with national orchestras, one performed at Buckingham Palace for the Queen, another is being sponsored by Sir Elton John. We have started two new exciting choirs, Young Voices and Youth Choir. If your child wishes to participate in any of our instrumental or choral ensembles, please contact us.
Please note all appropriate permissions have been obtained in order for us to broadcast this material.
...........
Schools Alive 2020
THANK YOU for all your kind messages of support and requests for videos. To lift your spirits during lockdown we have made available the full performance of the 2020 Schools Alive event which took place at the Blackpool Grand Theatre from Monday 10th February to Thursday 13th February 2020.
During the last twelve months we have performed for national and local radio, toured Salzburg with our Youth Concert Band, and supported numerous charities. More significantly, our talented young musicians have received 34 invitations to perform with national orchestras, one performed at Buckingham Palace for the Queen, another is being sponsored by Sir Elton John. We have started two new exciting choirs, Young Voices and Youth Choir. If your child wishes to participate in any of our instrumental or choral ensembles, please contact us.
Please note all appropriate permissions have been obtained in order for us to broadcast this material.
Let's go back to 10th February for our Schools Alive event. We had full houses every night at the Blackpool Grand Theatre. Here's a fabulous performance by our BMS Youth Concert Band. Watch this space for performances from schools and ensembles.
BMS Youth Concert Band, Schools Alive 2020 ...........
Let's go back to 10th February for our Schools Alive event. We had full houses every night at the Blackpool Grand Theatre. Here's a fabulous performance by our BMS Youth Concert Band. Watch this space for performances from schools and ensembles.
BMS Youth Concert Band, Schools Alive 2020
BBC Ten Pieces at home
Please click the above link for the BBC Ten Pieces at home page.
Education and life has changed unimaginably over the last few weeks. Understandably many of the plans that we put in place for the Spring and Summer term are having to be postponed.
The BBC has made a major commitment to support the UK’s Education system in the coming months during this period of school closure for most children. We are working closely with colleagues to ensure that Music Education is included in these provisions. We are committed to supporting teachers and young people at this time and are excited to announce a new programme of activity created in response to the current situation.
From after Easter we will be releasing weekly “Ten Pieces at Home” resources. These will be simple weekly activities where children will be encouraged to watch a Ten Pieces film and the do a creative activity in response. Activities will be fun, simple and require no specialist equipment. Our hope is that these will be useful activities for teachers to send to their students working at home.
Connecting the Dots – Digital Meet a Musician sessions. We will be connecting BBC Musicians that are at home with schools that are open for one off Meet a Musician sessions. The online workshops will be tailored to individual setting and could include performance, interactive activities and Q&A.
Beyond this we are looking into a wider mass-participation Ten Pieces online event to take place closer to the end of the summer term (but within Scottish and Northern Irish term time). More news on this soon but please do let us know if you have any thoughts on how your organisation could support this or any of these initiatives.
More information about all these activities will be coming soon on the Ten Pieces website. We would love to know what you are up to and if there is any way that Ten Pieces can help you.
...........
BBC Ten Pieces at home
Please click the above link for the BBC Ten Pieces at home page.
Education and life has changed unimaginably over the last few weeks. Understandably many of the plans that we put in place for the Spring and Summer term are having to be postponed.
The BBC has made a major commitment to support the UK’s Education system in the coming months during this period of school closure for most children. We are working closely with colleagues to ensure that Music Education is included in these provisions. We are committed to supporting teachers and young people at this time and are excited to announce a new programme of activity created in response to the current situation.
From after Easter we will be releasing weekly “Ten Pieces at Home” resources. These will be simple weekly activities where children will be encouraged to watch a Ten Pieces film and the do a creative activity in response. Activities will be fun, simple and require no specialist equipment. Our hope is that these will be useful activities for teachers to send to their students working at home.
Connecting the Dots – Digital Meet a Musician sessions. We will be connecting BBC Musicians that are at home with schools that are open for one off Meet a Musician sessions. The online workshops will be tailored to individual setting and could include performance, interactive activities and Q&A.
Beyond this we are looking into a wider mass-participation Ten Pieces online event to take place closer to the end of the summer term (but within Scottish and Northern Irish term time). More news on this soon but please do let us know if you have any thoughts on how your organisation could support this or any of these initiatives.
More information about all these activities will be coming soon on the Ten Pieces website. We would love to know what you are up to and if there is any way that Ten Pieces can help you.
FutureLearn Teacher Courses
Follow the above link for more information.
Learn new teaching methods to enhance your instrument or singing lessons
Vocal coaches and music teachers have an important role in improving their students’ ability to sing or play an instrument.
On this music teacher training course, you will learn to assess your current teaching strategies and look at new ways to engage your students during their lessons.
You’ll get instrument-specific advice and resources as well as guidance on how to plan music lessons within a broader curriculum.
You’ll gain the confidence to challenge your existing practices and identify weaknesses in your own teaching style in order to become a more effective music or singing teacher. ...........
FutureLearn Teacher Courses
Follow the above link for more information.
Learn new teaching methods to enhance your instrument or singing lessons
Vocal coaches and music teachers have an important role in improving their students’ ability to sing or play an instrument.
On this music teacher training course, you will learn to assess your current teaching strategies and look at new ways to engage your students during their lessons.
You’ll get instrument-specific advice and resources as well as guidance on how to plan music lessons within a broader curriculum.
You’ll gain the confidence to challenge your existing practices and identify weaknesses in your own teaching style in order to become a more effective music or singing teacher.
ABRSM Inspire
Play On is Here for You.
Follow the above link for more information.
Play On, a totally new section of the ABRSM website created to inspire, connect, entertain and inform ABRSM’s worldwide music community throughout this challenging period.
Whether a learner, teacher or a parent, ABRSM: Play On will bring people closer to the music, and other musicians, with a constant flow of new features, masterclasses, fascinating insights and competitions to help everyone make the most of their playing time and downtime.
This will be regularly updated and added to over the coming weeks so please check back regularly for more materials. ...........
ABRSM Inspire
Play On is Here for You.
Follow the above link for more information.
Play On, a totally new section of the ABRSM website created to inspire, connect, entertain and inform ABRSM’s worldwide music community throughout this challenging period.
Whether a learner, teacher or a parent, ABRSM: Play On will bring people closer to the music, and other musicians, with a constant flow of new features, masterclasses, fascinating insights and competitions to help everyone make the most of their playing time and downtime.
This will be regularly updated and added to over the coming weeks so please check back regularly for more materials.
Do you want your children engaged and learning something new for 1 hour a day?
For 4 days?
Music Production For Kids
FREE 4 Day Online Course
Ages 8 - 14
Follow this link on our Facebook page or copy and paste the link below into your browser.
https://beat-drop-online.mykajabi.com/mpfk-level1 ...........
Do you want your children engaged and learning something new for 1 hour a day?
For 4 days?
Music Production For Kids
FREE 4 Day Online Course
Ages 8 - 14
Follow this link on our Facebook page or copy and paste the link below into your browser.
https://beat-drop-online.mykajabi.com/mpfk-level1
We want to make sure that we are giving all our children the opportunity to realise their musical aspirations.
With this in mind, we have created a questionnaire to give you a chance to let us know how we are doing, whether you are a parent, a pupil, an Organisation Partner or a friend of the Service.
If you have a minute, we would be grateful if you could fill this in for us. The link 'Take our Survey' is at the top of the page.
With our thanks
Blackpool Music Service ...........
We want to make sure that we are giving all our children the opportunity to realise their musical aspirations.
With this in mind, we have created a questionnaire to give you a chance to let us know how we are doing, whether you are a parent, a pupil, an Organisation Partner or a friend of the Service.
If you have a minute, we would be grateful if you could fill this in for us. The link 'Take our Survey' is at the top of the page.
With our thanks
Blackpool Music Service
We hope you are all safe and well. Here's something to brighten your day by the BMS Contemporary Choir. If you are over 16 and interested in joining the choir please use our contact page and send us a message.
Copy and paste this link into your browser or see our Twitter and Facebook pages for the video.
https://youtu.be/BTUDv2omLoM ...........
We hope you are all safe and well. Here's something to brighten your day by the BMS Contemporary Choir. If you are over 16 and interested in joining the choir please use our contact page and send us a message.
Copy and paste this link into your browser or see our Twitter and Facebook pages for the video.
https://youtu.be/BTUDv2omLoM
Please note that we have been asked to work from home by the Government for the duration of the pandemic.
However, we can still be contacted via email: blackpoolmusicservice@blackpool.gov.uk, our website, or Facebook messenger.
We hope you and your family stay safe and well and we look forward to resuming our event programme, tuition timetables and ensemble rehearsals as soon as possible. ...........
Please note that we have been asked to work from home by the Government for the duration of the pandemic.
However, we can still be contacted via email: blackpoolmusicservice@blackpool.gov.uk, our website, or Facebook messenger.
We hope you and your family stay safe and well and we look forward to resuming our event programme, tuition timetables and ensemble rehearsals as soon as possible.
Please note if you have bought tickets for this event, Blackpool Tower will automatically refund you if you paid by card.
If you paid by cash please contact the Ticket Office and they will discuss a refund.
Thank you for your patience. ...........
Please note if you have bought tickets for this event, Blackpool Tower will automatically refund you if you paid by card.
If you paid by cash please contact the Ticket Office and they will discuss a refund.
Thank you for your patience.
Please note BASSO rehearsals at Park School have also been cancelled until further notice. ...........
Please note BASSO rehearsals at Park School have also been cancelled until further notice.
After taking extensive advice, we will not be holding any rehearsals at the Music Centre until after the Easter Holidays. We will confirm when these rehearsals, theory classes and one off sessions will start again in the near future. So many of our bands have instrumentalists from more than 30 schools. We just can’t take the risk that we are compromising any persons health.
If you wish for support please email or call the office any time.
Yours sincerely,
Andrew White
Music Adviser
...........
After taking extensive advice, we will not be holding any rehearsals at the Music Centre until after the Easter Holidays. We will confirm when these rehearsals, theory classes and one off sessions will start again in the near future. So many of our bands have instrumentalists from more than 30 schools. We just can’t take the risk that we are compromising any persons health.
If you wish for support please email or call the office any time.
Yours sincerely,
Andrew White
Music Adviser
After taking extensive advice and, with much regret, we will not be holding our Choir of the Year competition on Monday 23rd March 2020 at Blackpool Tower. Choral numbers have reduced significantly in some schools and parents are simply not happy to support large events.
This is disappointing for so many but the health of every person is our priority and must not be compromised.
Please pass on my thanks to all who have trained our young choristers and to the choristers themselves.
Yours sincerely,
Andrew White
Music Adviser
...........
After taking extensive advice and, with much regret, we will not be holding our Choir of the Year competition on Monday 23rd March 2020 at Blackpool Tower. Choral numbers have reduced significantly in some schools and parents are simply not happy to support large events.
This is disappointing for so many but the health of every person is our priority and must not be compromised.
Please pass on my thanks to all who have trained our young choristers and to the choristers themselves.
Yours sincerely,
Andrew White
Music Adviser
We are delighted to feature two more musicians on our Student Spotlight tab. Read about the people who inspired Melissa and Kezia and about their ultimate musical aspirations. ...........
We are delighted to feature two more musicians on our Student Spotlight tab. Read about the people who inspired Melissa and Kezia and about their ultimate musical aspirations.
What a fabulous time we had at the Empress Ballroom on 10th December! The venue was overflowing with Christmas cheer and the audience joined in with the 1,500 pupil - schools massed choir. We sang along to all the favourites.
The feedback received from parents and teachers has been amazing and we are so proud of everyone for rehearsing and making their schools (and us) proud before the Mayor of Blackpool and other VIPs who came along to enjoy the event.
Here are just some of the lovely comments that we received after the event:
St John Vianney Catholic Primary School
“It was another great occasion and the children loved it. Thanks again for all your organisation.
Have a lovely Christmas and New Year.”
Blackpool Gateway Academy
“The children are absolutely buzzing today- they are so proud of themselves as are we.”
Highfield Leadership Academy
“I wanted to let you know how much I and the choir thoroughly enjoyed last night. I've finally got my Christmas on!!!
I will definitely pass on your comments to my little band of singers - they will really appreciate it!
May I also take this opportunity to wish you and every single member of your team a very Merry Christmas”
Devonshire Primary Academy
“It was a wonderful night, the children and staff thoroughly enjoyed ourselves.”
Layton Primary School
“What a fantastic evening!! We all loved it!! The children are all talking about how much they enjoyed singing and watching all the musicians.
Thanks again.”
Unity Academy
“Thank you for giving us the opportunity to have so many pupils taking part. They have all come to school thoroughly pleased with themselves today.
With the new funding for primary lessons, there are so many children eager to perform.
I had a number of friends and family at the event this year who have children at other schools, who are finally old enough to take part. For years they've know I'd taken part in your events but last night they all confessed they hadn't realised the grandeur of the event and how wonderful it would be. They all commented on how well organised it was for so many children to take part.
I hope the last of your Christmas performances go just as well.”
Anchorsholme Primary Academy
“Cheers to you and all your team Andrew.
I heard many long serving school staff saying it was one of the best we have had and it was.
Well done!” ...........
What a fabulous time we had at the Empress Ballroom on 10th December! The venue was overflowing with Christmas cheer and the audience joined in with the 1,500 pupil - schools massed choir. We sang along to all the favourites.
The feedback received from parents and teachers has been amazing and we are so proud of everyone for rehearsing and making their schools (and us) proud before the Mayor of Blackpool and other VIPs who came along to enjoy the event.
Here are just some of the lovely comments that we received after the event:
St John Vianney Catholic Primary School
“It was another great occasion and the children loved it. Thanks again for all your organisation.
Have a lovely Christmas and New Year.”
Blackpool Gateway Academy
“The children are absolutely buzzing today- they are so proud of themselves as are we.”
Highfield Leadership Academy
“I wanted to let you know how much I and the choir thoroughly enjoyed last night. I've finally got my Christmas on!!!
I will definitely pass on your comments to my little band of singers - they will really appreciate it!
May I also take this opportunity to wish you and every single member of your team a very Merry Christmas”
Devonshire Primary Academy
“It was a wonderful night, the children and staff thoroughly enjoyed ourselves.”
Layton Primary School
“What a fantastic evening!! We all loved it!! The children are all talking about how much they enjoyed singing and watching all the musicians.
Thanks again.”
Unity Academy
“Thank you for giving us the opportunity to have so many pupils taking part. They have all come to school thoroughly pleased with themselves today.
With the new funding for primary lessons, there are so many children eager to perform.
I had a number of friends and family at the event this year who have children at other schools, who are finally old enough to take part. For years they've know I'd taken part in your events but last night they all confessed they hadn't realised the grandeur of the event and how wonderful it would be. They all commented on how well organised it was for so many children to take part.
I hope the last of your Christmas performances go just as well.”
Anchorsholme Primary Academy
“Cheers to you and all your team Andrew.
I heard many long serving school staff saying it was one of the best we have had and it was.
Well done!”
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