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The official newsletter of the lead organisation of Coventry Music Education Hub.
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Included in this update:
For all the latest news visit our news page on our website.
Another fantastic term of music making has reached its conclusion as we run into our Easter Fun programme here at Drapers’ Hall.
We have had another amazing Gig Night at the HMV Empire, our first String Concert in Drapers’ Hall and begun new programmes in schools, as well as starting the groundwork for our National Youth Orchestra 'play the school' programme in partnership with the Cultural Education Partnership.
Our team are now preparing for an exciting series of events in the Summer term and beyond – including Jubilee Celebrations, Godiva Calling U18’s, Godiva Festival, Summer Showcase concerts and our new original work Coventry Cultural Cantata with over 1100 primary school students across three venues, four nights and a student and staff band! Something not to be missed.
Have a wonderful Easter holiday and keep making music.
It was fantastic to see so many families come and see us in our new home at Drapers' Hall over the February half term and have a go on some of our musical instruments.
Some of our talented teachers were on hand to support and get everyone having a go. There was a full range of instruments to try, from violins and cellos, to clarinets and trombones. Everyone had a good time and it was great to meet so many people and get chance to talk about all the great things we do.
Emma said of the day "it was a really great opportunity for my kids to have a go on a range of instruments to see what they liked best. My daughter has now decided she would love to learn the violin, the staff on hand were really knowledgeable ".
A student from St Osburgs's school enjoyed it so much he is now signed up for cornet lessons and has joined our Junior Voices choir. He was so excited to be able to start lessons and learn the cornet.
Hopefully we have inspired people to think differently about music in the city and discover something new.
Anyone attending our drop in sessions was also welcome to stay for a sharing from the NYO workshop and those who attended the workshop.
It was wonderful to see and hear the NYO Inspire orchestra filling the theatre at Lyng Hall school during the half term holiday week.
The performances on Tuesday and Friday were inspiring and reflected the enormous amount of work that the Inspire orchestra, the supporting NYO musicians and the tutors and support team put into the two residentials. Both performances began with some devised, creative composition work from the orchestra and got the orchestra onto stage in NYO’s trademark creative way! Inspire musicians introduced the concert and told the audience a bit about what the music, and being part of NYO Inspire, meant to them. On Friday, members of Coventry Music’s String Ensemble joined the NYO musicians to take part in a day of creative music making, inspired by the music the Inspire orchestra was performing. It was great to see our own Joe Dore introduce the piece, and fascinating to see and hear the devised work that had come out of listening to the other student performers. We’re all really looking forward to the summer Inspire work and school takeovers now!
On Monday 4 April, Coventry Music again took over the HMV Empire with performances from our young talented Live on Stage Bands.
Five bands took to the stage to wow parents, friends and guests with their a range of Indie and Rock songs. We would like to say a special thanks to the staff at the Empire, the Coventry Music and Tin Music & Arts staff and the children for putting on a fantastic performance despite quite a few setback and illnesses.
A special shout-out has to go to Lucas from Cold Blooded Figure who got up and performed for the first time despite having had several band member changes and a completely new band for the night. Lucas gave an assured performance and we can't wait to see him grow and perform again at our next rock gig.
Coventry Music’s string players gave their first full concert in two years on March 29, in the beautiful ballroom at Drapers’ Hall.
We had a concert planned in April 2020 at St John’s Church, which sadly had to be called off due to COVID-19, so it was wonderful to gather our players together two years later and perform! The string ensemble introduced and played three pieces, Strauss’s Pizzicato Polka, Naruto’s Blue Bird and finally two movements of Bartok’s Rumanian Dances, with a solo from Joe Dore. The cellos played a quartet, led by cello tutor Sara Rees, and violinists Drew, Andreea, Naomi and Joe all played solos. Our fabulous Stringcredible project quartet, coached by Cathy Scott-Burt, played the ‘Stringcredible Fanfare’ from last term’s project as well as pieces by Handel and Lennon/McCartney. It was a wonderful evening, and great to welcome family and friends to hear old and new members perform together.
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Coventry Music is settling into its beautiful new home, Drapers' Hall, and it is wonderful to hear the sound of music-making wafting through the corridors and around the building.
One of the music groups that is taking place at Drapers' Hall is the Coventry Music Junior Voices Choir, which takes place on a Tuesday evening 5.10pm-6.10pm and is open to all of Coventry's young people aged 7-11. The choir has been up and running since January, but what a sound the children are already making, filling the beautiful ballroom with two-part harmonies and challenging partner songs. Choir leader Vicky Clayton has been delighted to welcome young singers from Coventry's primary schools and has been working on songs of hope and positivity,
"I think that over the past two years singing is an activity that has really suffered because of the COVID-19 pandemic but as we hopefully and optimistically move forward and singing returns to our classrooms, school halls and communities; it is going to be one of the things that really starts to flourish again. The benefits of singing on our physical and mental well-being are well documented and the act of singing as part of a group with your peers is one that brings much joy to all involved. I am excited to see this new group grow and look forward to inviting an audience into Drapers' Hall to see and hear this fabulous choir very soon."
If you know of a young person that would like to join there is still time to sign up - come along and open up a world up musical opportunity.
Now is a great time to sign up for lessons, ready to start in September.
All students who sign up for lessons before the start of the new academic year will receive a monthly discount. Lessons start from from £6 per lesson or £16.50 per month if signed up before September. More information and sign up.
 Please note lessons are subject to availability and not all lessons will be able to be offered straight away. We will also do our best to accommodate your lesson choices where possible.
Come along to our Cinecov night at Drapers for a night of rock music and laughs.
Get your tickets.
All students who attend our groups or have lessons with us are entitled to one free ticket for this event. Contact us for a discount code.
Watch out for information about our Cultural Cantata shows which will be taking place in June.
This will be a chance to come and watch the children of the city perform some original songs about Coventry written by our very own Mr Kevin Stannard along with Rebecca Thompson. The children have been busy learning the songs in schools across Coventry and can't wait to perform them live on stage. More information about tickets coming soon.
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Our fantastic new groups, alongside some of our more established groups, are now up and running at our new music centre at Drapers' Hall, Bayley Lane.
We are running a mix of groups at our music centre at Drapers' Hall on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday evenings, with a range of groups for all instruments and abilities across the three days.
We still have spaces for new members so please come along and give us a try.
Our groups will be free for the spring and summer terms of 2022, so it is the perfect chance to come along and try out one of our groups. We are welcoming new members, and you are welcome to stay for more than one group or session, according to your level and ability.
You can see the full range of groups we offer and sign up for any that interest you on our website.
(Times and groups are still subject to change - all members will be notified of any such changes)
 Our Inclusive Soundabout Choir is now meeting face-to-face once a month and online fortnightly.
Everyone is welcome and there is chance for a cup of tea, some cake and a chat after the music making has finished.
This is what one of the parents said about the first Coventry meeting:
"We went to Soundabout's inclusive Choir for the first time last week. My son doesn't always enjoy music as he is very sensory with noises and sounds, but we thought we would give it a go.
From the moment we walked in we were made to feel so welcome. The girls made such an effort to include us all at whatever level we felt comfortable. My son loved exploring all the different kinds of instruments. Karen and Vicky had such a great way of keeping the children engaged and all joining in with the signing and singing.
When my son had had enough, he went to the corridor and had some time away from the group but it wasn't a problem. Vicky took him an instrument out and had a few minutes of 1:2:1 time with him. It was so lovely to be in an environment where the children were free to express themselves with no judgement, which as a SEN parent is priceless. It was a wonderful morning and I cannot wait for the next session."
The choir currently meets on zoom on alternate Saturdays from 11am-12noon. In the autumn the choir will also begin offering face to face sessions in Coventry.
See the choir’s most recent recording.
For more information visit our website or sign up.
choir@soundabout.org.uk 01235 797 474.
Emma is a fairly new member of the Coventry Music team having only started with the service in September 2021.
Here is what she says about working with Coventry Music:
"I love it here. I am the Senior Administrator for the department - dealing daily with the allocation of lessons, sending out correspondence for schools/parents, emails, organising meetings and other general enquiries and administration tasks.
I have a huge passion for music; my main love is Indie and alternative rock music, but I am also open to a complete mix!
It’s a great feeling being surrounded by music in my working life and, although I haven’t properly played an instrument for about 16 years, I feel very lucky to be working alongside our very talented tutors and young people."
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This editions recommendation is one of Emma's personal favourites - "Honeybrains" by Royal Blood. Have a listen and see what you think.
Keep an eye on our website for events and exciting news coming soon.
Visit our website for news, information and to find out more about what we offer.
If you would like these monthly updates to include what your organisation is doing for the children and young people of Coventry, please sign up or contact amy.randall@coventry.gov.uk.
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