We are delighted to invite young musicians from across Devon, Plymouth, and Torbay to represent Devon Music Education Hub on our Summer Concert Tour to one of France’s most beautiful regions.
Originally planned as a trip for members of Devon Youth Choir, Devon Youth Chamber Brass, Devon County Youth Brass Band, we're opening up this exciting opportunity to ALL intermediate and advanced young singers and instrumentalists (band or orchestral instruments) of secondary school age (11–18) in July 2026. You don’t need to already be part of a Hub-supported activity or County Group to take part - a tour choir and band/orchestra will be formed out of those that sign up, and if you can sing and play an instrument, you can do both!
This promises to be a memorable and enriching experience for all of the young musicians involved offering them the opportunity to:
- Perform in beautiful concert venues across Brittany
- Collaborate and bond with fellow young musicians
- Immerse themselves in French culture and hospitality
- Grow musically and personally through travel and performance
Working with OneStage Specialist Concert Tours (ABTA and ATOL registered), we will travel by executive coach and ferry, staying half-board at the welcoming Ethic Etapes Youth Hostel in St Malo. The itinerary includes three concerts, cultural excursions, and time to enjoy the Breton landscape. Travel will be Plymouth–Roscoff outbound and Cherbourg–Poole return, with onward coach to Exeter.
While the itinerary is still being finalised and may be subject to change, our current plan is to depart on the morning of Friday 17 July and return late on Tuesday 21 July. Although these dates fall within the official school term, we understand that many schools are choosing to conclude the academic year earlier than the dates set by Local Authorities. Where absence from school is required, we will write to your Headteacher to request this, but you will need to follow your school’s normal process. The tour will be fully supervised by experienced staff, following Devon County Council’s safeguarding and educational visit procedures.
Please note that the total cost for the tour is £750. This includes travel, half board accommodation, and all excursions, and can be as lump sum or in instalments. If your family is experiencing financial difficulties and you believe cost will be a barrier to your child’s participation, please contact us to discuss your situation.
Devon Music Education Hub is seeking passionate, skilled, and community‑minded volunteers to join the Devon Music Education Hub Advisory Board and help shape the future of music education across Devon, Plymouth and Torbay.
As the region’s designated Hub Lead Organisation, Devon County Council works with schools, music educators and partners to deliver the government’s National Plan for Music Education. Strong, diverse governance is essential—and that’s where you come in.
We’re looking for people who:
- Believe in the power of music to transform young people’s lives
- Bring professional insight, lived experience, or specialist expertise
- Can offer constructive challenge, strategic thinking, and support
- Are committed to inclusion, integrity, and championing local communities
No formal qualifications are required. We value lived experience, inclusive practice, and a broad range of backgrounds, and we particularly welcome applications from individuals who have faced or overcome barriers to musical participation, as well as young people. Following a recent skills audit, we are especially interested in applicants with experience or knowledge in:
- Early Years, SEND, or alternative provision
- Higher or further education
- Diverse musical genres, including non‑Western traditions
- Professional music‑making or the music industry
- Commercial music sector links
- Marketing or fundraising
- Risk management and sound financial oversight
- Impact measurement in arts and culture
- Understanding of the region and its musical communities
This is a voluntary position. Travel expenses can be reimbursed where needed.
Join us for an inspiring online Early Year Music CPD session on Wednesday 28 January from 4-6pm via Microsoft Teams. This session, led by Beth Vleminckx (Evolve Music) and Charlotte Gibbs, is designed for anyone working with babies and young children (ages 0–5). 'Musical Me, Musical You' will explore how music builds connection and supports children with SEND/SEMH. Get practical tips, stories and theory to boost confidence using playful musical tools that help children thrive.
📅 Date: Wednesday 28 January 2026
📍 Location: Online
Join us at Buckfast Abbey Conference Centre for the South West’s leading music education CPD opportunity of the year, Devon Music Education Conference...
- Explore the latest developments in music education
- Get hands-on with practical workshops and ideas you can use right away
- Connect, collaborate, and share with colleagues across the region
Your school contribution of £95 will include a full day of CPD from local, regional and national providers as well as a delicious lunch and refreshments throughout the day.
We also have a limited number of funded places available to self-employed Visiting Music Teachers working in Devon, Plymouth and Torbay – contact us for details!
📅 Date: Friday 15 May 2026
📍 Location: Buckfast Abbey Conference Centre
Plymouth has officially launched its inspiring bid to become UK City of Culture 2029, and Devon Music Education Hub is delighted to stand behind this vision. Winning the title would bring a year-long celebration of creativity, music, and community, alongside significant investment to boost cultural opportunities across the South West.
Lewis Gibbs, Head/Hub Lead for Devon Music Education Hub, commented:
This bid isn’t just about Plymouth. It’s about showcasing the region’s rich artistic heritage and future potential. At Devon Music Education Hub, we believe music is central to cultural identity, and this initiative aligns perfectly with our mission to connect, inspire, and advocate for the transformative power of the arts.
A successful bid would unlock millions in funding, create opportunities for young people, and shine a national spotlight on our vibrant cultural scene. We’re proud to support Plymouth’s ambition—let’s make culture count!
Now that the Christmas decorations have all been packed away and all the chocolates have been eaten, it’s time for a reminder that the Devon Youth Orchestras are still open to applications for the 2026 season. Our first rehearsal of the year is on Saturday 17 January with the next on Saturday 7 February so it's not too late for keen new players to contact us.
Both orchestras are already sounding impressive but we can certainly find space for more players in all areas. As always lower brass (trombones and tuba) violas, double bass, oboes, bassoons and horns are particularly welcome. If anyone's in doubt if they're up to the standard, just get in touch and we’ll invite them try it for themselves.
There are 2 orchestras, the Concert Orchestra (grade 4+ standard) which plays light classics and film/TV themes and the Symphony Orchestra (grade 6+ standard) which plays more challenging repertoire in a wide range of styles.
If you know of any students who might benefit from being part of a full orchestra in addition to their current school and music centre based music-making please pass on the link to our website (link below) or ask them to email us at dysco2015@gmail.com for more details. We aim for an enjoyable atmosphere with coaching staff carefully chosen to be supportive to young musicians. We’re exploring a range of exciting music from film and games themes to epic orchestral scores.
Please forward the information to Visiting Music Teachers and parents/carers and get in touch if you need more information. If finance is a problem, get in touch and we’ll try to help.
Devon Music Education Hub is thrilled to partner with Music for Youth to host a Local Event at Coombeshead Academy, Newton Abbot, on Sunday 22 March. This exciting day will showcase group music-making (two or more participants) from schools, Hub-supported partners, County Groups, and home-educated learners. Performances can span all genres and abilities, with each group playing for up to 15 minutes. The event is part of the Music for Youth Regional Festival Series, the UK’s largest youth music festival, offering feedback from a Music for Youth mentor and the chance to progress to the National Festival later in the year.
📅 Date: Sunday 22 March 2026
📍 Location: Coombeshead Academy, Newton Abbot
Looking to boost your confidence in delivering inclusive music experiences for younger children? This is the event for you!
Led by specialists Margareta Burrell, Steve Grocott & Charlotte Gibbs, this inspiring day, suitable for anyone working early childhood education, will help you make music accessible for every child...
✅ Practical, hands-on workshops
✅ Creative strategies for singing, moving & playing
✅ Ideas you can use immediately
✅ Networking with passionate educators
📅 Date: Tuesday 10 March 2026
📍 Location: Future Skills Centre, Exeter
Early Years Music CPD: Musical Me, Musical You
Wednesday 28 January | Online
Music & Drama Education Expo
12-13 February | The Business Design Centre, London
Sound Starts: Devon Early Years Music Conference
Tuesday 10 March | Future Skills Centre, Exeter
Online Teach Meets
Wednesday 22 April | Online
Devon Music Education Conference
Friday 15 May | Buckfast Abbey Conference Centre
Battle of the Bands
Tuesday 3 February | Petroc College, Barnstaple FULLY BOOKED
Wednesday 4 February Plympton Academy, Plymouth FULLY BOOKED
Tuesday 10 February | Torquay Academy FULLY BOOKED
Thursday 12 February | Queen Elizabeth’s School, Crediton FULLY BOOKED
Tuesday 10 March | FINAL! Exeter Phoenix
Royal Marines Band Concert
Saturday 14 February | Northcott Theatre, Exeter
Torbay Music Festival 2026
7-13 March | Torquay Girls Grammar School
National Childrens Orchestra Day
Sunday 8 March | Uffculme School, Cullompton FULLY BOOKED
Music For Youth Local Event
Sunday 22 March | Coombeshead Academy, Newton Abbot
National Youth Jazz Collective Taster Day
Sunday12 April | Exeter (TBC)
Devon County Show
21-23 May | Westpoint Showground, Exeter
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