Now for some Hub news and events...

Southampton Jazz Workshop

Southampton Jazz Workshop said goodbye to several band members, some of whom have been with us almost since the band's formation in 2006. We wish them every success for the future and thank them for their dedication, their outstanding musicianship and all the great times we've had together. (Photo from our gig at Marwell Zoo, July)

Southampton musical alumni - April Burrows 

April began playing the flute in Year 8, taught by Southampton Music Services' (SMS) teacher, Steph Watkins. April worked her way up through both the SMS orchestra and concert bands and while at college, she played in Southampton's top wind band and youth orchestra. April currently plays for the Royal Marines Band Service and is approaching the end of her second year of training. She will be performing in the Beating Retreat Ceremony at Portsmouth Guildhall on 9 August. Click here to read April's story in her own words.

St George's School rock band 

St George's School rock group, Sorry This Name Has Been Take,n performed in the school concert on 17 July. The newly formed band were coached by Robin Pearkes in a ten-week programme funded by Youth Music. Several band members also performed in extracts from The Wizard of Oz.

The Big Open Rehearsal hosted by The Southampton Flute Orchestra

The Big Open Rehearsal hosted by Southampton's Flautissimo and Piccolissimo was a great success, bringing together new friends and old. It was exciting to meet some new players who plan to join these flute choirs at their first rehearsal on 6 September. Local players were able to try out Flautissimo's alto, bass and contrabass flutes.

Alita Mills, Director of SMS said "We are very lucky in Southampton to have so many musicians who wish to give something back to the community, and Flautissimo is no exception. It is exciting to hear that it has recently established a new flute choir, Piccolissimo, aimed at encouraging beginners and rusty players of all ages to have fun while progressing their ensemble skills."

(Flautissimo and Piccolissimo are partners of the Southampton Music Hub)

Airplay

Very well done to Airplay, junior wind band, who auditioned and were chosen to perform in the Southampton Schools Music Association Proms concert. The band performed to a large audience at The Nuffield Theatre in July and led the finale with Land of Hope and Glory. Conductor Steph Watkins said, "We are so proud of their commitment and hard work this year, congratulations to all the players."

Beatboxing workshops

Weston Park Junior School and St Patrick's Primary School students learned the basics of beatboxing from professional beatboxer Gavin Tyte. The free workshops were organised by Hub lead partner, Southampton Music Services.

Orchestral Globetrotters concert

The Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra delivered a superb performance to Southampton pupils and their teachers at the Guildhall in July. The education team and performers certainly know how to "wow" young people with an orchestral sound!

Guitar project

Over the last six weeks, Bitterne Park Infant and Junior School students participated in a special rock guitar project. Our young aspiring musicians learnt riffs and grooves from resident Southampton Music Service rock guitarist Danny. This was a project funded by Youth Music Powerplay.

Singing at Bitterne Park Infant School

Mid July, Bitterne Park Infant school pupils enjoyed an afternoon singing with Jamie - Southampton Music Hub's vocal leader. The pupils started with a vocal warm up imagining their lips were chattering from the freezing cold - a challenge given the high temperature on the day!

Southampton pupils raise the roof with their singing!

The Big Summer Sing programme was a huge success. Listen to Kanes Hill and Hightown Primary School pupils sing a song to explain why the moon can't be made of cheese.

Portsmouth Music Hub's highlights

Click here for information about Portsmouth Music Hub's successful summer term.

Watch this space!

Southampton Music Hub is planning some very interesting big events for the next academic year including The Big Brass Bash, Road to Rio and another Solent Hub conference. Dates to follow.