A Big Night in Bethlehem! Christmas Songbook 2024

Our yearly Christmas Songbook, composed by Jo Downs, and its accompanying resources are now available for you to use!

This year after listening to feedback from teachers we have focused our songs around the nativity story. Each song will tell the Christmas story sequentially and features varying styles and genres of music. Sign and sing video resources for each song have been be added to our YouTube channel to support this.

The songbook consists of 3 Original Songs for KS1 and 3 Original Songs for KS2. For each song resource there is a guide track including vocals, a backing track and a pdf of the vocal score along with a lyrics document for printing and a powerpoint for easy display and learning along with the signing videos.

You can find the songbook and the full resources on our website here.

Illustrations by Mabel Thompsett

DNA: Free Music Groups in Southampton!

As part of our Digital Native Artists programme, we have 4 free music groups which you can join!

Whether you’re well on your way with your musical journey or just starting out, these sessions are open.

You can come along regularly, try out a session or drop in when you need the support.

  1. Girls Make Music: Production Collective Girls Make Music is a music production club providing young women and girls access to making music in an exciting, creative space in the MAST Studios!

    Fortnightly Wednesdays 4.30pm - 6.00pm (all ages) additional hour ‘til 7.00pm (16 - 21 years)

    at MAST Music Studio.

    All young women & girls ages 11 - 21, inclusive of cis, trans and non-binary, women & girls.

  2. Music Production Collective — MPC is a monthly music production group session, providing space for collaboration between beatmakers, producers and songwriters, an opportunity to learn new skills and get support with music making.

    Monthly Mondays 4.30pm - 6.00pm at MAST Music Studio.

    Ages 11-18

  3. FLOW — Flow is a monthly rap group session for young rappers, whether you’re just starting out on your musical journey or are well on your way!

    Saturdays 10.30am - 12.00pm at MAST Music Studio.

    Ages 11 - 16 years old.

  4. MIX’Zine— Mix’Zine is a connected community for young people interested in music, social media, music journalism, blogging and live events to be part of a team who will share new music and music opportunities with other young people.

    First Monday of the Month 4.30pm - 6.00pm at MAST Music Studio.

    Ages 13 - 25 years old.

Find out more about our Digital Native Artists Programme and the resources we have to offer, along with the music groups and opportunities available to young people on the Isle of Wight.

Retelling Our Stories - Black History Month 2024

We are so excited to have collaborated with local artists Shannon B and producer Sera Bless for 2024’s Black History Month song!

2024’s Black History Month song is based on a theme of Reclaiming Narratives; showcasing untold stories, correcting historical inaccuracies, challenging the narratives that have often overlooked the contributions and achievements of Black individuals.

The song ‘Retelling our Stories’ is now live in our Songbank. To accompany the song, we have made a KS2/KS3 music curriculum resource.

This resource includes outlining the topic, researching the themes and writing your own verse to fit with the existing chorus and example verse.

Find the song and curriculum resource in our songbank via the button below.

Music In The City 2024

Southampton and Isle of Wight Music were delighted to be part of the Music in the City celebrations over the weekend of 28th and 29th September running a stage from King John's Palace at the Tudor House Museum on the afternoon of Saturday 28th September. 

Over four hours we were able to showcase the incredible talents of the city's young people including the hub rock bands and bands from Upper Shirley High School and Redbridge College and some of the brilliant artists from our Stage Door Rising Stars series. 

Along with the performances in Southampton's old town, hub bands and local young musicians were also taking part in the hugely popular open mic sessions run at The Old Chemist in Bitterne which was another excellent and busy night of performances by young people!

Nia Collins, Southampton and Isle of Wight Music Strategic Programme Manager:

"It has been so exciting for us to be able to give young people the opportunity to be part of this city-wide event and reach new audiences who have been blown away by the level of musical talent these students have shown this weekend!"

A huge thanks to all the music hub staff and parents, friends and families who supported this event, the Tudor House for hosting us in such an amazing venue and Music in the City.

Below is a 360 video and photographs from the event!

Rising Stars take the stage at Music in the City

Rising Stars take the stage at Music in the City at King John's Palace, from 1-5pm, on Saturday 28 September.

We are excited to be taking part in Southampton's annual Music in the City this year! Young musicians from our open mic night sessions, Rising Stars, will be taking over the stage at King John's Palace, 1-5pm on Saturday 28 September. 

Come show your support, and enjoy performances from Southampton's up and coming artists!

If you're a musician and would like to take part in future, join us for our monthly open mic nights: Stage Door Rising Stars.

Open for musicians aged 11-18, we are an inclusive, safe space for all performers (including first time performers!) from solo singers to full rock bands.

Sign up via the button below.

Hannah Buckingham
We’re a proud partner of the Department for Education’s Music Opportunities Pilot!

Southampton and Isle of Wight Music are proud to be a partner of the Department for Education’s Music Opportunities Pilot.

Led by Young Sounds UK via their Connect programme, up to 1,000 young people from low-income families will receive targeted support to progress their musical talent and interests. 

We are excited for the opportunity to work with Young Sounds UK on their brilliant Connect Programme. Over the next four years we will be supporting young people from Southampton and Isle of Wight to continue their musical journey through fully funded lessons, music making opportunities, and so much more. 

Find out more at: youngsounds.org.uk/music-opportunities-pilot

Hannah Buckinghamsouthampton, IOW
New independent chair for Board of South Coast Music Partnership

South Coast Music Partnership is pleased to announce the appointment of Jane Bryant as the new independent chair.

South Coast Music Partnership is a Consortium appointed by Arts Council England to lead the Music Hub covering Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP), Isle of Wight, Portsmouth, and Southampton, as part of a national programme to provide high-quality music education for all children and young people. The consortium comprises SoundStorm (on behalf of the current BCP Music Hub), Portsmouth Music Service (on behalf of Portsmouth City Council) and Southampton & Isle of Wight Music (on behalf of Southampton City Council and Isle of Wight Council).

The Music Hub, and their networks of partners including music and arts organisations and schools, are all working together under a joint framework to bring more musical opportunities to more children and young people across the south coast area both in schools and in the wider community. Representing the Consortium with Arts Council England as Hub Lead Organisation (HLO) is Southampton & Isle of Wight Music (on behalf of Southampton City Council and Isle of Wight Council).

Executive Manager, Kath Page, said:

“We are delighted to welcome Jane to the South Coast Music Partnership Board and look forward to drawing from her experience of working in the arts and the creative education and music sectors.”

Jane brings a wealth of experience from a number of different roles including, most recently, as former Chief Executive of Artswork, a post which she held from 2010 to 2020. Jane’s previous roles also include work with Coda Music Trust, with Arts Council England, with Southern Arts, and with the Scottish Arts Council. She started her career as a teacher of music in the Orkney Islands, subsequently taking up a post as Head of Music in an international school. She is currently a trustee of Nordoff and Robbins Music Therapy and is also Chair of Winchester Poetry Festival. With a degree in music from the University of Leeds and a postgraduate teaching certificate from Edinburgh, Jane currently conducts two choirs in Hampshire and is also studying part time for an MA in Music Education from University College London.

Jane commented:

“I am delighted to be appointed as the new Chair of the South Coast Music Partnership, working alongside the Music Hub Consortium to ensure the effective delivery of the new National Plan for Music Education (NPME) both in and out of school settings. I have always been committed to the value of music and the arts as an integral and vital part of the education of children and young people and in reaching those with least current opportunities, and have a profound belief in their power to transform lives. It will be a privilege to work with the South Coast Music Partnership and their partners to ensure that all children and young people can access high quality music education opportunities that meet their needs.”

The appointment of the independent chair will ensure strong governance for the Partnership and strategic oversight for the delivery of the National Plan for Music Education. South Coast Music Partnership will receive £1.6m investment from the Department for Education. This includes £1.2m to coordinate music education activities, as well as £400,000 to invest in new musical instruments, equipment and technology to meet the needs and ambitions of children and young people in the region, including those with special educational needs and disabilities.

Hannah Buckingham
YES Creative Beats: Have Fun with Samba Drumming - Free Course!

Are you looking to improve your confidence and communication skills? Join YES! Creative Beats on a Skills4Work programme and join our free 6 session beginners’ samba course!

 This is a very simple samba taster course with an emphasis on team building and communication for anyone 16+ living on the Isle of Wight, looking for work or to improve their employability skills.

In this course we aim to improve:

  • concentration

  • confidence

  • communication and listening skills

  • teamwork and leadership skills

In a fun, friendly and supportive environment!

Dates: Wednesday 18th September 2pm - 4pm for 6 weeks

Location: St Johns church hall, High Park Road, Ryde PO33 1BX (accessible venue with parking available)

For more information and to book your place, please email us: info@yes-creativebeats.co.uk or visit our facebook page via the button below.

BSO: Young Associates Programme - Apply Now!

Are you an aspiring community music leader, who is keen to make a difference to people’s lives through the power of music? The BSO Young Associates scheme may offer just the experience you’re looking for…

Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra’s Young Associates Programme is a 7-month paid opportunity for 18-26 year old musicians to gain practical training as a creative music leader in the South West.

Open to: Ages 18 – 26

Deadline: Monday 16 September, 5pm

Interview/Audition Dates: Tuesday 24 / Wednesday 25 September

Location: Poole, Dorset

More Details

We’re keen to hear from people who are aged 18-26 and from a background currently underrepresented in the UK’s arts work force including: musicians from lower income backgrounds; of global majority heritage; or, who identify as disabled, D/deaf, or neurodivergent.

The placement will give you paid experience, training and mentoring from some of the sector’s leading practitioners, and you’ll build a great network along the way.

No previous music leading experience is necessary, we’re looking for potential!

How to get involved

Applications are now open, with a deadline of Monday 16 September, 5pm.

Shortlisted applicants will be invited to an interview/audition on Tuesday 24 or Wednesday 25 September in Poole, Dorset.

This will involve an informal interview, a whole group music workshop, and a chance to meet other musicians. Travel expenses will be reimbursed if invited to attend.

RCM Sparks: GALSI Brass and Percussion Course (opportunity for young female & non-binary musicians)

RCM Sparks are delighted to be working in partnership with GALSI (Gender and the Large Shiny Instruments) to deliver a brass and percussion course for young female and non-binary musicians this October half term.

During the course participants will be split into junior and senior ensembles for workshops, masterclasses, and performances led by the incredible GALSI team.

 

Open to: Ages 8 – 25

Standard: Grade 1 – Conservatoire level (Participants will be grouped according to grade)

Dates: 29 & 30 October 2024

Location: Royal College of Music, Prince Consort Road, SW7 2BS

Cost: £80.00 with free tickets available for those who are eligible*.

How to book: Book via the RCM website or register for a free pace here.

 

*Please visit the RCM Sparks page to check whether you are eligible for a free place.

 

If you have any questions about the course or learning and participation opportunities, please don’t hesitate to contact sparks@rcm.ac.uk for more information.

Ensemble Review 2024

Looking back at our Ensembles’ achievements this year!

It has been an incredible year for our 13 ensembles with so many highlights. To name a few:

Southampton Youth Concert Sinfonia starting their community project – Make Some Noise.

Southampton Youth Brass band getting out and about performing at fairs and bandstands across the local area.

Southampton Youth Wind Band and their incredible achievement being invited to perform at the Music for Youth National Festival.

Southampton Youth Orchestra about to take part in the Fulltone festival.

Studio Band giving such an incredible performance at the Concorde Club back in June.

However, our top tier groups couldn’t give such amazing performances without the foundation work that is done in our initial and mid tier groups.

Huge congratulations to all our ensemble players on all their achievements this year. We are looking forward to what next year will bring.

“There is so much musical talent in the young people of Southampton. Their performances

have been of such an incredible standard this year. We are so proud of all their

achievements”

- Zoe Hunting (Manager, Designated Safeguarding Lead at Southampton Music Services)

Schools Hip Hop Workshop & Performance day!

Students from Redbridge Community College, Redbridge Primary and St Patrick's Catholic Primary all took part in a fantastic hip hop workshop and performance day.

Each school group participated in a rap lyric writing workshop with MC Larry Kazingizi, and vocal workshop with Shannon B & J Fashole-Luke and a freestyle session with rapper TenChoo and music producer Karan Master.

The music hub commissioned a song from local producer Sara and Shannon B for the Black History Month theme this year - Saluting Our Sister which all the students learned in their workshop and write lyrics for.

Year 5 & 6 students really enjoyed the opportunity to explore their feeder secondary school and student helpers from Redbridge College were a huge support during the workshops and helping everyone around the school too.

All the elements were brought together for a performance featuring the workshop leaders learning about a history of hip hop from the female perspective and bringing all the parts of the song together live on stage with all of the audience joining in too.  This included an unplanned freestyle rap battle between schools, an amazing year 5 beatboxer and everyone joining in for the final song including two part harmony, live keyboards and percussion!

'Thanks so much to you both for organising such a great day. The children were buzzing and many said it was the 'best school trip ever!!'

- Teacher St Patrick's Primary

Opera Up Close: Schools Recording Day

Here you can find some footage from our incredible schools recording day with Opera Up Close and composer Michael Betteridge. 

Three schools from across Southampton; St Patricks Catholic Primary, Weston Park Primary and St Monica's Primary School took part in this amazing session and their voices will be heard in the new prelude to Vaughan-William's opera Riders to the Sea staged by Opera Up Close next year.

New name, same great music: SIOW Music!

We’re really excited to share our new name: Southampton and IOW Music! 

There is now one easy place to access all the inspiring and vibrant music that you know and love.

Find it all at www.siowmusic.org 

It’s still coming from the same team at Southampton Music Hub, Southampton Music Services and IOW Music Hub, we just hope that now it’s a little easier to find!

There’s so much to see at our new website: www.siowmusic.org 

  • For young people and their families — find music tuition, music groups and more

  • For schools and education settings — find performances, workshops, training and more

  • For music leaders — find support, resources and more

The new programme, starting in September, is huge and exciting, with so many more opportunities to make, learn and enjoy music wherever you are! We can’t wait for you to join us!

Matt Brombley
Coastal Collective Presents: Summer Retreat - Sunday 7 July

Join improvising group Coastal Collective for an evening of improvised music in a beautiful heritage venue

Coastal Collective are delighted to share with you their upcoming performance of “Summer Retreat” which will be performance at St John The Evangelist in Northington, next Sunday 7th July at 5.30 pm.

This family-friendly performance showcases the work of Coastal Collectives latest EP and will immerse you in a world of music in this heritage venue. We welcome anyone who loves music and wants to hear how improvisation can take all sorts of twists and turns.

Featuring:

@neilvalentinemusic - composer/director
@mattbrombley - electronics
@studiobrewdio - guitars
@jamesashdown - drums
@anna_durance - cor anglais
@jamesgtrumpet - trumpet
@chrisnicholsuk - violin
Alison Hughes - clarinets

@coastalcollectivemusicuk

Opportunity For Young Classical Musicians: BLiM's Classically Black

BLiM is currently looking for emerging classical musicians who would like to perform at our upcoming Classically Black event at the prestigious Kings Place in London on October 19th!

Black Lives In Music is thrilled to announce an unmissable performance opportunity for emerging classical musicians from underrepresented backgrounds. As part of our groundbreaking event, Classically Black, we are calling all young and emerging talents to showcase their skills and passion in a vibrant, inspiring setting.

This is your chance to perform in front of a diverse audience, including industry professionals from Warner Music Group, at the prestigious Kings Place in London on October 19, 2024.

Who Can Apply?

We are looking for classical musicians and composers who are early in their careers and eager to make a mark in the music industry. If you are from a black or global majority background, have a fresh voice, and possess a unique musical style that deserves a spotlight, we want to hear from you! We are open to applications from individuals or ensembles of up to five members.

Application Opening: 31 May, 2024  

Application Deadline: 17 July, 2024

For more details on how to apply and get tickets to the event, click the button below.

Share the Joy of Live Music | Turner Sims Summer Festival & Family Day. 28-30 June

Turner Sims Summer Festival - 28-30 June 2024

Turner Sims Summer Festival is back! Extraordinary artists from both near and far are ready to fill our beloved venue and the gardens beyond with incredible live music. 

Join us for a 3-day Summer Festival, Friday 28 - Sunday 30 June at Highfield Campus. Bring a picnic to enjoy before the performances, or take advantage of some amazing food stalls out in the gardens.

 

Summer Family Day – co-designed with pupils from Bassett Green Primary School - Sunday 30 June 2024

Join us at Turner Sims Southampton on Sunday 30 June for a day of magical musical activities and events for children and grown-ups of all ages.

Get the whole family involved with workshops, music, dance, craft – and of course the chance to make LOTS of noise. Bring your picnic lunch to enjoy in the gardens, get your face painted – a perfect day out!

Summer Activities with Sound Pop Academy!

Our partners Sound Pop Academy have some exciting activities coming up this summer which you can get involved with, including a Music Video Recording Project, The Big Sing Family Festival and Summer Theatre Show.

More details on these activities is listed below with information on how to sign up.

Music Video Recording Project

Description: Throughout our project week, our performers will spend two days in Southampton recording vocals and learning the choreography to our chosen song. Our third day will be on-site at our very special filming location in London - all will be revealed soon!

Suitable for: Ages 7-17

Auditions: Sunday 16th June 2024 (Southampton)

Project: 30th, 31st July & 1st August 2024 (Southampton & London, travel included in project fee)

 

The Big Sing Family Festival 2024

Imagine attending a huge festival with all your favourite things! Expect live music, performing arts workshops, arts and crafts, stall holders, sports activities, karaoke and lots of special surprises. There really is something for all the family! Bring a picnic, pray for sunshine and get ready to finish the day with our ultimate big sing-along!

Where: Fairthorne Manor, Curdridge 

When: Saturday 17th August 2024 - 10.30am - 2pm

We’re currently finalising the programme at the moment and so have closed the performer and organisation registration form, however if you would like to be involved or would like to express your interest in performing or running an event at this in 2025, please email becky@soundpopacademy.co.uk 

CALL OUTS!

Register your interest as a Volunteer

Register your interest as a Singer/Artist/Musician

Register your interest as a Stall Holder

 

Summer Theatre Show 2024

Sound Pop Academies Summer Theatre Show this year is celebrating both Southampton & Portsmouth regions! Find out more and get tickets below.

An Audience With... Sam Lee

Next up in our series of An Audience With… is FolkActive Youth Ensemble’s interview with Mercury Prize nominated singer, performer and writer Sam Lee.

An Audience With… is an interactive youth led experience for schools, allowing children and young people to take the lead on planning and creating content and an opportunity to interact and interview music industry professionals and performers. This project has been made in partnership with Turner Sims.

It is a fantastic vehicle for bringing the music industry into the classroom, inspiring pupils to work within our industry and developing aspirations for the future. This project has been specifically created to support teachers and young people to understand more about the many roles and pathways into the music industry.

Sam Lee is a Mercury Prize nominated Singer, Performer and Writer. As a song collector and conservationist, his music has its roots in traditional folk song but his inventive and original sound breaks the boundaries between folk and contemporary music. He is a founding member of Music Declares Emergency, a group that stand together to declare a climate and ecological emergency.