On Sunday 1 July, over 150 people, from families of all shapes and sizes, came together at Turner Sims Southampton for a spectacular celebration of Family Music. 

Following six months of free music-making workshops across the city, over 30 performers — including members of Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra and rock band Groove Merchant — came together in a morning workshop to put the finishing touches to their performances. An incredible joint finale performance was brought together by workshop leader Neil Valentine, joined by Fiona Funnell, from Family Singing, and Aidan Hampson, from Family Rock Jam.

Starting at midday, the Family Music performers delighted an audience of over 120, which included attendees of all ages, and special guest, Councillor Peter Baillie, the Sheriff of Southampton.

The diverse musical programme included a new composition from Family Orchestra, inspired by the sounds of the waterfront; a capella songs from across the world, with Family Singing being joined on stage by a giant bear for their final song; a rousing performance by Groove Merchant which included a version of Shut Up and Dance With Me; and the debut performance of the collective finale song, only first put together that morning — a phenomenal new Family Anthem, drawing on music inspirations from Coldplay to Sister Sledge!

Our Family Music groups coming together for the first time - @ValentineNeil from @BSOrchestra leading a workshop where they’re putting a brand new piece of music together to perform at @TurnerSims at midday! pic.twitter.com/cplYMhO1Fe

— Southampton MusicHub (@MusicHubSouth) July 1, 2018

What a fantastic joyous event! Bravo everyone!

— Neil Valentine (@ValentineNeil) July 1, 2018

Thanks for putting on. What a great way to spend some Saturday mornings and finishing with this concert. Our family had fun contributing clarinet, voice, occasional xylophone and trains (littlest might be active next time!). Please do this again.

— Graeme Day (@graeme_day) July 1, 2018

On Sunday 1 July 2018, from 12noon–1pm, Southampton Music Hub and Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra will present Southampton’s first Family Proms: a spectacular celebration of music performed by, and for, families of all shapes and sizes from across the city.

Following six-months of free music-making workshops across the city, musicians and singers of all ages and abilities will come together at Southampton’s prestigious Turner Sims.

Family Proms includes the chance to hear bass instruments as you’ve never heard them before, with performances from In at the Deep End: a quintet of musicians from Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra consisting of four of the lowest orchestral bass instruments — tuba, trombone, bassoon and double bass — plus percussion.

In at the Deep End will be joined by performers from Southampton’s Family Orchestra, Family Singing and Family Rock Jam groups, alongside Fiona Funnell and rock band Groove Merchant.

Matt Brombley, Interim Hub Manager for Southampton Music Hub says:
“The past six-months of free Family Music workshops have been a huge success! We’ve seen over 500 people taking part, and it’s been incredible to hear stories of how we have inspired singers and musicians of all ages and abilities. We’re delighted to host a spectacular celebration of the achievements of Southampton’s family musicians, with the first Family Proms, and we hope that even more families from across the city will join us to see, and hear, the life-changing power of music!”

Ben Jennings, Participation Coordinator for Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra says:
“For 125 years, Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra have inspired generations of music makers. We’re delighted that In at the Deep End will perform alongside the Family Orchestra, Family Singing and Family Rock Jam groups at this exciting, free, family concert, giving families the chance to hear bass instruments as you've never heard them before!”

It doesn't matter if you've been to one, many, or none before, Family Singing is back with the final free workshop before Family Proms. Come along on Saturday 23 June, from 10am-12noon at the Ashby sure Start Centre and find out how singing can help the whole family feel happier and healthier!

It doesn't matter if you've been to one, many, or none before, Family Rock Jam is back with the final free workshop before Family Proms.

Saturday 16 June 2018
10am-12noon
at Academy of Music and Sound

Joined by Groove Merchant — a house band made from some of city's most talented young rock musicians — Family Rock Jam is free, and fun and open to anyone! You can bring your own guitar, or use one of the free guitars provided.

Southampton Music Hub and Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra presents Family Proms — a spectacular celebration of music performed by, and for, families of all shapes and sizes from across the city.

Family Proms includes the chance to hear bass instruments as you’ve never heard them before, with performances from In at the Deep End: a quintet of musicians from Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra consisting of four of the lowest orchestral bass instruments — tuba, trombone, bassoon and double bass — plus percussion.

In at the Deep End will be joined by performers of all ages and abilities from the free Family Orchestra, Family Singing and Family Rock Jam workshops currently taking place across the city, alongside Fiona Funnell and Groove Merchant.

Following on from last week's Family Singing workshop, where more than 25 singers of all ages and abilities enjoyed singing together, this week, the Family Orchestra returns with a free music making workshop at St Deny's Church Hall.

Join members of Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra in a free Family Orchestra that is open to any one — any standard, any age, any instrument welcome. 

Musicians can bring their own instrument if they have one, or can use one of the free percussion instruments provided.

On Saturday 27 January 2018, over 400 children, young people and adults, from all across the city, came together at Central Hall to take part in free workshops and performances as part of Southampton Music Hub's Music Fayre.

The day opened with Acorn and Elgar string groups performing together for a growing audience of families, including the Mayor and Mayoress of Southampton, who then officially opened the Music Fayre. After the official opening, the Mayor and Mayoress joined Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, and over 150 players of all ages and abilities, picking up a "Bamboo Tamboo", to be part of the biggest open-access, Family Orchestra the city has ever heard. 

Throughout the day free music workshops and performances included choirs — Delicious Sounds, Family Singing, Sing Out and Sing Force — as well as community music groups and ensembles — Pulse8, Ukulele Groups, Folk Active and Family Rock Jam — and families were also greeted by performances from some of the city's most talented "Award Holder" musicians. Southampton Music Hub, Hayes Music, CoMA South and Friends of Southampton Youth Orchestra also hosted stalls on the day.

Matt Brombley, Interim Hub Manager for Southampton Music Hub says:
"It was an incredible pleasure to host the Music Fayre again this year: proudly sharing Southampton's diverse musical communities; and inspiring families to take part in making music together. With free Family Music workshops now travelling around the city throughout the Spring, families of all shapes and sizes can find out how making music helps make lives better!"

At the @MusicHubSouth Music Fayre launching the 2018 Southampton Family Orchestra! Celebrating BSO's 125th Anniversary year by creating a new song from scratch based around the numbers 125. #BSOParticipate pic.twitter.com/MxnPv0PfGX

— BSO (@BSOrchestra) January 27, 2018

On Saturday 27 January 2018, Central Hall plays host to a jam-packed programme of music workshops, performances and stalls at Southampton Music Hub's Music Fayre. Joined by hub partners as well as local music and arts organisations, families of all shapes and sizes can come and join in with music activities suitable for all ages and abilities.

This weekend, a free Family Singing workshop with Fiona Funnell (formerly 'Choral Clans') will join an exciting programme of workshops and performances at Southampton Music Hub's Music Fayre. Taking place on Saturday 27 January 2018, and running from 11am-3pm at Central Hall, the Music Fayre is jam packed with a wide variety of music making activities for families of all shapes and sizes. 

Matt Brombley, Interim Hub Manager for Southampton Music Hub says:
"Singing is a great way for families and communities to come together, connect with others, and share the incredible health and wellbeing benefits that come from making music together. The Music Fayre this weekend will be a great opportunity to try the free Family Music opportunities that are taking place across the city in the coming months, leading to the city's first Family Proms in July."

Following last years huge success, the Family Orchestra, run in partnership with Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, returns this weekend — bigger and better than ever! 

As part of Southampton Music Hub's Music Fayre on Saturday 27 January 2018, a huge, open-access, Family Orchestra workshop will be take place in the main hall of Central Hall meaning that players of all ages and abilities can be part of, what will likely be, the biggest open orchestra the city has ever heard!

Matt Brombley, Interim Hub Manager for Southampton Music Hub says:
"This is the perfect chance for brand new players, and rusty ones alike, to grab an instrument — or use one of the free instruments provided — and have a go at making music together. From those learning a musical instrument in school, to those who've never played before, it really doesn't matter, as long as you're willing to give it a go — any instrument, any age, any ability — everyone is welcome!"

This weekend, families of all shapes and sizes can be part of the free music workshops and performances at Southampton Music Hub's Music Fayre. From 11am-3pm on Saturday 27 January 2018, Southampton Music Hub will joined at Centrall Hall by hub partners and local music and arts organisations to proudly share Southampton's diverse musical communities.

Matt Brombley, Interim Hub Manager at Southampton Music Hub says:
“This year is the biggest year ever for families to make music together in Southampton. Launching at the Music Fayre, free Family Orchestra, Family Singing and Family Rock Jam workshops will mean that players and singers of all ages and abilities, can share the life-changing power of making music together. With the help of Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, Fiona Funnell, and Groove Merchant, families of all shapes and sizes can find out how making music can help make lives better!”

As the new school year starts, Southampton Music Hub is working in schools and across the community to deliver its ambitious programme of life-changing music for the year ahead. Through first access, instrumental and vocal tuition and city ensembles, every child has the opportunity to perform and progress. Through the Stadium Tour, every child will have access to inspiring and inclusive music experiences, with world class musicians touring around the city's schools. Everybody Sing will help everyone to enjoy the health and wellbeing benefits of singing . The Family Music Programme — including Family Singing and a new Family Rock Jam, along with the return of the Family Orchestra — will help all families share the life-changing power of making music together.

Launching in January 2018, Southampton Music Hub's Family Music programme will help families share the life-changing power of making music together: inspiring players and singers, of all ages and abilities, to be part of a lifelong musical journey that boosts health and wellbeing and builds community cohesion through shared music experiences. 

In partnership with world-class musicians, Southampton Music Hub will provide a diverse range of free, open-access, family music making activities across the city.