This Christmas, Southampton Music Hub has worked closely with two choirs — University of Southampton Voices and Southampton Choral Society — to put together two concerts celebrating choral excellence in Southampton.

The Bells of Paradise:

The first concert, The Bells of Paradise, took place at Swaythling Methodist Church on Friday 15th December. 

University of Southampton Voices — a 50 strong community choir based at the University of Southampton — were lead by their charismatic director, Harvey Brough, who also composed and arranged the music performed. Choirs from Swaythling Primary School and Cantell School worked with vocal workshop leaders from Southampton Music Hub in the run up to the event.

Harvey Brough, University of Southampton Voices Director, says:
“The young singers sang really well, I felt they really learned something about performing throughout the process and in the concert itself. I could feel the collective will to make it as good as possible and that’s such a valuable thing to tap into.”

Gemma Dyne, Head of Music at Cantell School, says:
“We had a really good time and it was very beneficial for all of the students taking part.”

Singers from St Annes rehearsing for their performance at Central Hall

Singers from Springhil school rehearsing for their performance at Central Hall

Ceremony of Carols

The second concert, at Central Hall on Saturday 16th December, featured Southampton Choral Society, alongside choirs from Springhill and St Anne’s Catholic Schools, in a magical performance of Britten’s Ceremony of Carols.

Workshop leaders from Southampton Music Hub worked with the schools to learn and rehearse the material which was brought together with harp accompaniment on the day, by conductor Graham Kidd. The demanding but beautiful music of Britten made a dramatic entrance processing in and out of the auditorium for the opening and closing plain chant. 

Diana Barnes, General Secretary of Southampton Choral Society, says:
“It was lovely to hear their young voices singing with enthusiasm and commitment, and we thoroughly enjoyed having them sing with us. We hope that we can have the opportunity again some time!”

Jenni McWilliams, Music Teacher at Springhill, says:
“This was an amazing opportunity for our pupils, we would definitely welcome working together again... they absolutely loved the whole experience.”

Gemma Nicholls, St Anne’s
“This was a wonderful event and a brilliant chance for the students to sing alongside singers from Springhill and Southampton Choral Society. The students all really enjoyed it.”

Nia Collins, Interim Hub Manager at Southampton Music Hub, says:
“Both of these choral concerts were extremely ambitious in their repertoire and as always the children and young people of Southampton schools were able to rise to the challenge admirably with some astonishing results! We have enjoyed working closely with schools, the university and community choirs who have all been extremely supportive in helping to bring these exciting celebration events together.”

This Spring, Southampton Music Hub presents a brand new set of songs that will help the youngest children in school to explore the world around them through singing. The fun and simple songs explore themes from brushing you teeth and washing your hands, through to family and holidays. 

The free song book will be sent to every Reception class in the city, and will be supported with free singing workshops from Southampton Music Hub's experienced early years singing tutors. 

Nia Collins, Southampton Music Hub Manager and Vocal Strategy Leader, says:
"We are delighted to be able to offer a set of songs written for the EYFS framework that help children in Reception classes use music to explore their relationship to the home environment. These free songs will be accompanied by free workshops in schools which will help children enjoy singing from the very beginning of their schools lives. The songs are simple and catchy, and we hope that children will take these songs home so that parents can singalong too."

On Friday 15 December 2017, University of Southampton Voices and Southampton Music Hub will present The Bells of Paradise: a delightful collection of carols and Christmas songs from around the world, and through the ages, arranged by Harvey Brough, Turner Sims Professor of Music.

Southampton University Voices — a 60 strong choir made up from staff members and students from the University of Southampton — will come together with children’s choirs from Swaythling Primary and Cantell School, international vocalist Clara Sanabras and James Murray on piano.

The performance takes place at Swaything Methodist Hall, starting at 7.30pm.

Southampton Music Hub Manager and Vocal Strategy Lead, Nia Collins, says:
"This has been a great opportunity to showcase some of Harvey's fantastically festive arrangements and for the children involved to sing some really interesting and different repertoire. It has also been a great way for the hub to deliver some transition work between primary and secondary schools and the university, helping to strengthen those links in our community via music"

In Southampton Music Hub's annual feedback letter this week, Arts Council England (ACE) has identified many key strengths for both Southampton and IOW Music Hubs. Both hub's have been recognised for a diverse music offer, from a strong network of partners, resulting in an inclusive approach to music for children across the region.

In recognition of ACE's confidence in the hubs’ leadership, both hubs have been assigned the lowest risk rating. This is the first time the IOW has achieved this rating since Southampton became accountable for the hub in 2016, and represents an incredible achievement for Kath, Zoe, Nia and the IOW team which they have led.

Based on this annual letter, and the business plans moving forward, Arts Council England will offer the hubs a two year funding agreement, securing the future of Southampton and IOW Music Hubs in to 2020.

Matt Brombley, Interim Hub Manager for Southampton Music Hub says:
"As a team, we always knew that building strong partnerships would be key to delivering life-changing music for children across Southampton and the IOW. It’s great to see our approach to partnership work recognised for helping to achieve the high ambitions we have set together. A huge thank you for all that our schools, teachers and partners do in supporting the work of Southampton and IOW Music Hubs — we cannot wait to see what we can achieve over the coming years, working together to delivering life-changing music for every child in our region."

Young musicians, performing with the Chineke! orchestra at Central Hall in November 2017, as part of a partnership project with Turner Sims, Southampton.

This month's new song in the Everybody Sing Song Bank is a special festive edition written by Jo Downs. With lyrics which play on the idea of a Christmas list jam packed with presents, this song encourages young singers to think about those less fortunate than themselves at a time of year when it can be so easy to only think about their own wishes. There are three fun, optional harmonies to accompany the main tune, with different levels for all abilities.

Southampton Music Hub has been longlisted, alongside five other music hubs, for the MEC Music Education Awards 2017, recognising the hub's imaginative, creative, ambitious and inspirational approach to music education. The shortlist will be announced in December, and the final awards will be given in February 2018.

Matt Brombley, Interim Hub Manager for Southampton Music Hub, says:
"The whole team are delighted to have been longlisted for this award, as recognition of the excellence we achieve together. It is an honour to help lead an incredible partnership of teachers, schools, families and music organisations from across the region, as we work towards our shared purpose of bringing life-changing music to every child in our city."

On Saturday 9 December 2017, Southampton Youth Concert Sinfonia (SYCS) will be joined by the Splash of Red ladies choir and singers from Southampton Music Service for a Christmas concert not to be missed. 

Anna Robinson, Director of SYCS, says:
"After a hugely successful tour concert with Splash of Red ladies choir, SYCS are delighted to, once again, be joined by the choir on a return visit this Christmas. The concert is going to feature a wide range of festive favourites including an exciting rendition of O come Emmanuel also featuring Southampton Music Service singing students."

Southampton Music Hub and Southampton Inclusion Partnership (SIP) are working together to pilot a new SEND Music Advisor role in the city. The role will help improve access to music for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). Kelly Jo Peters, who is the music teacher at Great Oaks School, a Specialist Lead Educator in SEND Music for SIP and a national SEND Music consultant, will be taking on the role, supporting the city’s special schools and inclusion units to help every young musician reach their fullest potential, regardless of the challenges they may face.

Matt Brombley, Interim Hub Manager for Southampton Music Hub says:
“We’re delighted to work with Southampton Inclusion Partnership and Kelly Jo Peters as part of our ongoing commitment to improve access to music for children with additional needs: recognising the unique challenges they face and valuing the unique contribution they can make. Kelly Jo’s expertise and experience mean she is uniquely placed to help deliver our ambitious plans for 2018–20 and beyond.”

Kelly Jo Peters, SEND Music Advisor for Southampton Music Hub, says:
"Music is my passion and sharing that passion to help others develop their musicality is my lifelong goal. In this new role as SEND Music Advisor, I will help children with additional needs access increasing music learning opportunities and experiences. This role enables me to work with the city's special schools and inclusion units, as well as arts organisations, in order to support the Southampton Music Hub and SIP in delivering a dynamic and engaging music programme for SEND."

Janina Spencer Assistant Head from the Southampton Inclusion Partnership says: 
"Working in partnership with the Southampton Music Hub will further SIP's purpose in developing inclusive opportunities for pupils across Southampton. Kelly Jo (SIP SLE) is extremely experienced in the field of music with SEN and mainstream so her expertise will be invaluable. It will be exciting to watch music develop for all"

Kelly Jo Peters and the Great Oaks iPad band performing at Portsmouth Guildhall

This month's free song from the Everybody Sing Song Bank is a medley of nursery rhymes — perfect for singing with young children in school.

With so many familiar tunes, the song is also an ideal confidence booster for new teachers and music leaders who may be feeling unsure about leading singing activities. Alongside tips on how to sing the song, the podcast episode this week also introduces a brand new warm up and simple, silly starter that can be used in school and at home to build new singing skills.

On Saturday 4 November 2017, Southampton Youth Brass Band (SYBB) were joined by members of the world leading Cory Band for a day of expert workshops ahead of a joint concert together at Chandlers Ford Methodist Church in the evening. The day included sectional masterclasses, with each group of instruments working with expert players from Cory to develop their parts in the two pieces the bands would perform together in the concert later. The five Cory Band members also performed pieces of music and answered questions from members of SYBB about their incredible experiences touring the world as renowned musicians. The evening concert, attended by over 300 thrilled audience members, gained the attention of the Daily Echo with a glowing review of the evening.

A parent of an SYBB member says:
"My son had a fantastic day and was thoroughly inspired by the workshop and by the live performance, both watching it and participating in it. We were amazed by the standard that Paul attains with the band and the strong relationship he has with its members, parents and the brass community which enable days and evenings like that to be so successful. I don't think we could have fitted many more people into the church. Our son was positively buzzing afterwards and spent most of the afternoon practising which was lovely!”

Paul Hart, Director of SYBB says:
"The chance to play with the number one Brass Band in the world was something that I would never have thought would be possible. But last weekend, that’s exactly what happened. Dreams and life long memories were certainly made on that day, thanks to the amazing Cory Band. It was a chance to learn from some of the best players in the world on their chosen instruments and a day that will, I’m sure, be one they will never forget.”

Last term over 2,000 pupils took part in inspiring folk pop music experiences with Lucid, the Isle of Wights's "number one band". With eight performances in schools across the city, Lucid guided pupils through an interactive history of pop music, with performance letting them to see, hear and find out about how popular music has changed over the past 60 years.

We enjoyed a fantastic visit from @Lucid_Band this afternoon. 🎶 pic.twitter.com/nLr5v9e7lu

— TownhillJuniorSchool (@TownhillJunior) October 17, 2017

Sheku Kanneh-Mason and the Chineke! Orchestra. Image by Mark Allen

Chineke! — Europe's first professional majority Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) orchestra, founded by the double bassist Chi-chi Nwanoku OBE — is working with Southampton Music Hub and Turner Sims to give school pupils in Southampton an extraordinary musical experience.

Pupils from Southampton schools will participate in a series of workshops in the lead up to Chineke!’s public performance at Turner Sims, on Thursday 23 November 2017.

To coincide with Black History Month in October, pupils from three Southampton schools will learn a newly commissioned arrangement of Symphony No 2, L’Amant Anonyme by Joseph Boulogne (Le Chevalier de Saint Georges), an extraordinary man who was not only an accomplished 18th century black composer and virtuoso violinist but also a celebrated fencer, athlete, soldier and political activist in Paris and across Europe.

This November, members of Chineke! Orchestra will join pupils in their schools and work together to learn the piece by Boulogne, as well as composing a new piece of music inspired by his life. The project culminates in a large-scale performance for schools on Thursday 23 November, with over 150 young musicians playing alongside Chineke! musicians at Central Hall, Southampton. The performance comes ahead of Chineke!’s concert at Turner Sims the same evening.

The scheme aims to give the students inspiration and confidence during their formative years, with the hope of increasing the numbers of black and minority ethnic students studying music in higher education.

Nia Collins, Interim Hub Manager for Southampton Music Hub says:
"We’re delighted to give pupils from Southampton the experience of not only listening to, but performing alongside, some of the best BME musicians in the world. Southampton is an incredibly diverse place, and in recognition of the contribution BME musicians make to our city, we are delighted to subsidise music lessons for young BME musicians taking part in the project, to support them as they continue making music. Video from the day will go out to schools, alongside pieces of music, meaning that every child in the city will be able to play along with, and celebrate, the contribution of BME composers and musicians to classical music."

Kevin Appleby, Concert Hall Manager at Turner Sims says:
"I’m thrilled that as part of Chineke!’s first visit to Turner Sims, we can bring some of the orchestra’s highly regarded learning and participation work to Southampton schools, providing children with inspiring encounters with world-class musicians. The project builds on the work we have done over a number of years, together with Southampton Music Hub and the national music charity Orchestras Live, in profiling orchestral music across the city. We’re grateful to Arts Council England for their support of Chineke!’s work which has enabled this innovative project to happen."

Ishani O’Connor, Learning and Participation Manager, Chineke! Foundation says:
"It is wonderful for Chineke! to be involved in such an ambitious collaboration with the Music Hub and Turner Sims, and to reach so many children in Southampton. Chineke! Learning and Participation has been working hard this year to support music education across the UK and to encourage young BME musicians to keep playing and practising their instruments. We want to give BME musicians opportunities to meet and listen to Chineke! classical musicians from backgrounds similar to their own, to show them that with hard work and determination, they too can belong on the best stages in the world. These mentorships directly fulfil Chineke!’s aim to champion change and celebrate diversity in classical music."

To book tickets for Chineke!’s performance at Turner Sims on Thursday 23 November at 8pm call the Turner Sims Box Office on 023 8059 5151 or visit https://www.turnersims.co.uk/events/chineke/

Find out more about Chineke!: www.chineke.org, @Chineke4Change (on Twitter) and /chinekefoundation (on Facebook)

Find out more about Chineke!’s Learning and Participation work: https://musicworkshopcompany.wordpress.com

On Saturday 11 November, Southampton Youth Concert Sinfonia (SYCS) will be part of a charity concert, performing alongside New Music Makers, a 50 piece choir from Hedge End, to raise funds for Countess Mountbatten Hospice Charity.

Anna Robinson, Conductor for SYCS says:
"This is not only going to be a fantastic evening of music making for a great cause but there will also be an art exhibition in the interval presenting the work of local artist Emily Quick."

Matt Brombley, Interim Hub Manager for Southampton Music Hub says:
"This concert is a great example of why we invest so much in our ensembles: giving our young people vital opportunities to contribute to, and make a difference in, their communities and our city."

Tickets cost £10 for adults, £8 for concessions and £5 for children and can be reserved at St Paul's Church Office or by emailing emquickmusic@gmail.com.

On Friday 6 October, year six pupils at Shirley Warren Primary School debuted the city's first ever iPad Concerto. Following a workshop in September with Southampton Music Hub, Són Orchestra and Ricky Tart, pupils spent their music lessons creating new musical ideas with iPads, instruments and their voices. In a final workshop ahead of their performance to 120 pupils and teachers at Shirley Warren Learning Campus, pupils worked with professional musicians to arrange their ideas in a final piece of music.

Asked what they thought about the project, year six told us:
"The best thing about taking part was hearing the different types of music, trying new sounds on the iPad and showing what we did to our school"
"It was hard because you could hear other people and they were playing different parts, but we worked as a team and got to hear how good it sounded all together. Playing with other people is much better than playing alone!"

Year six pupils taking part in a workshop ahead of the iPad Concerto debut performance

On Tuesday 7 November 2017 Southampton Music Hub and Stage Lead will host a musical theatre workshop at Regents Park Community College. Taking place from 4.30-6.30pm and costing just £4 per person, the workshop is a great opportunity for young people who love musical theatre and West End shows to build new singing, dancing and acting skills. 

Photo by the Daily Echo

It's been an incredible start to this year for Southampton Music Hub — with many achievements worth celebrating.

This half term alone:

• 1,500 new pupils took their first musical steps in First Access
• 460 young musicians have joined or returned one of our 20 ensembles
• 15 looked after children are having music therapy
• 3,400 have taken part in one of our inspiring music experiences with hub partners
• And over 600 people joined our city ensembles and singers in Guildhall Square to celebrate Southampton’s musical diversity

Matt Brombley, Interim Hub Manager at Southampton Music Hub says:
"We're overwhelmed by what an incredible start to the year we've seen. A huge thank you to everyone who supports the work that we do in schools and the community. This is only possible thanks to the incredible dedication of our teachers, schools, families and partners; all working together to bring life-changing music to every child in Southampton."

Photo by Daily Echo

On Saturday, Southampton Music Hub's Groove Merchant and Ukulele groups were joined by Delicious Sounds Choir, Sing Out Choir, Highfield Singing Club, Soton Voce and hundreds of community singers, musicians and audience members to take part in a celebration of Southampton's musical and cultural diversity. The event, which took part in Guildhall Square as part of the Music in the City Festival, saw hundreds joining in with 'Singing in the City': a specially commissioned song which was performed by youth and community choirs from across the city.

Nia Collins, who led the choirs on the day, says:
"This was an incredible event which brought together musicians, singers and audiences from across Southampton to celebrate the rich musical diversity that makes our city such an incredible place to live in together."

You can view photographs of the event on the Daily Echo website, and a report on Music in the city will be featured on South Today this week.

Southampton Music Hub will be hosting music in Guildhall Square this Saturday afternoon as part of the Music in the City festival. Joined by musicians from the community, the programme for the afternoon will be:

• 1–1.30pm: Ukulele Groups
• 1.30–2pm: Groove Merchant
• 2.30–3pm: Singing in the City with Sing Out, Delicious Sounds, Soton Voces and community singers
• 3–3.30pm: Groove Merchant

Any young singers who took part in workshops for Singing in the City are warmly invited to join the performance at 2.30pm, and should meet in Guildhall square, with a parent or guardian to accompany them, from 2.15pm.

Released today, the next free song in the Everybody Sing Song Bank is the perfect way to launch into Space Week, which starts on Wednesday 4 October 2017. 

As part of Southampton Music Hub's ongoing support for singing in schools, the song is accompanied by a short, but jam packed singing podcast for teachers, with each episode bursting full of great ideas to get the whole school singing together, having fun and feeling happier and healthier through music. There is even a bonus podcast episode this week, with percussion ideas to play along with the song.

This October, Southampton Music Hub launches a brand new city choir, open to year 7+ students from across the city who enjoy singing and want to sing together with others in a wide range of musical styles. With rehearsals starting on Monday 2 October 2017, from 3.15–4.15pm, at Sholing Technology College, students interested in taking part can come along, and have a go — no previous experience is needed.

Hannah Meredith, Choir Leader, says:
"'If you love singing and are looking for a fun, uplifting, joyful group to be part of, you are more than welcome. We'll be getting started at 3.15pm at Sholing Technology College on Monday 2 October, and we can't wait to see you."