At the end of this school year, Southampton Music Hub is celebrating resilience. 

The past 16 months have been disruptive for everyone, and in the face of such challenging times, we have seen the city’s young musicians, and the adults who support them, show an incredible ability to adapt, to grow, to learn, and to reach out.

Music has motivated us to keep going, and it has also helped us to grow the personal qualities that are so valuable, not just because they make great musicians, but because they make us better people.

So at the end of this school year, we’re celebrating resilience.

Songwriting and Production Mentoring

After Covid disrupted face-to-face music-making, and left young people missing out on so many normal opportunities, Southampton Music Hub responded with a brand new, online songwriting and music production offer, allowing young people to work with a new, more diverse team, of talented young producers to write songs, make beats and rap.

The young people — many of whom have been offered the opportunity to take part from their social worker, NHS team or other support network — have been developing their skills, expressing themselves in the tracks they write, and now, are helping to choose what the programme looks like going forward.

Chris a young producer and songwriter, explains why he wrote his new song, ‘Avalanche’.

“Avalanche is a song about going through struggles of life and difficult times. I wanted to write this song to reach out to other people going through a hard time, to let them know they’re not alone. I’m going to be going into the studio in September to record the full version, including working with a singer to add the chorus.”

— Chris, Young Songwriter

Hear a short clip from the demo for ‘Avalanche’:

“Forty thoughts a second, can’t hold my mind
Spitting these rhymes, ahead of the times
Iceberg with a dark side, on the flip side, I’m a nice guy
Like a cuppa tea, steam floats to the sky
Hanging off a balcony
Cold air made the heat die”

— Lyrics from Verse 1 of Avalanche by Chris

Matt Brombley, Development Manager for Southampton Music Hub, says:

“From the team supporting them, to the young people taking part, everyone involved has shown incredible resilience. We know that music is a powerful way to explore and express your emotions. This year, more than ever, that creative outlet has been a place we see young people rise to the challenge of learning new skills, facing up to their emotional experiences, and turning that into exciting new music.”

Southampton Wind Band had the honour of being the first Southampton Music Hub ensemble to perform in person in almost 500 days! 

Zoe Hunting, Ensembles Manager, says:
”What a performance it was, with music from The Incredibles through to a tribute to Ennio Morriconi who died last year. The band sounded amazing, portraying the mood and characteristics of each piece at a level well beyond their years. Of course, in true outdoor concert tradition, it did rain, but even this wasn't going to put the band off from playing to the highest level.”

Groove Merchant perform at The Point.

On Wednesday 14 July. Groove Merchant and Groove Foundation performed at The Point in Eastleigh to an audience of family and friends. 

Aidan Hampson Director of the bands, says:
”I have been with the bands for over ten years now and this year has been by far the most challenging. It has been amazing to see the tenacity and resilience displayed by the members of both bands.”

The same night Southampton Youth Concert Sinfonia (SYCS) was also performing for the first time in 18 months.

Zoe Hunting explains:
”SYCS’ Prom on the Pitch saw the orchestra play outside at Richard Taunton Sixth Form College, supported by friends and family who were encouraged to bring a picnic and enjoy the show. The orchestra presented an uplifting, high energy programme opening with a Tribute to the King(Elvis Presley) and closing with a medley of How to Train your Dragon. The concert had a real sense of occasion and celebration for everyone involved.”

Anna Robinson, Director of SYCS, adds:

“Prom on the Pitch was such a special occasion for everyone involved. It has been such a difficult year for everybody and it was a huge privilege to end our season with such a high energy concert which truly celebrates SYCS and the amazing young musicians. The orchestra put on such a fantastic concert and I am extremely proud of each and every person who took part and really appreciate the support from friends and family, both on concert day and throughout this year.”

The musicians themselves were all very glad to be performing to an audience again, as Beth Wilkinson, Double Bass, tells us:

“Performing as an ensemble was something that we had all missed, so getting to do it for the first time in two years was a very special experience. Despite the frequent interruptions from passing traffic, it was a lot of fun and something that both the performers and the audience will not forget!”

"Being back has made me realise how much I missed the sound of happiness.  This has been the highlight of my 2021.  It's so nice to finally hear how my part fits into the pieces. My time in lockdown has helped me to realise how much I value being part of an ensemble.  To be able to play as a unit and create music is a true feeling words can't describe"

Southampton Youth Orchestra perform at Romsey Abbey.

Southampton Music Hub’s final performance for this school year was given by Southampton Youth Orchestra (SYO) on 17 July at Romsey Abbey as the final performance in the 2021 Romsey Music Festival. 

Kath Page, Music Hub Manager, shares:
”The pieces performed enabled the different sections to show their individual mastery and musicianship, giving performances professional musicians would have been proud of. The performance finished with a stirring performance of the Vaughan-Williams Pastoral symphony, with the youth orchestra capturing the poignancy behind the piece written in the wake of WW1 beautifully. “

Zoe Hunting, Ensembles Manager says:
"It has been amazing to hear some of our hub ensembles performing again after so long. Even more fantastic has been the incredibly high standard all the young musicians have performed to, especially given most of their rehearsals have been online during this academic year and with only a handful of full ensemble rehearsals just before the concerts. The dedication and commitment shown by these young musicians and all the staff is something Southampton should be very proud of"

As announced in the Daily Echo last week, Starting in September, pupils at three Southampton primary schools will be getting lessons in rap and hip hop alongside their other subjects thanks to a £65,000 grant from Paul Hamlyn Foundation.

The project is being led by Southampton Music Hub, and will see pupils and teachers from Bassett Green, St Monica and Weston Park Primary Schools work with inspirational rap artist Rob Bradley.

Matt Brombley, Development Manager from Southampton Music Hub, explains:

“Rap is the perfect artform for this project because, to be a successful rapper, you have to blend so many important skills and qualities. It requires both written and spoken language development; rhythmic and melodic flow; as well as self understanding and self expression. Young people in the city tell us they love rap music, and we’re tapping into that enthusiasm to help make sure that what happens in the classroom is as exciting and inspiring as the music they’re passionate about.”

The project goes much deeper than performances and workshops, and will see class teachers bring rap music into weekly music and english lessons too.

Rob Bradley, Rap Artist, explains:

“This project is so exciting because we will have time to develop relationships throughout the year. Over this time, pupils will develop their ideas and build their confidence, with teachers getting the support they need to deliver their own authentic and engaging rap lessons. I really look forward to meeting pupils and can’t wait to see what they write!”

Kath Page, Manager of Southampton Music Hub adds:

“This is a unique project, both in design and outcomes. We are using music to help pupils who may struggle in other areas of school life. This is a real collaborative process, with the hub working closely with Rob, and schools, to make the outcomes even more meaningful."

The project has been supported by Paul Hamlyn Foundation, whose significant investment will help pupils to benefit from the same inspirational power of music which changed Rob’s life growing up.

Catherine Sutton, Head of Programme - Education, explains

“PHF is delighted to be able to support this project, which will bring together children, teachers and musicians to explore how a co-constructed approach to embedding rap into Music and Literacy learning can support children’s engagement, enjoyment and progress in learning.”

Rob Bradley shares more:

“Like many young people I needed an outlet for my thoughts and emotions when I was growing up. When I discovered rap music around age nine I fell in love. It was a world of limitless self expression. The rappers I listened to had a hypnotic mix of passionate performance, captivating stories and clever one liners.”

“Young people can have complex ideas. They are coming to terms with their identity and their place in the world. They need tools to be able to express their developing thoughts. I hope to inspire young people to write. I want them to pay attention to their use of language. I want them to be confident enough to perform and own their work, and I want them to have fun whilst doing it.”

James Baillie, Cabinet Member for Education at Southampton City Council (SCC), says

"At SCC we are determined to provide the best possible start to life and opportunities for our young people. This exciting project is an excellent example of creatively using the power of music and a medium they love to provide the children with key skills they need. I look forward to seeing the results!"

Ahead of UK Music’s “MAPping the Future” conference on the 16 June — an exciting programme of free online sessions for young people aged 16+ interested in a career in the music industry — Southampton Music Hub are sharing some links to help young people in the city explore a future in the music and creative industries.

As Matt Brombley, Development Manager, explains:
”Young people on our mentoring programme are asking us how they can set themselves up for a future career in music, and , with some help from Oli Morris at UK Music, we’ve pulled together some tools that will help them to plan and take their next steps towards a successful future as creative professionals.”

Find Your Role

Use this website from Creative & Cultural Skills to help identify the perfect future role for you!

Careers Information

Use this pack from UK Music to help you identify and plan your next steps.

MAPping the Future Conference

Get Support from a Mentor

Southampton Music Hub’s mentoring team can help you develop your skills, and move forward on your musical journey.

As we approach World Music Day on Monday 21 June 2021 Southampton Music Hub is sharing some fantastic resources and projects you can take part in, to celebrate all things music in school or at home!

Let’s Get Loud!  Digital performance event

Whether in a class bubble, learning at home, or as whole school, you can participate in this project. All ages and abilities are welcome to take part: from pre-school right up to secondary school. 

Join in as a instrumental performer using resources created by the hub and featuring Southampton Youth Brass Band as your backing track! All you need to do it:

1. Choose a part from the resources which matches your ability

2. Record yourself playing along

3. Upload your video

If you don’t play an instrument, you can still sing along over at the Big 10 Minute Sign & Sing page where you will find a tuition video to learn body percussion and Makaton signs, instructions on how to take part and a form to upload your videos. 

Entries can be from individual pupils, a class or bubble, all the bubbles in a school individually or your whole school and you can send us as many entries as you like! 

Singing Across The World — World Music Day (Monday 21 June 2021)

Why not learn this original song written by hub composer Jo Downs, especially for World Music day? You can find it in the Everybody Sing Song Bank. Alternatively browse the entire Everybody Sing Song Bank with new search buttons to help teachers find something to suit your class, year group or assembly.

Digital Workshops

Southampton Music Hub’s bank of digital music workshop content is also available for you to find something to suit your setting and have an exciting World Music Day — especially if you bring everyone together where you are to enjoy the power of singing together. 

Nia Collins Music Hub Relationship Manager says:

“Alongside the well-known academic and wellbeing benefits, music is such a fantastic way to foster a sense of community within your setting, even when classes are still divided by bubbles or current restrictions. I can’t wait to see how you have been celebrating this event in your schools!”

With changes to guidance allowing, more young musicians across the city are returning to face-to-face rehearsals for their bands, orchestras and other musical groups this week.

As so many young musicians shared in out “In Conversation” series over the past few months, the opportunity to be amongst friends and fellow musicians, making music together, is something they love, and something they couldn’t wait to get back to.

Zoe Hunting, Ensembles Manager, says:
”We are delighted that the change in the Out of Schools Settings Guidance this week has enabled us to increase the size of our groups that can now rehearse together. It has simply been fantastic to hear our ensembles back in action again this term and even more so this week with the larger groups. This also means our younger ensembles can now start recruiting new players. If you know a young musician who would like to get involved please get in touch.”

Over the past three months, online songwriting and production mentoring sessions have been a huge success, helping young people write songs, create beats, and produce their own tracks.

For some of the young people taking part, the process of writing songs has not just been about the music at the end, but about finding ways to better understand their mental health journeys, and, with the help of their mentors, write lyrics which help make sense of some of the struggles of the past year.

“Mentoring sessions are a relaxed space to try new things — I’m free to be myself and express my ideas. I was anxious when I first started, but the mentors are super chill and helpful.”

— Chris, young songwriter

As Chris, one young songwriter explains: ”Mentoring sessions are a relaxed space to try new things — I’m free to be myself and express my ideas. I was anxious when I first started, but the mentors are super chill and helpful.”

Matt Brombley, Development Manager for Southampton Music Hub adds: ”It’s been so powerful to see young people discover songwriting as a way of processing and understanding their thoughts, feelings and circumstances. I know that for me, songwriting has been a place where I can get lost when life feels overwhelming; a place where I can say with music, what feels impossible to say with words. It is so exciting to see young people and their mentors find purpose in sharing that process together.”

The Everybody Sing Song Bank has loads of great songs to help children and young people feel healthier and happier through singing together, and this Mental Health Awareness Week, here’s a few highlights:

Health and Wellbeing Songs

Emotional Literacy Songs

Growth Mindset Songs

As rehearsals move from online back to in-person, the final conversation in this series is with Anna Robinson (director), Sarah Perrott (assistant director) and players from the music hub’s windband Airplay. During lockdown Airplay joined together with the equivalent group from the Isle of Wight, Airwaves.

What have the aims been for both groups whilst rehearsals have been online?

AR - The primary aims for both groups have been to have fun making music whilst also making new friendships between both new players within their own ensemble and the IOW bands.

How have you been able to achieve these?

AR - We have been working from the Charanga Take off beginner's wind band series, a set of really fun high energy repertoire (I have learnt the bands particularly enjoy pushing the tempo up to 150%!) We have also done a range of social activities including a house scavenger hunt.

What have you enjoyed about online rehearsals?

Player A - Very friendly chat at the beginning and everyone can contribute on how fast they want to play

What skills have you had to develop for online rehearsals that you didn't previously need?

Player B - Playing along with background music

What has been the best moment been for the bands whilst working online?

AR - The great energy everyone has brought to the rehearsals week on week and the collaboration which has come out of this as a result.

SP - The laughter! We have consistently laughed and giggled our way through rehearsals, even when the tech failed us, we have still found a way around it. The positivity and acceptance by the musicians whenever anything goes wrong, has been so encouraging and made what on the face of it was a massive and almost impossible task with such young players, become a completely enjoyable experience!

How have the staff from Airplay and Airwaves made the online rehearsals enjoyable?

Player B - Lovely relaxing atmosphere

Player C – quizzes etc

What has it meant joining Airplay and Airwaves together for rehearsals?

AR - The joining of the bands is something really special that has come out of this unusual situation. Each week we have not only tackled a huge range of music including a virtual performance of A Million Dreams, but we have also had a huge amount of fun and laughs along the way! I know highlights for the band have been air guitaring to one of our favourite pieces 'Rock Out', home percussion disco break in 'Pink Lady' and the great online scavenger hunt. We have formed a great team and are really excited to do a collaborative play day in person when we are able to as well as a joint residential weekend.

SP - We have built a community that will transfer in the future from an online digital experience to a physical ensemble of friends playing music together. The musicians are keen to meet up with each other, and we as staff are very keen to do a airwaves seabreeze and airplay performance altogether, as soon as we are allowed. It will be a fantastic experience for us all.

This week’s conversation is with two rock bands, Groove Foundation and Groove Merchant who have been producing monthly virtual performances since last summer.  Here we talk to the director of both bands Aidan Hampson, one of the vocal coaches Hannah Castleman, and some of players from both bands. 

Please take time to listen to some of the bands virtual performances which can be found on the events page of the Southampton Music Hub website - https://www.southamptonmusichub.org/events/

Both Groove bands have been producing monthly virtual performances.  Why did you decide to work towards regular virtual performances?
AH - We decided to see the lockdown and online rehearsals as a new challenge. How can we still make music together without being in the same room? We’ve all been really pleased with how the videos have turned out, but we’ve also been rehearsing new repertoire for when we can all get back together.

What have you enjoyed about working towards virtual performances?

Player A - It's good to see an output from all the rehearsing.

Player B - I have enjoyed releasing the music online for people to be able to watch and still enjoy the music we produce. As well as that, it is nice to still be able to participate in Groove Merchant even if we are unable to practice in person. 

What has impressed you most about the bands whilst they have been working online?
AH - The resilience of the musicians has been inspiring. There’s nothing quite like making music in the same room as each other, and when this was no longer possible the bands seamlessly moved into online rehearsals - it became the new normal very quickly and demonstrated their tenacity towards producing music whatever the odds.

HC - I have been really impressed by the students' dedication to learning the songs and their ability to work together even though they are working remotely. They communicate well and come up with clear and exciting ideas for harmonies. They respond well to the challenge of working on singing together, even though they won't be singing together until the video is edited! 

What have the challenges been running online rehearsals?
AH - Not being able to play at the same time without muting the students has been frustrating. With such small groups, there is a different type of relationship between the players as opposed to the larger ensembles. It has been challenging to keep that going, but I’m sure that the videos show that the students managed it brilliantly.

HC - It's really tricky working on things like harmonies, articulation and dynamics when it's not always clear over camera/microphone, or when students can't actually perform together in these situations. However, the students are really happy to try things out and have adapted well to working differently. I'm really looking forward to them being able to perform again - I think they will be so surprised to hear what they have achieved and how it really will translate very well into a live performance! 

Player C - Obviously we can’t actually run through our songs because of the delay so I’ve missed being able to feel the sound from the drums and other guitars and have that live music atmosphere 

In the absence of being able to meet in person, what have you enjoyed about online rehearsals?

Player C - I have enjoyed that we have been able to get through a lot more songs in a shorter period of time as we are now going towards much more challenging and fun songs for the band 

Player D - Being able to stay home and rehearse without travelling to the rehearsal room.

What have the challenges been producing regular virtual performances for the bands.
AH - This has been the first time that the students have had to work with click tracks so closely. They have also had to consider video angles and microphone placement. It’s been a steep learning curve but to watch the videos become as good as they are has made it all worthwhile!

What skills do you feel you have developed through online rehearsals?

Player A – I’ve practised guitar even more while in lockdowns as there are limited opportunities for going outside and it gives a focus away from school work.

Player E - Recording abilities

Player D - Vocalising your problems and explaining clearly any difficulties.

This Easter Holiday, Southampton Music Hub’s DNA Programme is offering young people the chance to learn how to freestyle with one of the UK’s top battle rap MC’s, Tenchoo.

The virtual, interactive masterclass will help young people — and especially those who usually get free school meals — to find out more about rhythm, flow and sporadic rhymes, then have the chance to put their new skills to test.

The workshops, suitable for those in KS3 and up (aged 11+), is available free of charge thanks to Southampton City Council and the Holiday Activity Fund.

Join us live on YouTube at 1pm for the Big 10 Minute Sign & Sing!

Southampton Youth Orchestra is a place for Southampton Music Hub’s most advanced young orchestral players to flourish. In this article we hear from director, Chris Braime, assistant director, Kevin Withell and ensemble manager Zoe Hunting, discussing the approach they have taken with online rehearsals.  Also included, are the thoughts on this approach from one of the orchestras players. 

Could you describe how you have been running SYO rehearsals.

CB: Running online rehearsals does present some challenges for orchestral music. We decided to tackle these challenges by using YouTube to create a series of episodic rehearsals that follow this basic pattern: first, giving an introduction and background history to the music; second, listening through to the music being focused on that day alongside a visual score of the music so people can understand better their part in context; and third, a conducted run through of the movement alongside a rolling score.
KW: This seems to have provided an effective way to do some meaningful rehearsal with a full orchestra.

What have you enjoyed about the way SYO rehearsals have been organised?
SYO player: The YouTube videos talking through the music have been very helpful. They give us a good idea of the music.

How has working this way helped to support you learning the repertoire?
SYO player: By listening to the recording and going through the score first, I can get an idea of what is going to come before I play the music.

Have there been any benefits to working online for SYO?

ZH: It has been an exciting opportunity to explore other ways of working with the group and has enabled to players to listen to the whole piece before they start to learn it. In particular, it has been useful for SYO to look in further depth at historical context of the music.  

Is there anything we can take from how SYO have been working to develop further in the future?

CB: Live video offers some very exciting possibilities for the future, including lifestream concerts, something I think we should all be exploring more.  

What are you looking forward to most about being able to meet face to face again?
SYO player: I'm looking forward to having a conductor who can adapt to us and conduct us, rather than the fixed recording which we have to play to.

This week we talk to staff and players from Pulse8, including director, Kevin Withell, and assistant, Amber Waterman.  

What is the role of Pulse8 in Southampton Music Hub's wind band pyramid?

KW: Pulse8 is the middle wind band, taking students from the beginner groups at about Grade 3 standard, giving them their first experience in a wind band. We play a range of music: all sorts of styles and level of difficulty, ultimately making sure that they're prepared, experienced and confident for the step up into Southampton Wind Band.

What do you enjoy most about the music in you play in Pulse8?

Player A: I enjoy that we play all sorts of different styles of music, including film music. Our conductor Kevin makes the rehearsals really fun and knows how to help us make the best sound we can together.

What has impressed you most about Pulse8 players whilst rehearsals have been online?

AW: We've been most impressed by the level of commitment and enthusiasm shown throughout our online sessions. We've also had the privilege of working with some young musicians from the Isle of Wight, who have been joining us online while their ensembles have been unable to operate. They've become part of the band, and our students have made them feel very welcome.

What have you missed most about not being able to meet in person for Pulse8 rehearsals?

Player B: Everything! My friends, the music, performing!

Have there been any particular challenges to running the group online?

KW: It was difficult to begin with, as none of us really knew what to expect or how to make it work. Over the course of these few months, thanks to a lot of patience and honest feedback from the students, we've settled on a system which allows the students to learn and understand the music, to practise their parts, to understand and follow a conductor, to understand other musical lines in the piece and, most importantly, to enjoy themselves and maintain the friendly social atmosphere of the band.

What has been challenging about taking part in online rehearsals?

Player A: It is challenging not being able to hear the other musicians playing their parts and I don't know other people yet because rehearsals have been online since I joined Pulse8.

Have you been able to include any activities that you wouldn't normally be able to do in a face to face rehearsal?

KW and AW: As the students haven't been able to have real social contact, we've been breaking up the rehearsals with short, fun quizzes. This has developed a friendly competition in the band, and has given the students the opportunity to work together and have interesting conversations that wouldn't normally come up in day-to-day rehearsal. We've also managed to make several of the quizzes music-related, so have been able to subtly and stealthily develop aural and theory skills.

What new skills have you learnt whilst Pulse8 rehearsals being online?

Player B: How to play along to a backing track, even when it’s lagging because of our bad wifi signal!

Player A: I have learnt how to record individual music parts for virtual concerts. We also have fun kahoot quizzes at the beginning and in the break of each rehearsal about composers, instruments and music theory. I won a Disney quiz but I find the musical ones hard!

A young brass player taking part in the Symphony 125 project in 2019.

For those missing Strictly Come Dancing, Southampton Music Hub has put together a school’s ensemble performance project – Strictly Come Dance.

Southampton Youth Brass Band have been working on creating a virtual performance of Let’s Get Loud by Gloria Estefan and Flavio Santander. This performance will provide the backing track for the primary and secondary schools activity. Southampton Music Services teacher, John Hanchett, has written additional school parts for all instruments, levels and abilities as well creating the final video of SYBB’s performance.  

Southampton Youth Brass Band is directed by Paul Hart and the band’s assistant is Kevin Withell. Here Paul, Kevin and some band members talk about what it has meant to be part of this city-wide project and their experiences and achievements whilst rehearsals have had to be online.  

What has being part of the Let's Get Loud project meant for SYBB?

PH - Let's Get Loud has been an exciting project for the students, giving them something to work towards, with a new positive focus for the rehearsals.

What have the difficulties been preparing for the virtual performance of Let's Get Loud?

Player A - Learning the part, practicing it and following the conductor over the internet.

Is Let's Get Loud a breakaway from the music normally played by the band?

KW - The band is used to playing in a range of styles, and has worked in the past with other bands and choirs.  The idea of learning the parts without being able to play it together, and recording and videoing individually has been a new and challenging experience.

What have SYBB been able to achieve whilst rehearsing online?

PH - The achievements of SYBB Online will be easier to gauge once we're back to normality. The positives are that we still have a functioning band, full of students who have been given opportunities to keep on learning and playing throughout the lockdowns. They've been able to get a headstart on learning the music and their individual parts ahead of coming back together, and we've been able to maintain a sense of continuity with the students, both musically and socially.

What have the challenges been taking part in online rehearsals?

Player A - Internet connections and the loss of the band dynamic that’s present when we are all together.

What has really impressed you about the band whilst they have rehearsed online?

PH - What has impressed us most has been the continuing commitment from the large percentage of the band who have been logging in every week. Rehearsing online has required a lot of patience and open-mindedness from students and staff alike. The fact that these students have so much commitment to the band, that they have not shrunk away from the challenges of embracing an entirely new and often difficult way of rehearsing does them real credit.

What is your proudest moment of being a member of SYBB?

Player A - Playing in the concerts, it’s very rewarding to see all the hard work pay off !!

What are you looking forward to most when SYBB can meet face to face again?

Player B - Seeing my friends

Player A - I am most looking forward to playing in a full band, with the sound and dynamic that it will bring. I am especially looking forward to performing, so we can show off all of the progress we have made, with all of the hard work that we put in.

This term the schools up and down the country have been delighted to share in the successful 10 Minute Sign & Sing project.  The project has seen sign ups from as far afield as Rotherham, London, Leicestershire and Bedfordshire plus many local schools both in Southampton and the Isle of Wight.

Currently the hub is collecting videos of schools, classes, bubbles and individuals signing along to a song from the songbank, to be stitched together into a digital premiere performance on Monday 29th March over on the hub YouTube channel.

Participants will also be given a link to participate in a new sign and sing workshop which will be on the hub YouTube channel just before the premiere at 1.30pm on the same day.  

The deadline for video submissions is Wednesday 17th March but if you’re not yet signed up to participate in this there’s still time! Whether you’re a school bubble or an individual learning at home in isolation or a whole school participating you can get involved!

Nia Collins, Music Hub Relationship Manager, says:

“We know that currently schools are finding it challenging to find larger scale performance activities that pupils can safely get involved in and this project gives you the perfect vehicle to do so. Not only are we taking the hassle of the digital editing off your hands but we’re also offering schools the opportunity to come together and do something as a community post lockdown and start to build those vital connections again for children and young people”

In 2021, Southampton Music Hub is launching the Digital Native Artists Programme: an exciting approach, which sees young people empowered to take control of shaping, and leading, the music-making they want to be part of.

The programme is being run by two new, Digital Music Engagement Workers — Sheldon and Gurmaan — young digital artists themselves, who have been recruited thanks to new funding from Arts Council England. They’re being supported by the hub’s wider team, including music service tutors and hub partner organisations, to inspire young people to explore new genres of music, and empower them to create their own musical futures.

The programme has kicked off this month with two new opportunities:

1. Online Production and Songwriting: giving young people access to online tools to create new music alongside mentoring support to develop their songwriting and production skills.

Places are limited for now — and invites to take part have already been sent out by virtual school, social workers and more, making sure the young people who often miss out, get the first shot — but anyone interested in taking part can register their interest right now.

Listen to “Why So Lonely” by one of our young songwriters:

2. TikTok Tutorials: quick and easy videos to get young people inspired and skilled up.

These videos are quick to watch, but share tips, tricks and inside secrets on the world of songwriting, music production and more. You can subscribe, or watch online, and leave suggestions for videos you’d like to see in the comments.

We Need You

We’re not stoping there. Coming soon are masterclasses, workshops and more. But, we want to hear from the young and aspiring producers, songwriters and artists out there, so that they can shape, and even lead, the music-making opportunities the project offers.

Find Out More About The DNA Programme

Southampton Youth Concert Sinfonia (SYCS) is the training orchestra for the Southampton Music Hub’s flagship Southampton Youth Orchestra (SYO). Since September they have been having weekly online rehearsals and during February, they worked with composer Patrick Bailey, from the London Sinfonietta, on a composition project.

For this project, players from SYCS have jointly composed a new piece and have recorded themselves playing their parts. SYCS’s recordings will then form part of a larger composition performed by musicians from the London Sinfonietta in their live streamed school’s concert, “Sound Out 2021”. from the Turner Sims on Tuesday 23 March 2021.

Below is a conversation with joint directors, Anna Robinson and Kevin Withell, and young musicians from SYCS. about online rehearsals and the composition project.

What have been your aims for running SYCS rehearsals online?

AR: The primary aim for running SYCS rehearsals online has been to sustain the SYCS community through this unusual time. In addition to this, we have been wanting to use this time as opportunity to explore new projects and repertoire which we may not have explored if we were rehearsing in person. This has included exploring large scale works through the BBC ten pieces series such as Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue, running an introduction to Alexander Technique with trained osteopath and Alexander Technique teacher Ian Traynar and an exciting compositional project with musicians from the London Sinfonietta.

Anna Robinson in rehearsal with SYCS.

What have you enjoyed about online rehearsals?

Player A: We still got to see each other and play pieces, like the video of A Million Dreams that we put together. Having the video altogether made it easier to share with friends and family.

Player B: Not feeling so embarrassed when you make a mistake. When you are online, no one can see or hear you.

What have been the challenges of achieving these aims?

KW: Being online affects ease of communication, and creates a difficulty in 'reading the room' - deciding whether to have a play through rehearsal or a nitty gritty rehearsal, what tone to strike and when to finish or move on from a section are largely down to guesswork. Not being able to help individual players and sections like we normally would makes us worried that certain players may be feeling left out.

What has impressed you the most about SYCS players taking part in online rehearsals?

AR: The continued positive attitude, humour and dedication that all players have bought to rehearsal which makes this orchestra so special! The enthusiasm and resilience of the members in this unusual situation has been amazing. If this situation has reinforced anything for me as a director, it is how incredible the young musicians of Southampton are. Their support for their peers and also their directors has been invaluable and as a result the community feel that SYCS is known is still very much present.

KW: The enthusiasm shown by all members coming along, and their willingness to accept the situation for what it is and help us to make the best of it.

What do you miss most about not being able to rehearse face to face?

Player C: I miss being able to follow a conductor, hearing and staying in time with the other musicians.

Player D: Playing as a group and being in contact with friends.

SYCS players in rehearsal.

Anna and Kevin why did you put SYCS forward to the Composition Challenge Project with London Sinfonietta?

AR: As a director, I received the information about the project and thought it was such a fantastic opportunity to work with professional musicians and work on a something completely different which ultimately will allow us to perform virtually with the London Sinfonietta at the end of March, an opportunity too exciting to pass up!

What do you think the group has gained from taking part?

KW: This has been an opportunity for SYCS players to access a part of their creativity that they normally wouldn't be encouraged to access in normal rehearsals. It has also been invaluable to GCSE and A-Level music students, and any younger students who are considering higher level music qualifications, who have benefitted from being introduced to new and different ways of approaching composition.

What have you enjoyed about the London Sinfonietta Composition Challenge project?

Player C: I have had a lot of fun contributing ideas into a composition and seeing how they develop.

Player D: We get think of our own tunes. It was tricky to think of it the mathematical way, but it was was interesting.

Have you done much composing before?

Player A: No, but I might try to compose something in the future for a school project (like when you do a video in IT and you need to add music, I can add my own). Making music with numbers was also really fun.

Player B: Yes. It was nice to be faced with new/different opportunities and challenges.

SYCS concentrating during a SYCS rehearsal.

What are your online plans for the rest of this term.?

AR: We are going to continue to explore a range of repertoire from BBC Ten Pieces including West Side Story’s Mambo. We also have a rehearsal which lands on St Patrick’s day, so we are going to take the opportunity to explore folk music with a folk specialist. We will round off the term celebrating the range of repertoire and styles we have explored and watching our London Sinfonietta performance as an orchestra.

KW: To continue providing varied and exciting musical projects for the students, exploring a range of musical styles, and keeping their passion for the orchestra alive while we wait to come back to normal.

Young musicians taking part in a music project with Portsmouth Music Hub

Children and young people who are currently missing out on making music will have the opportunity to take part in, and even lead, new music-making activities thanks to an exciting new project from the  South West Coastal Music Hub Alliance, made possible thanks to new funding from Youth Music.

The five music hubs in the alliance — Southampton; Isle of Wight; Dorset; Portsmouth; and Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole — are working together to reach out to children and young people who are missing out on learning and making music because of their background or life circumstances. 

Thanks to the support of five new “Youth Voice Engagement Workers”, the initiative will help these young people to shape and lead exciting “Action Research” projects: testing out new ideas and approaches which will help more children and young people access music in the future.

This initiative is supported by Youth Music, using public funding from the National Lottery through Arts Council England.

Matt Brombley, Development Manager at Southampton and IOW Music Hubs, says:
“This is an excellent opportunity, and we are so grateful to Youth Music for making it possible. It might be because of where they live, their background, or the challenging life circumstances they find themselves in, but we know that too many children and young people miss out on the incredible power of music to make their lives better. This initiative will help to change that. We want to hear the voices of the children and young people who miss out on music, and, more importantly, we want them to help us shape and change the music making opportunities available to them, and others like them, in the future.”

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Job Opportunities

The music hubs that form the South West Coast Music Hub Alliance are looking to recruit Youth Voice Engagement Workers to help make our music hubs more inclusive, by engaging, listening to, and responding to the voices of under-represented young people: helping them shape, and lead, the music-making opportunities available to them.

On Sunday 7 February 2021, at 2pm, Art Asia hosts an online celebration of the community art project, ‘Belonging’.

This free event will feature stories, poems, and the debut of a brand performance of ‘Naya Rasta — Sailing Towards a New Horizon’: a digital collaboration made up of video performances from musicians across the city. Included among the contributions will be iPad performances from Matt Brombley, who lead’s the music hub’s technology provision.

Matt Brombley says:
”Even though recorded alone at home, this was such an exciting project to take part in. I can’t wait to hear the ways other performers have, from their homes, re-imagined and been inspired by the music and the stories Art Asia have shared. To be able to be a part of something with others, to work on something together even though we are apart, is so wonderful.”