During Black History month in October 2021 the Music Hub launched our Proud To Be project which saw us working with local rapper Larry Kazingizi and children and young people in schools across the city of all ages.  During those workshops we were able to support and guide pupils to write and perform their own lyrics for a song (written by Jo Downs) covering a wide variety of themes such as; school, heritage, family, city, friends or achievements.

After working with 1000+ young people and collecting some incredible lyrics from them Larry put together a definitive version of the song using a portion of lyrics from all the schools we worked with to make a final version which is fun, inspiring and moving.

Excitingly, Unity 101 radio were so impressed by this they invited a group of pupils to come and perform this inspiring song at their annual awards ceremony on Friday 7th January 2022 which Hollybrook Junior School bravely stepped in to do at short notice.  Although the live in-person event was pulled due to Covid concerns a film crew organised by Unity 101 were able to come to Hollybrook during the week to record them and broadcasted this as part of their awards ceremony live stream on YouTube instead!

You can see their incredible performance (with very little rehearsal time given!) below plus the lyrics from the final version of our song and the resources that go with this in our songbank below.

This project will continue with the hub’s Proud To Be History of Hip Hop in Southampton schools event at MAST Mayflower Studio on Tuesday 29th March.

Nia Collins, Programmes and Events Manager for Southampton Music Hub, says:

“The complexity and depth of the lyrics that our young people have come up with as part of this project has been nothing short of incredible and we are so thrilled to be able to bring them all together into one track performed by young people.  The students at Hollybrook Junior worked so hard to get this recorded in time for the awards ceremony and we are delighted that they were able to be included in Unity 101’s event celebrating the city’s diversity and talent”

Proud To Be Lyrics

CHORUS

Proud to be, proud to be, everything that makes me me

Proud to be, proud to be, all that I aspire to be

Proud of the place I come from, Proud of the people I know

Those who came before me, and those who help me grow

Proud of the things I’m learning, proud of the strength in me

As I claim my story and my identity

Proud to be, proud to be, everything that makes me, me

Proud to be, proud to be, all that I aspire to be

Verse 1 

I’m proud of how I achieved my goals

Surrounded by love and support

Proud of how we play our sports

Cricket, football, give it our all

From a young age I was a brilliant baller,

Superstar sportsman I’m a serious scorer

proud of creating the best drawing ever

Me give up on my art, never!!

Proud of everything I learnt at school

Even though it wasn't always cool

I needed to keep pushing through

For all the things i would soon do

I want to finish school so i can sleep late

That’s what you get when you graduate

I’m proud of doing well in maths

And yes i really like wearing hats

Chorus

Proud to be, proud to be, everything that makes me, me

Proud to be, proud to be, all that I aspire to be

Verse 2

proud of all my diverse friends

different religions, countries, ends.

Mom and Dad we are so proud of ya

You came all the way from Somalia

To a place of better opportunities

people who care, and a good community

All the way from the war they came

Through the oceans and rain, the mud and flames

proud to be a Sikh, helping others

Happiness is key, show bright colours
I’M…Proud to speak Arabic

I’m proud of the colour of my skin

I am glad I have a good place of learning,

A future so bright it’s basically burning

Yes, basically burning

A future so bright it’s basically burning

CHORUS

Proud to be, proud to be, everything that makes me me

Proud to be, proud to be, all that I aspire to be

Proud of the place I come from, Proud of the people I know

Those who came before me, and those who help me grow

Proud of the things I’m learning, proud of the strength in me

As I claim my story and my identity

Proud to be, proud to be, everything that makes me, me

Proud to be, proud to be, all that I aspire to be

With the new Spring Term, Southampton Music Hub is offering all schools in the city the opportunity to be take part in a huge, diverse range of music workshops, performances and experiences.

Alongside exciting new offers from the Everybody Sing and Digital Native Artists (DNA) programmes, this term’s offer includes:

• Taking part in the hub’s MAST Theatre Residency

• A concert for Key Stage 1 with Southampton Youth Concert Sinfonia (SYCS)

• Proud to Be, History of Hip Hop

And loads more!

At the end of 2021, Southampton Music Hub’s Development Manager, Matt Brombley, looks back on the year past, to reflect on some of the most memorable moments and themes of the year.

“Back in July, we wrote about how, above all else, it was the resilience of the city’s young musicians, and the adults who support them, that shone through as the defining theme of the year so far. 

Now, in December, it is even more true than ever. 

Showing creativity and flexibility in the face of incredible challenges has had big rewards for us this year.  

Thanks to Paul Hamlyn Foundation, £65,000 is helping develop literacy in three city schools using rap and hip hop in an exciting new pilot project.

Thanks to funding from Youth Music, Southampton and IOW Music Hubs are working together with Dorset, Portsmouth as well as SoundStorm Music Hubs to help young people shape and lead new music-making opportunities.

The digital resources from Sign & Sing have continued to find new audiences, and support schools to keep singing in an inspiring and inclusive way, with over 4,000 views just in the last month!

Songwriting and music production continues to be a big hit with young people, and is helping them with their mental health, as well as helping to shape the future of music-making in the city.

Innovative programmes, working closely with schools and alternative provision settings, have seen more young musicians taking part in music, including a 28% increase in Looked After Children, a 44% increase in pupil premium children, and an 88% increase in young people with Special Educational Needs.

Finally, after a start to the year which once again saw live music shut down, we have seen live music bouncing back, and since September over 3000 children have taken part in live music-making in schools, and over 400 young people have taken part in 16 ensemble performances.”

Kath Page, Hub Manager, adds

“We’ve been through an incredibly challenging two years, but every part of our music hub has responded to these challenges with resilience, creativity and innovation, helping to make sure we make progress towards our goal: that every young person has access to the life-changing power of music, whatever their background or circumstances.”

On Wednesday 15 December the Southampton Music Services team took part in ‘trauma-informed practice” training with Rock Pool.

The session helped the team to understand what trauma is, how it can impact children and young people, and how they can adapt their music lessons in a trauma-informed way.

Matt Brombley, Development Manager, says:

“Today has been another important step on our journey to becoming a more inclusive music service, leading a more inclusive music hub. We have spent time thinking about how music lessons can be a place where young people develop inner strengths which help them become better musicians, but also, which can spill over into other areas of their lives.”

Dave King and Elaine Bohun stepped down from running Southampton Wind Band (SWB) in the summer of 2020. With a performance at Thornden Hall on Sunday 13 December 2021, and after a staggering 37 years at the helm, the music hub said a final farewell to them.

Current SWB members were joined by alumni making a band of 60 strong. Together they performed pieces that were personal favourites of Dave and Elaine or had a special significance to the couple.

The performance ended with a well deserved standing ovation as a tribute and thank you to all the support and encouragement Dave and Elaine have given to the young players of Southampton over so many years.

On Saturday 4 December 2021 a group of young producers, songwriters and musicians came together at MAST Music Studio to talk about the DNA Programme: where we’ve come from, and where we’re going. They created a new song — Right Track — and an accompanying zine which includes illustrated lyrics and a manifesto for the future.

They day was kindly funded by Music Mark and Arts Council England with additional support from Youth Music.

Two weeks ahead of the University of Southampton Voices’ (USV) Christmas concert, a school children’s choir had to reluctantly pull out due to school Covid restrictions. Harvey Brough (Professor at Southampton) approached the Southampton Music Hub to find some children to sing some key elements of their programme.

Needless to say, 18 young singers from a range of schools across the city rose to the challenge and attended two rehearsals before having the amazing experience of performing at the Turner Simms.

They were rehearsed by Nia Collins and produced a wonderful addition to the programme. They performed alongside professional soloists, Clara Sanabras and Christina Gill singing wonderful jazz arrangements of Christmas music arranged by Harvey Brough. All accompanied by a talented brass quintet.

It was a special occasion for the young singers to perform for the first time for many of them for two years. Also, it was no ordinary concert as it was a professional setting with gifted professionals too.

Finn McGill’s solo in Away in a Manger was memorable as was the two choir voices in the Carol of the Bells. The children opened at least three of the songs with their singing – no mean feat after just three rehearsals. They particularly enjoyed telling the tale “Down in yon forest” (the Renaissance English version of Corpus Christi carol arranged by Harvey). The children came away saying “when can we do this again?” Their confidence and joy infected the whole audience and was an excellent start to the festivities of Advent.

Nia Collins, says:

"I couldn't be more proud of what these children achieved in their performance on Friday night in such a short period of time, what incredible musicians they already are! It was such an amazing opportunity for them to perform at such a high level in a top concert venue with professional musicians and they rose to the occasion admirably"

On Friday 5 November 2021, over 700 Southampton school pupils aged 7-11 were treated to a fantastic, free concert at the Mayflower Theatre by Welsh National Opera (WNO). The concert featured the famed WNO orchestra, opera singers from their company, and was presented by CBeebies presenter and musician Yolanda Brown.

A huge variety of schools from far reaches of the city took up the offer of free tickets and in a socially distanced layout within the auditorium enjoyed listening to; beautifully sung arias, orchestral pieces, a typewriter solo and a duet between warring cats whilst learning about the instruments of the orchestra and types of opera singer!

Nia Collins, Strategic Programme and Events Manager for Southampton Music Hub, say:

“For the many of the children here today this may have been the first time they have set foot in a theatre, experienced live music or heard a professional orchestra or opera singer in person.  Hearing their excitement and cheers when the theatre lights went down before the event even started was magical!  We are delighted to be working in partnership with national organisations such as Welsh National Opera and local venues such as The Mayflower Theatre to bring these kind of opportunities to as many young people in our city as possible”

Over the past few weeks, year four Pupils at Weston Park Primary, along with year five pupils at Bassett Green Primary and St Monica’s Primary, have had an exciting start to the Rap and Literacy Project funded by Paul Hamlyn Foundation. The start of this project has also been documented by a filmmaker from City Eye.

With a workshop led by Rap and Spoken word artist Rob Bradley, and ongoing weekly class sessions, pupils have begun learning how Rap and Hip-Hop can be used as a creative tool to improve their literacy and music skills. This project will be continuing until July 2022, with opportunities for the pupils to shape the project, in collaboration with Rob Bradley and their lead teacher, through shared reflection and development.

Nia Collins, Project Manager for Southampton Music Hub, says:

"We are so excited to have finally started this project with the children and young people in schools who will form the core of this project! As they begin this journey with us along with their classroom teachers and schools, we can't wait to see what a difference this makes to their outcomes across the whole year."

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

“These first few days of the project have been so exciting. We’ve already seen pupil’s sharing raps they have written at home, and bringing music they love into their lessons. Their response to Rob’s freestyle skills was amazing to see too: they couldn’t contain they’re excitement as he created rhymes on the fly. Everyone left these workshops feeling inspired and excited for the year ahead.”

On Saturday 2 October, children and their families got to take part in iPad music-making workshops with Southampton Music Hub as part of the Mayflower Studios’ ‘Festival of Loveliness’.

In the workshops, participants used Garageband to create electronic soundscapes inspired by movies and video games. Listen to some of the recordings below:

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.

Looking back on the year

This week, there have been four stories shared to celebrate the resilience of young songwriters, music hub partners, music teachers, and young performers. 

And, we’re closing the year with one final, very special performance. Premiering live, at 7pm!

Join Southampton Youth Brass Band and Kanes Hill School for their performance of ‘Let’s Get Loud’, a performance that is a shining example of resilience.

• The resilience of the young musicians in Southampton Youth Brass Band (SYBB) who made music together virtually, when they could not be together in person.

• The resilience of the young musicians at Kanes Hill School, continuing their lessons online, then in person, and now, playing together again.

• The resilience of the music teachers and leaders who imagined and then made possible a performance that meets the challenges of changing Covid restrictions and social distancing

• The resilience of a music hub and a school who see the huge impact that music can make to children and young people, and who work hard to support them to succeed, whatever their background or circumstances

Looking back on the past year, Kath Page, Manager for Southampton Music Hub, shares:

This year, we have learnt so much more about what resilience really means. 

Resilience requires us to acknowledge and accept our experiences and our emotions, and as we heard on Monday, our young songwriters are doing exactly that.

Resilience means having the grit to keep going, even when things get hard, and 10 Minute Sign & Sing is a shining example of that.

Resilience requires us to learn new skills, to make ourselves ready for the challenges that life throws at us. The whole team has learnt so much this year, and it has made incredible things possible.

Finally, resilience means reaching out to share a connection with others. Whether it has been online, or face-to-face, our young musicians have been incredible at doing this in their music lessons, their virtual performances, and finally, once again, back in front of a live audience.

I’m so proud of the resilience everyone has shown this year in the face of such huge challenges. I hope you enjoy our final performance before the summer!”

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.

Groove Foundation

Over the past year, Groove Foundation have been recording regular videos from their living rooms and bedrooms at home, to share on the music hub YouTube channel. 

Elliot, the lead singer, explains:

“It was a bit weird at first, because you don’t know what it will sound like until it all comes together. When I’m recording, it’s just me singing and I have no idea how it will sound. Knowing my performance was being recorded, I would work hard to get everything sounding just right. I would kick mum and dad out to the garden to make sure the sound recording was really clear, and keep retaking until I got it right.”

“Elliot really took the videos on as a personal mission” adds Groove Foundation band leader Aidan, who also edited together the band’s video performances.

The virtual performances had an unexpected benefit too, as Elliot explains:

“My friends often can’t come to our live performances, but they have been able to watch the videos all year. We get excited for the premier, and then it’s really fun to see it all sounding great together.”

Over the past year, Elliot has also been able to have music lessons to help develop her singing, thanks to funding from the Cultural Recovery Fund. Elliot tells us what a difference this has made:

“It’s been so cool to have singing lessons to help me improve. Being in Groove Foundation is what got me into singing properly, and now I’m getting better all the time.”

Last week, Groove Foundation returned to a real life stage, after over a year away, with an eight song set at The Point. Elliot tells us what it was like:

“It was really fun to be back. It’s the best feeling. The whole band is there, you can hear everyone again, and you turn around and can see everyone else enjoying themselves. I had to remember to look after my voice though. You can’t take a break like you can when you’re recording at home!”

And it’s not just on stage that being back with the band makes a huge difference. Elliot again:

“It’s so fun to see everyone, deciding the set list, making choices as a band, and helping each other out again. We’re there to support each other after the show too, to share the excitement, and chat about how things went.”

— Elliot, Singer

Matt Brombley, Development Manager for Southampton Music Hub adds:

“Elliot, and her bandmates in Groove Foundation are inspirational examples of the resilience so many young musicians have shown this year. We know how hard it has been, missing out on so many of the shared experiences that make music-making so enjoyable, but they have done an exceptional job keeping things going online, with their impressive video performances, and then returning to the stage this summer.”

It’s not just Groove Foundation that have been back on stage. This summer, music hub bands, orchestras and other groups have been rehearsing and performing together again. If you’d like to join a music group, then find out more on our ensembles page.

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.

John Hanchett conducting an inclusive orchestra at the Mayflower Theatre in 2019.

John Hanchett: one of many resilient music teachers

It has been a challenging year for everyone, but music teachers and leaders across the city have shown incredible resilience. 

Having moved music lessons online in the previous year, they moved them back into schools in September. They moved them back online in January, again, then back into school again in March. Every step along the way, teachers and music leaders have been determined to keep music-making going, wherever, and however they can.

One such teacher has been John HancHett. John teaches brass, cello, piano and leads some school orchestras, and has been at the heart of moving not just music lessons online, but virtual performances too.

In December, when we lived in tired restrictions, John arranged, virtually conducted, and edited together ‘A Million Dreams’ — bringing together over 50 young musicians of all ages and abilities, from across Southampton and the Isle of Wight.

John explains:

“It was important to me that everyone who wanted to take part was able to take part, so I created an arrangement with parts for all instruments and abilities. There was a lot to learn when bringing such a big virtual performance together for the first time, but I was delighted by how it came out. The joy came from featuring the vast array of instruments, played by young musicians who were carrying on playing through such a difficult time. I wanted them to have something to be really proud of at the end of a difficult year.”

In January, and throughout the Spring Lockdown, John, along with all Southampton Music Service Tutors, moved their music lessons online again, as they had done the previous year. 

“It was great to be able to get new learners face-to-face in September. And with so many new learners and those carrying on from last year, when lockdown two happened in January, we hit the ground running: teaching day one of lockdown. This was the pay off from all the groundwork laid last year: we never missed a week. This has been an awful year in so many ways, but it has also been a powerful year for teaching: it has been really motivating to learn new things and face new challenges in such difficult circumstances.”

And, when schools returned to full opening in Spring, lessons returned to face-to-face:

“Returning in the Spring was not always easy. There were restrictions around social distancing and school bubbles which have been huge logistical challenges. It was so wonderful to see those young musicians who could carry on online pick back up right away, and carry on making progress. But there were also challenges for those who hadn't been able to learn online, and had missed out on so much. I’m not alone here, I know many other teachers do this tooL we just give the extra time to make it work sometimes!”

And at the end of the year,  John brought together “Get Loud” a virtual performance which debuts on Friday night, with young musicians from Southampton Youth Brass Band and Kanes Hill School.

“Get Loud is only possible because of everything that we’ve learnt over the past year. It’s a performance that has the best of both worlds — online recordings, plus face-to-face music lessons, workshops and recordings, before coming back together in the virtual world. This is something far bigger and more ambitious than we’ve done before, and it brings together musicians in a way that would not have been possible just a year ago.”

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.

10 Minute Sign & Sing

When Covid restrictions in schools meant that singing assemblies were cancelled, and singing in the classroom was much trickier, then Southampton Music Hub responded with a brand new initiative called “10 Minute Sign & Sing”.

It’s ten minutes long, because Covid guidance says to keep singing short; there is sign language with every video, so that when you can’t sing, you can sign along; and it’s in video format so anyone can take part, anywhere (yes, even if your bubble has been sent home!). Also, many of the songs also celebrate and encourage those taking part to show and grow the inner strengths that make us more resilient. 

The project has been a huge hit, clocking up thousands of Youtube views, and reaching across the country.

Nia Collins, Vocal Coordinator, says:

“The health and wellbeing benefits of singing and making music with others are well known, and they are even more important at a time when young people are still recovering from the effects of the pandemic. It’s been so inspiring to see them enjoying music, celebrating their achievements, and being part of something the hub has made to help them carry on singing!”

10 Minute Sign & Sing is just one example of the way digital resources have kept music making going in schools this year. Because these resources are digital, a huge range of hub partners and others have been able to share their unique musical perspectives, including Folk Active, Alexander D Great, Welsh National Opera and more. Plus, they’re available for schools to use next year, and far into the future!

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.”