Big Emotions — big success! Music and wellbeing performance at MAST
Big Emotions — big success! Music and wellbeing performance at MAST

On Friday 1 July 2022, school children from across Southampton were delighted by performance musician, as well as music and wellbeing educator, Laura Loft. Invited by Southampton Music Hub, Laura and her team performed a live interactive concert version of her fantastic resource Big Emotions at MAST Mayflower Studios.

Big Emotions is a beautiful story book written by Laura which features songs which support children and young people to process and recognise their emotions. Laura has also created a fantastic scheme of work to go with this which covers the national curriculum for music and is suitable for children in Year R, Year 1 and Year 2. Southampton and Isle of Wight Music Hub were so impressed with this resource that we bought this in for our schools (along with some CPD from Laura) to use at the beginning of the academic year with a particular emphasis on health and wellbeing being such an important part of the recovery curriculum post Covid.  

The hub has followed up schools’ huge take up of this with the opportunity to come and hear some of the songs performed live with wonderful interactive musical activities sprinkled throughout lead by Laura other musicians. Five schools and around 150 attended the theatre to sing, enjoy and take part in a brilliant workshop performance which focused on; Excitement, Sadness, Fear, Anger and Happiness. The children left with a soothing feather in their hands to help them feel the emotion ‘calm’.

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

“Laura is such a brilliant educator and believes so fervently that music and wellbeing are intrinsically linked that she is able to put this across so clearly in the amazing work that she does with children in this area.  We have recently been successful in bidding for some additional money from Music Mark to continue this important work with Laura through partnership.  Next term we will have a new resource for Years 2, 3 & 4 called Big Dreams which will focus on growth mindset through creative musical activities”

Music in SchoolsMatt BrombleyEverybody Sing, Stadium Tour, Hub Partners
MAST Concert Series

Southampton Music Hub's summer concert season started on Friday 24 June with the Lower Tier Concert which included performances from Brassroots, Acorn Strings, Los Twangolitos, Twango, Bella and Soton Voce, and Boom. This performance gave some of the city's younger performers the opportunity to showcase their incredible talents. This was a wonderful varied evening of music making from the beautiful soothing sounds of the guitar groups through to the energy and drama of the percussion group Boom.

"It has been a wonderful concert with such a variety of music. This concert provides a great experience for our younger groups to to perform to a wider audience" — Zoe Hunting

Monday 27 June saw the start of the hub's week long residency at MAST. Elgar Strings started the week off with a varied programme of dance music as well as some familiar repertoire.

"I was so impressed with how the players of Elgar strings coped with playing at such a prestigious venue. Many would have been completely fazed but not Elgar who buckled down and played to the best of their ability with great character and enthusiasm. I am so proud of what they have achieved this year." — Zoe Hunting, Director, Elgar Strings

The second night at MAST brought Airplay and Fusion Brass together - or as they are now known - Fab Band. With lots of numbers from shows and musicals the groups soon had the audience tapping their feet along to the numbers. This was concert saw the first presentation of the Steph Watkins Cup. Steph started Airplay over 15 years ago. Under her leadership the band got the reputation of performing to a level well beyond their years. Unfortunately Steph lost her battle with battle last year and we were delighted her family have presented Airplay with this cup in Steph's memory which will be awarded annually to an outstanding player from the band. We were very touched that Steph's husband and family were able to join us for this performance.

Wednesday evening at MAST brough a complete change of mood with the hubs two rock bands, Groove Foundation and Groove Merchant performing some rock classics. They were also joined by the Guitar ensemble from Upper Shirley High. Many players in this latter group only started learning the guitar in September it was incredible to hear what they have achieved in such a short time. We were also delighted to welcome Carol Cunio to this concert. A former mayor of Southampton Carol presented the Music Services with a cup to be awarded annually to an outstanding young musician. This year's very worthy recipient was the drummer from Groove Foundation, Joseph Orford.

The week-long performance residency at MAST continued on Thursday 30 July with a stunning concert given by Southampton Youth Wind Band conducted by John Hanchett. John only took the band over in January following the retirement of David and Elaine King after 37 years at the helm. It was delightful to the hear the band still performing to an incredibly high level and displaying a range of techniques through a varied programme of traditional wind band music to more popular well known numbers. Part of the programme included a performance of the incredibly complex Jubilee Overture as performed by the Royal Marines Band at the Service of Thanksgiving at St Paul's Cathedral for the Queen's Platinum Jubilee. With lots of plans for the future - including a tour to Montacatini in July 2023 this is a band going places.

Friday evening was a very different event with Hub partners, FolkActive's Youth Ensemble - FAYE - taking to the stage. Players took the audience through a range of traditional tunes from reels to airs. Some were played by the whole band others by solo instrumentalists. Throughout the group performed from memory. It is quite an undertaking for such young players to perform a whole concert without a single note written down. Audience participation was encouraged by one of the group's leaders Tom Gregory, who literally got everyone dancing in the aisles.

Southampton Youth Brass Band performed at MAST Mayflower theatre in Studio 2 on Saturday 2 July as their final concert of this academic year. Under the direction of new band director Andy Wareham, they played a fantastically wide ranging programme including everything from Shostakovich to classic brass band repertoire with plenty of entertaining pieces and a wonderfully enthusiastic audience of friends and family. Whilst the MAST residency came to an end on 2 July, Southampton Music Hub Concerts continued.

Monday 4 July saw the guitar groups Los Twangolitos and Twango give a "picnic" concert in the courtyard at Cantell School. It had been hoped this would be a relaxing evening of musical entertainment on a warm and sunny evening, The music certainly did it's job with beautiful performances from the groups and individuals throughout. Alas the weather didn't oblige with audience members huddled in cardigans and jackets to keep warm against a strong breeze. Not for one note though did this effect the quality of playing.

Tuesday 5 July saw Fusion Brass give a joint concert with Ocean Brass. With both groups affected by absences due to Covid the show went on. Fusion Brass players were clearly excited and inspired by hearing local amateur band Ocean Brass in concert. Most importantly they were able to hold their own in a joint concert of this quality receiving rapturous applause from the audience and fellow brass players alike.

Ensembles, Music in the CommunityMatt BrombleyBrassroots, Acorn Strings, Los Twangolitos, Twango, Bella Voce, Southampton Boom, Elgar, Airplay, Fusion Brass, Groove Merchant, Groove Foundation, Photo Gallery
Inclusive music-making with Royal Philharmonic Orchestra

On Sunday 26 June Southampton Music Hub was, once again, joined by members of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra for a fantastic afternoon of music making.

An inclusive ensemble was put together specially for this workshop consisting of children that are currently members of an ensemble as well as children that are learning an instrument or sing but have never played in an ensemble before. All were welcome, from beginners to the more experienced players. 

One of the performers said:

“I was so nervous when I got here. I didn't know anyone and it was so noisy when I walked in. I made lots of new friends this afternoon and it was so great to play with other people.' Another added 'I really didn't think I could play as I didn't understand the music. but by the end of the afternoon I was totally joining in. It makes me very proud.”

The group of 60 children were taught the new Southampton anthem for the Women's Euros — it's first ever playing!  You can listen to the final performance of it below. 

This isn't the final time that it will be played though. The Royal Philharmonic will be returning to Southampton on Friday 15 July for the fan party in Palmerston Park. Once again we will be welcoming schools and players to work with the RPO to deliver some inspiring performances of the Southampton Euro Anthem! Do join us if you can.

Music in the Community, EnsemblesMatt BrombleySouthampton, Photo Gallery
From the IOW: "Biosphere Big Sing" is a big hit
From the IOW: "Biosphere Big Sing" is a big hit

On Friday 20 May one of the biggest ever Isle of Wight Music Hub events was staged, in partnership with Shademakers, the Isle of Wight Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, English Heritage and Brown’s Golf Course.

Over 900 pupils from nine schools came together for the final Biosphere Big Sing event following weeks of workshops and rehearsals which involved thousands of children of all ages. The event itself took place on Brown’s Golf Course in Sandown and beautiful flags and set dressing were provided by IOW international carnival company Shademakers.

Over 250 members of an impromptu audience made up of parents, locals and councillors were treated to songs about the island’s unique Unesco Biosphere Reserve status. Songs were especially written for the project by Hub composer Jo Downs. The catchy Cheer for the Biosphere featured lyrics listing the island’s incredible biodiversity and heritage and Protect Our Island used the 15 UN sustainability goals as it’s inspiration.

The project celebrated the Isle of Wight AONB team’s incredible success in garnering Unesco Biosphere Reserve Status and as part of this project they went into schools to do assemblies to make the young people aware of what that means with a call to action to ensure we look after it in the future!

One young performer says:

“this event just shows how important it is to solve problems together.”

 

Richard Grogan from the AONB adds:

“The island is in your hands, you are the future.”

 

Nia Collins, IOW Hub Lead says:

“What has been so incredible about this project is the level of collaboration between IOW organisations from English Heritage running free workshops on an environmental theme at Osborne House, the AONB getting out of their comfort zone and into the classroom(!) to spread the word of Biosphere to Shademakers and Brown’s providing us with the perfect setting. Alongside that the schools, teachers and pupils that have engaged with the project and taken on board the themes and resources and will continue to make use of them in the future. This enriched offer to our schools has really helped to make this project something larger, with a lasting legacy and certainly a day we won’t all forget in a hurry!”

Music in the Community, Music in SchoolsMatt BrombleyPhoto Gallery, IOW
Singing Together at Turner Sims: from Southampton to Nakuru, Kenya
Singing Together at Turner Sims: from Southampton to Nakuru, Kenya

Southampton Music Hub had the privilege of working with local charity African Adventures Foundation this term on a very unique and special project.  

Via African Adventures the music hub connected children from schools in Southampton with The Walk Centre in Nakuru, Kenya which is supported and maintained by African Adventures Foundation. Over Zoom the children and young people got together to plan out a choral exchange concert, choosing songs that they would like to perform for each other and songs they would love the other group to perform. The young people involved also asked lots of questions about what life was like in the other country and a variety of brilliant questions which we set about answering as part of this too.

On Tuesday 14 June all the Southampton based schools came together to celebrate the project at Turner Sims Concert Hall and took part in a filmed concert performance which also featured some fantastic video footage of The Walk Centre Choir performing and answering the questions that were originally posed.

Participating Southampton schools are now going to start to help with fundraising for their new friends in Nakuru Kenya. A final video of this performance and the footage from our partner school will be available for participants friends and family to watch after making a small donation to African Adventures Foundation.

Nia Collins, Partnerships Manager, says:

“We are looking forward to getting some of our young people back together on a Zoom call with our counterparts in Kenya afterwards to see what they all thought of their performances and to continue to grow the connections between us.”

A participant says:

“ I loved hearing the children from Africa sing because it made me feel so happy. It was really great being able to do a concert with children from another country. I would like to do more of that.”

Kath Page, Hub Lead, says:

“This has been such an amazing project to be a part of, designed and led by the children themselves. This concert is really the tip of the iceberg and it will be fascinating to see what kind of music the children would like to perform in the future – their voices will be paramount in shaping the music hub offer in the future.”

Rachel Northover, Head of fundraising at African Adventures Foundation, says:

“African Adventures Foundation was delighted to collaborate with Southampton Music Hub on this fantastic event to celebrate cultural exchange and the power of music to connect children from different backgrounds. It was really special to see the enthusiasm and efforts of the pupils from the various schools involved, and they created an amazing atmosphere for the choral exchange. This has been an exciting project for African Adventures Foundation to be involved in and we are keen to maintain a connection with the schools to continue the exchange that has been initiated.”

Music in SchoolsMatt BrombleyEverybody Sing, Southampton, Photo Gallery
From the IOW: Jubilee Celebrations at Osbourne House
From the IOW: Jubilee Celebrations at Osbourne House

On Tuesday 7 June schools and young people from across the Isle of Wight came together at Osborne House for an outdoor concert celebrating the Platinum Jubilee. A wonderfully wide-ranging programme included rock bands from secondary schools, primary choirs, the Isle of Wight Music Centre ensembles and soloists performing in the carriage ring outside the main house while spectators sat on the Durbar lawn having their picnics.

In the run up to this project the Isle of Wight Music Hub worked with many primary schools and the home learning network to teach our specially commissioned Jubilee Song It’s The Platinum Jubilee composed by Jo Downs. The concert closed with a massed sung performance of this song with 100s of students from primary schools represented singing together in this appropriately Royal setting.

This event was organised by the IOW Music Hub and the Education team at English Heritage with sound a production support from IOW based production company Widget.

Nia Collins, IOW Hub Lead says:

“Well I think we can safely say that the future of music on the island is in good hands! We have seen such an incredible array of musical talent on display this evening and there’s something very special about being able to do this in such a magical and historically significant setting as Osborne House”

Music in Schools, Music in the CommunityMatt BrombleyIOW, Photo Gallery
New inclusive music group

On Saturday 11 June Southampton Music Hub ran the first of its new music group sessions for children and young people with profound and multiple learning disabilities (PMLD). Young people of all ages attended from Rosewood Free School and Rose Road Association. Led by Ignacio Agrimbau and Oliver Downer, participants were given opportunities to explore the sounds of a variety of traditional hand held percussion alongside the software Clarion, together creating evocative soundscapes.

"It was beautiful to hear how the young people responded to the different starting points provided by Ignacio and Oliver and how they responded to each other to create such atmospheric music. The hub was so grateful to all the support given by staff from Rosewood and Rose Road alongside that of Ignacio and Oliver. We are all looking forward to taking this group forward in the future." — Zoe Hunting, Music Services Manager

EnsemblesMatt BrombleyInclusion
Young performers help celebrate Platinum Jubilee
Young performers help celebrate Platinum Jubilee

On Sunday 6 June young performers from 13 different schools in Southampton came together for a special performance at the Big Platinum Festival in Mayflower Park. They opened the festival to an audience of thousands with a rousing rendition of the hub's own Jubilee song, 'It's Our Jubilee' written by Jo Downs. They then drummed along with Forever Queen to the ever popular 'We Will Rock You'.

Kath Page, Hub Manager, says:

“We are thrilled to be a part of the Jubilee celebrations. This is a brand new festival choir that has been put together specially for this event, but thousands of children have been involved in singing the jubilee song in the run up to the Platinum Jubilee as part of our own Jubilee Celebrations. Huge congratulations to Unity Radio for putting together such a great party!”

One of the young performers says:

“ I can't believe there are so many people here!! It's a bit scary, but I'm so excited to be singing and to have made new friends with people. I'm going to carry on singing after this!”

Music in Schools, Music in the Community, EnsemblesMatt BrombleyEverybody Sing
Braeside Weekend for Airplay and Fusion
Braeside Weekend for Airplay and Fusion

Southampton Music Hub ensembles, Airplay and Fusion Brass, came together for a weekend of music and team building at Braeside in Wiltshire in the middle of May.

Zoe Hunting, Ensembles Manager at Southampton Music Hub, says:

“It is really lovely to see our ensembles working together and giving Southampton's young musicians such amazing opportunities outside their normal weekly rehearsals.”

Anna Robinson, Director of Airplay, says:

“It was great for Airplay and Fusion to have the opportunity to play together as a band and get to know one another socially. It was enjoyable for all involved, so much so we are now rebranding the joint band with the name F.A.B band (Fusion Airplay Band). I am sure this is going to be the first of many concerts and events Airplay and Fusion unite for.”

Some of the young musicians also shared their experiences:

“The balance between music and socializing was great and the facilities were great too!”

“The food was absolutely glorious and I loved the jacket potatoes.”

‘“It was an unmissable, musical experience.”

“The climbing wall was very fun (and scary!) I also enjoyed Bushcraft.”

EnsemblesMatt BrombleyAirplay, Fusion Brass
Young folk musicians wow audiences at MayFest
Young folk musicians wow audiences at MayFest

On Saturday 21 May, young musicians from the FolkActive Youth Ensemble (FAYE) wowed audiences in St. Lawrence's Church with two gigs as part of the Winchester MayFest. They performed the entire set from memory, which included some smaller group performances and step dancing, led by the wonderful Jo Harmer.

In between gigs the ensemble got to enjoy the sights and sounds of MayFest, where the streets of Winchester are alive with different types of morris dance, sword dancing, clog dancing and Appalachian dancing.

Ensemble director Chris Nichols says:

“FAYE performed superbly on Saturday. Their joy and enthusiasm in both sets was infectious, and they left both audiences smiling and wanting more. I can't wait to get stuck into our final two sessions in preparation for the showcase gig in July.”

Music in the Community, EnsemblesMatt BrombleyHub Partners
Festival Choir helps wish MAST a happy first birthday
Festival Choir helps wish MAST a happy first birthday

On Sunday 22 May the newly formed Music Hub Festival Choir performed at MAST Mayflower Studios’ big birthday bash. The choir performed  'It's Our Jubilee' , the hubs newly commissioned song to celebrate the queen's jubilee. 

The choir was formed of community members and representatives from 14 schools across the city. 

Composer Jo Downs, who also sang in the choir says:

“It was wonderful to see my song coming to life. I loved the inclusion of signing in the performance and I was blown away by the standard of singing after two rehearsals.”

Akindu, one of the singers, says:

“It was really good fun to sing at the concert. I really liked the jubilee song.”

Family Music, Music in the Community, Music in Schools, EnsemblesMatt BrombleyEverybody Sing, 10 Minute Sign & Sing
Southampton Music Hub Welcomes the City of Culture Judges
Southampton Music Hub Welcomes the City of Culture Judges

Southampton Music Hub was delighted to work with several schools and colleges across the city to welcome the judges to Southampton on both Friday 13 and Monday 16 May. Both performances were the culmination of hours of workshops with the schools and colleges and a fantastic example of collaboration and partnership, an important part of the City of Culture Bid.

On Friday we were joined by Bitterne Park Secondary and St Anne's Catholic School along with students from Richard Taunton's Sixth Form College and Southampton University at Southampton Airport in the Signature Hanger. As the head and deputy head judge disembarked from their plane, they were treated to a rousing rendition of 'Oh When The Saints' - a proper Southampton welcome!

Monday saw Mount Pleasant Junior School Choir welcome Lord Parksinson at Southampton Central Station, asking him to 'Come Along with Me to the City by the Sea' and told him all about our city through song. The children were thrilled to be representative of the young people in the city. When asked what being City of Culture meant to them, one young performer answered 'belonging' and another said ' we want to show everyone how wonderful and diverse our city is. It means so much.'

Kath Page, Manager of Southampton and Isle of Wight Music Hubs says:

“It's a real honour to have been able to do this for our city. The children and young people involved in both events are a shining example of the talent and potential our city has to offer. We really are a cultural city, and city of culture will give us the opportunity to really show what we can do. The young people were a credit to their schools and huge thanks to the teachers for collaborating to make these performances possible.”

Matt Brombley
Free tools to help you make and promote your music
Free tools to help you make and promote your music

Want to make, share and promote your own music? Our new Music Studio team have put together a set of tools to help.

If we’re missing something from our list, or you have ideas for making it better, let us know!

Music in Schools, Music in the CommunityMatt BrombleyDNA
SYCS: Heroes and Villains (Concert Review)
SYCS: Heroes and Villains (Concert Review)

On Wednesday 6 April, Southampton Youth Concert Sinfonia (SYCS) performed a “Heroes and Villains” themed concert.

"Our Heroes and Villains concert was the grand finale of what had been the busiest term for SYCS. This was the sixth performance we had performed in this term so we wanted to finish on a real high. The orchestra really rose to the occasion and the choreographed light show that went with their performance. It was a spectacular show for performers and audience alike. Kevin and I are delighted with the orchestra's achievements this term and we really look forward to performing our Jubilee Spectacular next term to finish the season.' — Anna Robinson, Orchestra Conductor

"I had a wonderful and a fun time playing for SYCS’s end of Spring term concert “ Heroes and Villains”. It was such a fun experience playing in this special concert with additional lighting effects!!" — Katie, Orchestra Member

“As expected SYCS performed brilliantly at their end of term concert Heroes and Villains on 6 April. This event marked the culmination of a hard terms work which included 2 performances whilst on tour in the February half term and 2 children's concerts to inspire the next generation of music makers. The choreographed lighting effects added to an amazing atmosphere for a wonderful evening of music from the young people of Southampton” — Zoe Hunting, Ensembles Director

Matt Brombley
Concert Review: Southampton Youth Brass Band and Southampton Youth Wind

Southampton Youth Brass Band (SYBB) and Southampton Youth Wind Band (SYWB) joined forces at Bitterne Park School for their first concert together in over three years. The programme started with a rendition of the Ukrainian national anthem and the audience were entertained with band repertoire from Glenn Miller to film music from Gladiator, and a poignant moment was Prayer for Ukraine performed by SYWB.

“It's my first term in the wind band and it's been a great experience. I love the music we are doing, and I'm very excited to perform in front of a live audience".” - Josh

John Hanchett, Director of SYWB says:

“It's great to bring two of our top tier ensembles together and see them enjoying live performances again. I'm very proud and excited to share the bands progress and what will they accomplish in the future.”

Ensembles, Music in the CommunityMatt BrombleySouthampton Wind Band (SWB), Southampton Youth Brass Band (SYBB)
Exciting workshops and awards for young guitarists in Southampton
Exciting workshops and awards for young guitarists in Southampton

On Saturday 2 April 2022, Southampton Music Hub welcomed Helen Sanderson to the city for a guitar workshop. Helen is an international performer, educator, arranger and composer as well as Head of Guitar Performance at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama.

Zoe Hunting, Music Service Manager, says:

“It was such a privilege to be able to welcome Helen to Southampton and an amazing opportunity for the young guitar players to work with her as well as hear her play. After taking the players through a range of warm up activities Helen carefully guided the players through 2 compositions before giving a final performance to family and friends.”

A young participant in the workshop adds:

"Helen's playing was so smooth and beautiful."

Award Success

Christiane Charlton, guitar teacher, says:

"The young guitarists of Twango and Los Twangolitos had a very exciting term with several opportunities to show off their skills: They played “The Mini Beasts Suite,” music especially written for them. The suite is made up of four dances, each dedicated to an endangered creature living in our gardens. The adjudicator, well known composer and guitarist Vincent Lindsey-Clark, liked the performance and gave the John Dowland Cup to Twango for this year.

Among the many wonderfully talented soloists performing on the day, one of Twango’s  guitarists, Andrei Golovatti, came first in his category!”

Andrei Golavatii with his reacher Christiane Charlton after winning his guitar class at the Southampton Festival of Music and Drama

Music in the CommunityMatt Brombley
Southampton Music Hub, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, and the UEFA Women’s EURO 2022 Culture Programme
Southampton Music Hub, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, and the UEFA Women’s EURO 2022 Culture Programme

Southampton Music Hub was delighted to partner with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra on the UEFA Women’s EURO 2022 Culture Programme. 

In partnership with the  Football Association, the Women’s EURO 2022 Culture Programme, will engage fans in a range of musical opportunities and public events celebrating the history, ethos and future of women’s football.  Southampton is one of ten local authorities across England that will host a vibrant arts programme as part of the UEFA Women’s EURO 2022 in England this summer – part of an exciting national cultural programme supported by £800,000 funding from Arts Council England, thanks to National Lottery players.

Eight workshops were held across Southampton with a local composer and RPO musicians to create a bespoke Southampton anthem celebrating our local area and women’s football heritage. Workshops took place with a wide range of residents, from a library rhyme time to intergenerational choirs and several schools pupils and their parents. Using musical activities and games, workshops drew out ideas, lyrics and musical themes that will culminate in a new song performed by and for local audiences in match day Fan Zones accompanied by RPO musicians.  In total over 500 people contributed their ideas and inspiration. Like the Women’s EURO 2022 Tournament Anthem, resources and recordings will be made available free source to all fans wishing to learn, perform or use these celebratory songs. 

Workshop participant Glenda said, ' We were thrilled that we were joined by a past member of Southampton's 1972 cup final winning team. The footballers won the respect of the whole room and the professional musicians’ skills inspired us all. You never know what surprises can come about from a collaboration between music and sport.’.

Lisa Rodio, Director of Community and Education with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra says:

“The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra are delighted to be working with Southampton Council and Southampton Music Hub on this exciting project, engaging so many Southampton residents with music and football. The new anthem for Southampton will be a celebration of the area made with and for local people, and we can’t wait for everyone to hear, learn and join us in performing it this summer when the UEFA Women’s EURO comes to town.”

More to come on this exciting project!

Music in Schools, Music in the CommunityMatt BrombleyHub Partners
Concert Review: Fusion Brass and Brassroots at MAST Mayflower Studios
Concert Review: Fusion Brass and Brassroots at MAST Mayflower Studios

Fusion Brass and Brassroots performed at MAST Mayflower Studios on Wednesday 30 March 2022.

Kath Page, Hub Manager, says:

“It was wonderful to see the players so focused, engaged and enjoying their music making. The audience were thrilled to be a part of the performance and joined in enthusiastically when directed by Fusion Brass director Simon Farrendon. Brassroots performed fantastically - for some members this was their first concert!

James Gardener, director of Brass Roots says:

“I've ben proud of how hard Brassroots have worked this term, especially when they're such a young band. I think they really enjoyed the experience of playing live and I can't wait to see where we can take this band in the future.”

“I've really missed being able to perform. it makes me feel proud to perform to an audience - it was really weird being online because you couldn't hear anyone else. Making music with other people is really important and it sounds cool.” - Eleanor from Fusion Brass

EnsemblesMatt BrombleyBrassroots, Southampton, Photo Gallery
Concert Review: Airplay and Boom at MAST Mayflower Studios
Concert Review: Airplay and Boom at MAST Mayflower Studios

Thursday 31 March 2022 was a big evening for members of Boom and Airplay, performing at MAST Mayflower Studios. For many of these young performers it was their first concert in such a big venue.

“I was really excited to do my first concert with Airplay. I was a bit nervous but the nerves went away as soon as we performed our first piece.” - Poppy, a new member of Airplay

The ensembles joined forces for one number, the first time they had been able to play together and the concert finished with a rousing performance of Star Wars by Airplay.

Tom Gregory, director of Boom says:

“hey performed brilliantly, what a fantastic first performance. I'm really proud of them.”

Ensembles, Music in the CommunityMatt BrombleySouthampton Boom, Airplay
Concert Review: Proud to Be
Concert Review: Proud to Be

‘Proud to B'e’ concert took place on Tuesday 29 March at MAST Mayflower Studios. This event raised the profile of Hip Hop and gave pupils the opportunity to meet live rappers and musicians from this genre,

Angus Reid, school teachers, says:

“The workshops left pupils excited by the experience of seeing live rappers and with a stronger knowledge of rap history and how it came to sound the way it does today.

Mary Williams, another teacher, adds:

“The performers were young, cool and represented our broad and diverse community in Southampton.”

Pupils were treated to an interactive workshop filled with live performances that charted the development of Hip Hiop. Also on stage was freestyle rapper Tenchoo who captivated the audience with his ability to create rap 'on the spot' and live DJing using vinyl decks.

Mckinley, pupil from Bassett Green, says:

"It was really good and it was very energetic and lots of people in the crowd liked it because you could hear them cheering. I learnt about all the old songs and how rap started and the culture of it."

Larry Kazingizi, producer of the event, says:

“I’m feeling thankful to be lucky enough to perform Proud to Be to over 200 children from seven different schools in Southampton. It was fantastic - thanks to all the performers.”

Matt Brombley