TRUST NEWS (CONT )
Music matters Bexley Music round up Madelaine Caplin, Director of School Improvement and Bexley Music writes: I start by saying a huge Trust ‘thank you’ to all Bexley Music staff. The adaptability, creativity and professionalism of the team is to be commended. Take up from schools wanting high quality whole class music provision, small group or individual instrumental tuition, has been very encouraging. Participants from 5 – 80 years old are accessing music tuition and ensembles, bands, choirs, and orchestras at Belmont Academy. This venue is a hive of activity during evenings and weekends. However, it has not been an easy term. 10 | ISSUE 4 | 2021
The current rules and regulations regarding lessons, rehearsals and performances during the pandemic are stringent and restrictive. Despite this Bexley Music has continued to survive and to thrive. In September members of the Bexley Youth Orchestra, Bexley Youth Band and Little Big Band spent a weekend away, preparing for their first public performance since February 2020. They showcased their work to an enthusiastic audience at the Lesnes Abbey Proms. The warmth of early autumn sunshine, the beautiful setting and the crowd settled on the grass with food and drink aplenty added to the atmosphere. It was a great way to kickstart a term of musical events.
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Since then, Bexley Music staff and students haven’t stopped. Some of our young musicians participated in the London Jazz Festival at the Royal Festival Hall. Bexley Music was represented at the LSO East London Academy performance at LSO St Lukes. Young musicians playing alongside the London Symphony Orchestra members. What could be more inspiring! Demonstration Week involving Bexley Music staff visiting over 34 schools was a great success, with new partnerships formed. At Harris Academy Falconwood extra-curricular string and brass clubs together with targeted instrumental and vocal tuition for GCSE students are now in place. And there is much to look forward
to. Coming up in 2022 are Bexley Young Musician of the Year Awards, the Olympic 10th Anniversary performance with LSO On Track, Music Tours to Jersey, Berlin and Prague, a Pan London Battle of the Bands event for Bexley secondary school student and the Bexley Music Festival. We will also welcome ArtsTrain, close partners of ours, soon to be based with us at Belmont Academy from January 2022. ArtsTrain, offers diverse and creative music projects particularly for young people suffering financial disadvantage and those seeking Part of London South East Academies Trust alternative music BEXLEY provision. USIC
