The Making Music membership magazine | spring Issue 2013
London 2012 Looking back at Making Music’s contributions to the Cultural Olympiad • PAGE 10
Putting on concerts Edmond Fivet muses on the issues facing amateur promoters • PAGE 8
Singing for Life One group that uses singing to improve health and wellbeing • PAGE 17
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Spring 2013 season now on sale
Mozart
CosĂŹ fan tutte Verdi
Simon Boccanegra Donizetti
The Siege of Calais UK NATIONAL TOUR 2 March – 30 May 2013 englishtouringopera.org.uk / 020 7833 2555 Making Music ad spring13.indd 1
19/11/2012 17:42:59
Contents & editorial
Contents News
5 In brief 6 Around the UK Features
8 Putting on concerts 10 London 2012 From our team
12 Projects 14 Membership 16 Volunteers Members
17 Blow your trumpet 18 Readers’ page If you have any suggestions for articles or you would like to contribute to Highnotes, please contact the Commissioning Editor, Henry Bird on 020 7422 8291 or editor@makingmusic.org.uk Copy deadline for the next issue of Highnotes, May 2013, is 11 February 2013 Any views or opinions expressed by external contributors may not necessarily represent those of Making Music Highnotes is the official journal of Making Music, The National Federation of Music Societies, 2-4 Great Eastern Street, London EC2A 3NW Tel: 020 7422 8280 info@makingmusic.org.uk www.makingmusic.org.uk A company limited by guarantee, registered in England and Wales no. 308632 Registered Charity in England and Wales no. 249219 and in Scotland no. SC038849 If you need us to make any of this information more accessible, please call Making Music on 020 7422 8280 or email info@makingmusic.org.uk £6 where sold, annual subscription £15 (3 issues) Design by Cog Design Typeset and printed by Gemini Press Advertising by Space Marketing: 01892 677740
It’s colder than a penguin’s toe, it seems to get dark only a few hours after lunch, and the London commuters are even more gloomy than usual. All this can mean only one thing – it’s January. And while it’s tempting to get dragged down by mid-winter blues, one only needs to look back at the amazing year that was 2012 to feel more cheerful. From the enthralling opening ceremony, to Mo Farah’s two victories and the incredible feats of the Paralympians, there’s no denying that London 2012 was a resounding success. It was a year of fantastic culture as well as sport, and I’m proud that Making Music helped ensure that amateur musicians got their share of the spotlight. Congratulations to all of you who took part, whether in a Music Nation project, by performing the Making Music Overture, or in other ways. Just because the Olympics are over, it doesn’t mean the exciting projects have to end as well, and there’s plenty in store for 2013. Read on to find out about the next Voices Now festival (this one taking place in two cities), another Bandstand Marathon, training opportunities and much more. Now, when is it going to warm up ... ? Wishing you all a very happy new year.
Robin Osterley Chief Executive, Making Music
London Symphony Orchestra Living Music
LSO Singing Day with Simon Halsey Saturday 16 February 2013 10.30am–4.30pm Jerwood Hall, LSO St Luke’s (161 Old Street, EC1V 9NG) Join LSO Choral Director Simon Halsey in the LSO’s first ever Singing Day. Simon will lead a workshop on Brahms’ Requiem followed by an informal performance which friends and family can watch. Whether you sing in your local choir or haven’t sung since school, this is an exciting opportunity to get to grips with a classic work under the baton of a world-famous choral conductor. Some sight-singing ability is required. Tickets £17 (includes music hire) Afternoon spectator tickets £5 (from 3pm) Barbican Box Office 020 7638 8891 or book online at lso.co.uk/singingdays SPECIAL OFFER Get £5 off the Singing Day if you also book tickets for the LSO and Valery Gergiev’s Barbican performance of Brahms’ Requiem on Sat 30 or Sun 31 Mar 2013.
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news
in brief BBC awards £250,000 to voluntary music groups Grants of up to £10,000 have been given to 47 groups through the BBC Performing Arts Fund
The BBC Performing Arts Fund has announced the groups that are to receive funding through its Community Music Scheme. Grants of up to £10,000 have been awarded to 47 not-for-profit groups – many of whom are Making Music members. The grants have been given in order to develop talent, help with promotion and member recruitment, and fund workshops
and projects that bring groups closer to their local communities. From producing a programme of workshops for marginalised youth throughout Manchester, to inviting an African drumming expert to the Shetland Isles to undertake a programme of intensive tuition, the successful projects are as diverse in ideas as they are in location. Making Music has been involved throughout the selection process, helping to launch the scheme last May. Among the member groups to have received the award are the Pink Singers (pictured) and Dacorum Community Choir. To see the full list of winners, visit http://bbc.in/TrLD4L.
Making Music recognises voluntary music heroes The winners of the 2012 President’s Award and Lady Hilary Groves Prize have been announced Making Music has awarded two of its most prestigious prizes to key figures from its volunteer team and membership. The President’s Award, which recognises a Making Music volunteer who has given exceptional service, has gone to Marian Davidson. Marian made a significant impact on the organisation over 20 years, with her contributions including setting up a collaboration with the National Trust and playing a central role in the introduction of Making Music’s current branding and house style. The Lady Hilary Groves Prize, awarded to an amateur musician who has made an outstanding contribution to their local community, has gone to Peter and Vivien Harrison – joint founders of Grayshott Concerts, which promotes high-quality concerts in the small community of Grayshott in Hampshire. The prize was also awarded to Graham Reid, the former lead conductor of Aberdeen Strathspey & Reel Society. See page 18 for our 60 Second Interview with Ross Fowler, Treasurer of Aberdeen Strathspey & Reel Society.
“The support from the BBC Performing Arts Fund will have a really positive effect on music making throughout the local community” Dacorum Community Choir
New works added to choral music collection
Choirs in the Surrey area and beyond can now hire music for 60 new works from the Making Music Kirby Collection. The collection, established in 2011 thanks to a generous legacy from Making Music’s first chairman Alan Kirby, is housed in the Surrey Performing Arts Library in Dorking. The new pieces, which range from Adam’s O Holy Night to Whitacre’s Three Flower Songs, join what is already an impressive collection of choral music – all available to choirs in the Surrey area, or from elsewhere in the UK via inter-library loan. To find out more, visit www.makingmusic.org.uk/ kirbycollection. British Composer Awards
Above left: Member choir the Pink Singers, which has received funding from the BBC Performing Arts Fund Photo: Digitaloskar Photography Below: A singer from World Choir Games winning-group Farnham Youth Choirs Photo: Jeremy Smith
Emily Howard has won the Making Music Award at the 2012 British Composer Awards. The award is given each year to the composer of a new work for a voluntary music group. Howard won for her piece Mesmerism for Piano and Chamber Orchestra, written for Making Music member group the Liverpool Mozart Orchestra. The other shortlisted pieces were Storr by Matthew Taylor (composed for Essex Symphony Orchestra) and Dreamtide by Christopher Hussey (first performed by the Deloitte Choir). See the full list of British Composer Award winners at www.britishcomposerawards.com.
Surrey singers strike gold Many congratulations to Making Music member group Farnham Youth Choirs for winning gold and silver at the 2012 World Choir Games in Cincinnati, Ohio. A fantastic achievement! Spring 2013
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5
NEWS
AROUND THE UK London
South East
Youth participation South East volunteers Lydia Cialis and Emma Fenton report on two new partnerships aiming to get young people involved in music making Making Music South East has partnered with Brighton venue The Rock to launch a music project for over 18s. If you’re confined to playing solo in your bedroom and want to team up with other musicians, this project is for you – you just need to know the basics and have the drive to practise regularly. Players from all musical backgrounds are welcome to take part in the project, which will consist of a series of six-week courses throughout 2013. The workshops are aimed at beginner and intermediate musicians, and will work on developing skills such as improvisation and songwriting. Participants will also be required
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to lead and perform in a showcase event at the end of each term. Workshops start this month and we are recruiting now. If you’d like to take part, contact Regional Manager Cat Duval on 07557 911 520. Member group South Chiltern Choral Society has also announced it is to start sponsoring the music department of local comprehensive Highdown School. The society has already started working with the school choir, sharing music resources, providing financial assistance, and offering advice and performance opportunities. www.makingmusic.org.uk/ southeast
Above: Singers from Highdown School performing their summer concert, accompanied by South Chiltern Choral Society Musical Director Gwyn Arch Photo: Dawn Bellamy
Making Music London has secured funding from the Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Arts Service for an innovative Early Years arts project. Run in partnership with the National Childbirth Trust, the project will culminate in an interactive performance of Peter and the Wolf in the West London borough on Saturday 9 March 2013. The aim of the event is to introduce children aged two to five years to classical music and orchestral instruments in an enjoyable and engaging way. Musicians from local Making Music member groups will be invited to work alongside a professional storyteller to bring alive Prokofiev’s story as an exciting interactive experience. www.makingmusic.org.uk/ London Yorkshire & North East
Regional Manager Sue Bradley has been collaborating with local arts organisations to run events putting members in touch with experts in their field. An event with Yorkshire Music Library, now based in Huddersfield following Making Music’s successful campaign to save it from closure in 2012, brought groups up to date with developments and outlined the current arrangements for obtaining scores. Young Opera Venture and Young Lives ran a session to help groups capture and retain the interest of young people. Finally, the Newcastle-based Sponsors Club and the Northern Chords Festival shared practical insights into how to approach different sources of funding. www.makingmusic.org.uk/ yorkshireandnortheast
NEWS
East
As the East region stretches from Derbyshire’s Peak District all the way down to Southend-On-Sea, members might sometimes be invited to events many miles from where their group operates. To make getting to events more manageable, we try to spread out and deliver them in as many towns and cities as we can, sometimes joining forces with other regions. One recent example of this was a training day in November run in partnership between Making Music East and West in Stratford-uponAvon. Entitled ‘Involving Young People’, the event explored how to engage with younger audience and group members. www.makingmusic.org.uk/east
Did you know? You can find out what’s going on near you by visiting your Regional or Nation Manager’s blog. Visit bit.ly/TEPfxT to learn more
South West
Bristol Refugee Rights Making Music South West recently held a taster session for refugees and asylum seekers in Bristol Run in partnership with Bristol Refugee Rights, the event was attended by almost fifty refugees and asylum seekers from countries including China and Iran. They were introduced to music from different cultures, as well as being given the chance to play different instruments and sing in a variety of styles. The outcomes of the event were to lay the groundwork for a new Making Music member group of asylum seekers and refugees in
Bristol, as well as helping to link communities through music. One woman said it was the first time she was able to make music with men – something that is forbidden in her home country. It was the first time one man had even seen a piano, while another summed up his experience of the session by saying: ‘I became happy today’. www.makingmusic.org.uk/ southwest
Wales
The 2012 conference in Cardiff gave us the opportunity to broaden our links with groups in Wales. Many attended the conference as participants or came to meet fellow promoters from England and Scotland at the dedicated Concert Promoters’ Group session, while others took part as performers. Particularly memorable was Llandaff Cathedral Choral Society’s spellbinding premiere of Duncan Macleod’s Asymptōtos (written as part of Adopt a Composer 2012) during the evening concert. www.makingmusic.org.uk/wales
Scotland Meadows Chamber Orchestra has commissioned not one, but eight new works that it will be premiering this season. The Edinburgh-based orchestra prides itself on performing contemporary repertoire alongside more traditional pieces, and will be performing new music by eight different Scottish composers in 2013. If you’d like to have music written for your group, read our online guide to commissioning at www.makingmusic.org.uk/commissioning.
West
Wellbeing in the West region There will be a fantastic training opportunity on Saturday 16 February in Manchester The one-day event, led by experts from the Royal Northern College of Music’s Music for Health team, will provide insights into using music in various healthcare settings including hospitals, care homes and community healthcare centres. It will introduce a range of practical, theoretical and organisational skills, useful in opening up inclusive musical spaces within healthcare settings
for the wellbeing of staff, families and patients. Tickets for this bespoke oneday course are available now at a cost of £20 per person for Making Music members and £30 for nonmembers. Full details can be found at www.makingmusic.org.uk/west. If your music group is already providing music in care settings, get in touch at stuart.isaac@ makingmusic.org.uk.
Spring 2013
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feature
Putting on concerts Edmond Fivet, Chair of Making Music’s Concert Promoters’ Group, outlines the current state of affairs for the UK’s concert promoters The UK’s network of music clubs and promoters creates many performance opportunities for professional musicians, as well as providing audiences with concerts in accessible venues at reasonable prices. However, many promoting groups are currently facing significant challenges in their day-to-day work. The financial position of groups is variable, ranging from groups that are well endowed to those that are struggling. In the past few years a number of groups have closed through lack of funding; others have been unable to recruit volunteers to join their committees, and this has also caused them to fold. Falling membership numbers and reducing ticket sales are recurring themes across the country, as is the challenge of attracting younger audiences. Many promoters are dealing with rising costs, including venue hire and the fees for production of promotional material, and it is always difficult to source musicians at an affordable price in order to present high-quality, interesting and varied seasons. The Concert Promoters’ Group (CPG) is constantly seeking ways in which it can help members through such difficulties. It provides a series of information sheets, runs a peer networking session at the annual Making Music Conference and writes bi-annual ebulletins with information to support members’ activities. The members of the CPG are also available for consultation on specific issues, and I am always
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keen and interested to visit promoters to discuss the issues that are facing them. Perhaps the most important and visible work of the CPG is the production of the annual Guide to Selected Artists, which gives contact, repertoire and fee details for a list of recommended artists. 100 applicants put themselves forward for consideration, with 2025 artists eventually being selected each year after being heard and assessed in performance. In addition to the recommended artists, the guide features adverts from other artists, as well as the names and contact details of organisations that can provide advice and help. We are currently working on a number of developments to the guide; the next edition will feature jazz ensembles and the winners of the Philip and Dorothy Green Award for Young Concert Artists, in addition to the usual recommended artists. We also hope there will be additional special offers in next year’s guide. The CPG welcomes contact from promoting members so please do not hesitate to contact us, whether it be for advice, assistance or to let us know interesting news of your club or society. Despite the challenges being faced in a fast-changing world, the concerts put on by Making Music’s concert promoter members are a vital part of the UK’s vibrant music scene. If you’d like to contact the CPG, please send an email to lizzy@makingmusic.org.uk.
Above: New Zealand String Quartet performing at the 2012 Wimbledon International Music Festival, one of Making Music’s CPG members Photo: John Yip
“The CPG is constantly seeking ways in which it can help members”
Great Choral Works Scored for Reduced Orchestra The Creation by Haydn (9 fewer wind players) The Seasons by Haydn (10 fewer wind players) Elijah by Mendelssohn (10 fewer wind players) Verdi Requiem (12 fewer wind players) Mozart Requiem (2 trumpets, 3 trombones reduced to 1 trumpet, 1 trombone)
All are available to hire More details from Ian Bauers
2013 FINALS CONCERT Saturday 20 april 2013 1.30-4.30pm
Telephone 01502 714061
4 young chamber ensembles selected from an international entry will perform to a panel of distinguished musicians; the result will be announced by Chairman, Chris de Souza
Email: musickle@samphire.demon.co.uk Website: www.musickle.com
Supported by:
THE GORDON FOUNDATION THE TERTIS FOUNDATION
WIGMORE HALL 36 Wigmore Street, London W1 Tickets £5
(Making Music promoters call 020 8761 6565 for free tickets)
020 7935 2141 www.wigmore-hall.org.uk
Classic choral works Emmanuele D’Astorga ed. Robert King
Stabat Mater
Composed during the early 1700s this work features ornate solos, duets, and trios interspersed with beautiful imitative moments for full chorus. 978-0-19-338815-4 £4.95
Henry Purcell ed. Robert King
Te Deum and Jubilate Deo in D
This was the first work of its kind to be scored for orchestra, becoming the model for settings by Blow, Croft, and Handel. 978-0-19-338589-4 £4.95 Prepared using the earliest available source material, combining up-to-date scholarship with a clear and practical layout. Both works are for soloists, mixed choir, and chamber ensemble. Orchestral material is available on hire. Oxford music is available from all good music shops, or by phone +44 (0)1536 452630, or email music.orders.uk@oup.com, or order online. www.oup.com/uk/music
Spring 2013
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9
In focus
London 2012 Helen Thomas celebrates the contributions made by Making Music members to London’s Olympic year When I began my role as Once in a Lifetime Project Officer, the London Games were more than two years away. It was my job to identify and promote opportunities for voluntary arts practitioners to participate in the Cultural Olympiad and the Olympic and Paralympic Ceremonies. Whilst many shared my enthusiasm, the nation was not yet gripped by Games fever and there was some cynicism and lack of clarity surrounding the Cultural Olympiad. I was keen to communicate opportunities widely and to encourage people to get involved so that nobody would later feel that they had missed out. The Cultural Olympiad spanned four years, ending with the twelve-week London 2012 Festival. The aim was to give everyone in the country a chance to be part of London 2012, inspiring creativity and showcasing UK arts and culture on a world platform. Making Music was involved from early on and participated in a BBC steering group tasked with overseeing London 2012 classical music events. A Cultural Olympiad project should involve artists going far beyond what they normally do to mirror athletes striving to go beyond their personal best.
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This was certainly a requirement for the BBC’s Music Nation, which was the opening weekend of the London 2012 Festival and a celebration of the richness, diversity and excellence of Britain’s musical life. Making Music member groups embraced this challenge and devised fantastic programmes that stretched them like never before. Eleven member groups led programmes, two performed as part of Voices Now at the Roundhouse, and Welsh groups participated in Music Nation Cymru. Demonstrating a legacy was another requirement for inclusion. Making Music’s own Cultural Olympiad project involved commissioning Orlando Gough to write the Making Music Overture. Groups were asked to perform the piece in new venues and work collaboratively, with the aim of creating new audiences and lasting partnerships. The piece was rhythmically challenging, but groups persisted and staged 27 performances in six months – a significant achievement for a new piece. Making Music members were involved in a variety of other ways. The Zemel Choir achieved an Inspire Mark – awarded to
Cover image: A performance of Cultural Olympiad project Cycle Song, featuring Scunthorpe Cooperative Junior Choir Below: London Welsh Male Voice Choir and London Welsh Rugby Club Male Voice Choir performing at the Olympic Closing Ceremony Photo: Michael Rallings
In focus
exceptional projects inspired by London 2012 – for its International Jewish Choral Festival. Cycle Song, a new opera involving 1,500 amateur musicians, was co-produced by Scunthorpe Cooperative Junior Choir as part of the Cultural Olympiad. Truro School of Samba, Bloco do Sul and Maidstone Singers were among the many musicians who animated the Olympic Torch Relay route. There was strict secrecy surrounding the ceremonies, and even as a volunteer in the Ceremonies Casting Team I didn’t know that two member choirs would have the honour of singing the Olympic Hymn as the flag was lowered during the Olympic Closing Ceremony. Four other member choirs featured in the Paralympic Opening Ceremony. I am delighted that the Cultural Olympiad was successful and that so many groups participated – it has been a pleasure to be involved. For those who took part, I hope that your memories stay with you as a personal legacy. For any groups regretting not getting involved, it’s not too late! You are invited to perform Island Race, a short celebratory song composed especially for the Olympic year, which is freely downloadable from www.makingmusic.org.uk/islandrace. Now, anyone for Rio 2016? If you’d like to know more about Music Nation, take a look at our video at www.makingmusic.org.uk/musicnation.
Bandstand Marathon Making Music also played a key part in the largest closing event of the London 2012 Festival: the Bandstand Marathon. Run in partnership between Making Music and Superact, and funded by the Department for Communities and Local Government, Bandstand Marathon involved concerts on bandstands across the UK on the afternoon of the Paralympic Closing Ceremony. It led to over 220 free events, with over 9,000 performers and a combined audience of over 200,000 people. 26% of the audience members surveyed told us that the event had inspired them to make music themselves, and all were provided with details of how to contact local Making Music member groups. Bandstand Marathon is set to return this year, and we want even more member groups to be involved. The event has been moved forward to the afternoon of Sunday 14 July. Please pencil in a performance for your group if possible, or visit www.makingmusic.org.uk/bandstandmarathon to find out more.
Spring 2013
Bandstand Marathon led to over 220 free events, with over 9,000 performers and a combined audience of over 200,000 people
HIGHNOTES 11
from our team
Projects Evan Dawson, our Head of Programmes and Development, talks about ...
Voices Now 2013 The Voices Now festival, a celebration of all things singing and choirs, is set to return in 2013 following a triumphant event at London’s Roundhouse last March This year there are two separate dates for the diary: a four-day festival will take place at the Roundhouse on 20-23 June, and an event will take place in Derry as part of the UK City of Culture celebrations on 25 October. A central part of the London event will be the world premiere of new music by Latvian composer Eriks Esenvalds, with lyrics by Emma Jones. The pair have written five pieces, each to be performed by a different choir, with Grammy Award-winning musician Imogen Heap providing narration. One of the five pieces
will be performed by the amateur choirs Green Street Blues and Funky Voices, which both won a competition run by Making Music in late 2012 and have had the piece written to suit their singers’ own particular needs and abilities. There will be plenty of other opportunities for Making Music members to get involved, particularly on the Making Music Open Stage at the Roundhouse. For details of how your choir can join in, visit www.makingmusic.org.uk/ voicesnow.
“We’ve had 85 people ask to join our choir as a result of us taking part in Learn to Sing. It’s going to transform our role in the community and give us lots more income, and we’ll make a much bigger sound too!” Anne Odams, Downland Chorale
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We announced the pairings for this year’s scheme, funded by the PRS for Music Foundation and run in partnership with Sound and Music and BBC Radio 3, at a special launch party in October. Over the next year, the following composers and music groups will each collaborate on a new piece of music:
• Soosan Lolavar/Tudor Orchestra • James Wilson/Southwark Youth Orchestra
• Sarah Lewis/Bristol Saxophone Ensemble
• Rebecca Dale/Music for Everyone • Amble Skuse/Tŷ Cerdd • Stephanie Conner/Renaissance Singers www.makingmusic.org.uk/aac Learn to Sing
Above left: Participants at the Learn to Sing course hosted by City Chorus Photo: Kevin Leighton
Jubilate! Jubilee! Our special commission from Paul Mealor in celebration of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee year was premiered at our annual conference in September. Funded by the British Council, the piece has since been downloaded by over 300 groups from all around the UK, as well as from Commonwealth countries including Tanzania and the Falkland Islands. It is still available on our website – visit www.makingmusic.org.uk/jubilee to find out more. Contacts Evan, Head of Programmes and Development: evan@makingmusic.org.uk
Adopt a Composer
The Learn to Sing project involves Making Music member choirs running free six-week courses for those who want to give choral singing a try. It’s run in partnership with the British Association of Barbershop Singers and Choir of the Year, and is funded by the Robertson Trust and Arts Council England. The two most recent courses were both in London, hosted by the City Chorus and Downland Chorale respectively. They were both filled to capacity and have led to many new singers joining each group and wishing to attend more live music events. We hope to offer other groups the opportunity to run similar courses in the future – keep an eye on our website for further details. www.makingmusic.org.uk/ learntosing
International Summer School 27 July - 31 August 2013
Artistic Director John Woolrich
Exceptional teaching Inspirational performances Immerse yourself in music Dartington International Summer School, Space, Dartington Hall, Totnes, Devon, TQ9 6EN Phone: +44 (0)1803 847080 Email: summerschool@dartington.org
www.dartington.org/summer-school DARTINGTON INTERNATIONAL SUMMER SCHOOL IS A DEPARTMENT OF THE DARTINGTON HALL TRUST, A REGISTERED CHARITY. REG CHARITY NO 279756
SING 2013 39th Annual Barbershop Convention Bournemouth 3rd to 6th May 2013
A Week-end of Fun, Harmony & Singing The British Association of Barbershop Singers (BABS) invite you to attend SING2013 their 39th Annual Convention which takes place at the BIC in Bournemouth. If you like the sound of barbershop harmony then this is the weekend for you. Come for a day or the whole weekend. The full registration is only £55 and offers access to all events including the Quartet and Chorus contests and a lot, lot more! There are also three shows to choose from with ticket prices starting at just £10! Over 2300 visitors are expected and you are sure of a warm welcome. Come along for a weekend of fun, friendship and song, it’s an experience not to be missed!
www.sing2013.co.uk
The British Association of Barbershop Singers 6 Corunna Court, Corunna Road, Warwick CV34 5HQ Registered Charity No: 1080930
Barbershop Conventions are Brilliant!
Residential Courses Summer Schools Concerts Talks Early Classical Jazz/Light Folk/Gospel www.benslowmusic.org T: 01462 459446 E: info@benslowmusic.org Benslow Music, Benslow Lane, Hitchin, Hertfordshire, SG4 9RB A Company limited by guarantee. Registered in England No 408404. Reg Charity No 313663
Spring 2013
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from our team
Membership Barbara Eifler, our Head of Membership, talks about ... There is always so much of relevance to members that I find it difficult to highlight only a few snippets on this page. That’s why I regularly add to my membership advice blog; see www.makingmusic.org.uk/ membership-advice-blog. We are also gradually re-writing the online Frequently Asked Questions and working our way through updating information sheets, so that you will be able to find more answers on the website – which, unlike Cindy, Lizzy and myself, is accessible 24/7! Cue fanfare to introduce Lizzy Whirrity, our new Membership and Projects Manager, joining Cindy and myself to look after you, the members, and help Making Music deliver useful services efficiently. With her prior membership experience, we feel she’s already making a terrific contribution and hope you will agree when you meet her in person, on the phone, or virtually at www.makingmusic.org.uk/ lizzywhirrity
Insurance After three decades of partnership with Ecclesiastical, at rather short notice, we have had to create a new insurance scheme now available, for members only, from Making Music Insurance Services, underwritten by Royal & Sun Alliance. Premiums have gone up for many but, thanks to the mighty purchasing power of 3,000 groups, remain very competitive compared to the open market, as far as our research has been able to ascertain. If you haven’t yet renewed membership or bought insurance your cover expired on 31st December, and you are now not insured. Information, a sample policy, sample schedules, and rates are available via My Making Music on the website. New FAQs can be found at www.makingmusic.org.uk/insurancefaqs.
In the seven months from April to the end of October, the Making Music membership team made 2,181 changes to membership data. Members themselves made 788 changes
Conference – where next? Thank you to the 677 of you who completed the survey! You obviously care about this subject and I’m working on fulfilling your expectations. Your message is that you like regional events – something our Regional/Nation Managers are working hard on; but are also interested in UK-wide events that: • deliver something local events cannot give you; • are one-day events on Saturdays; • deliver, in order of priority: useful information/training, relevant exhibitors, a national keynote speaker; • are priced affordably. For 2013, this will mean a small-scale event with Annual General Meeting in London (save this date: 18 May), and a full-scale event in October elsewhere in the UK. More information soon.
charitable incorporated organisations (cios)
These could become reality for new charities in the coming weeks, and available for existing charities over the following few months. See the membership advice blog for the latest update. Live Music Act 2012
This came into force in October and removes the need for a regulated entertainment license for a huge range of musical events, making life easier for many of you. For details, see the membership advice blog. Twitter and Facebook
Our national and regional Twitter and Facebook profiles provide updates and information to help you stay in the loop. We would love to hear from you, so please ‘like’ us or ‘follow’ us! Making Music UK Twitter (T): @MakingMusic_UK Facebook (FB): facebook.com/MakingMusicUK East T: @MakingMusicEast London T: @MakingMusicLDN FB: /MakingMusicLondon South East T: @MakingMusic_SE FB: /MakingMusicSouthEast South West T: @MakingMusic_SW FB: /MakingMusicSouthWest Wales T: @CreuCerddCymru Yorkshire & North East T: @MakingMusicYNE FB: /MakingMusicYorkshireNorthEast
Contacts Cindy, Membership Executive: cindy@makingmusic.org.uk. Barbara, Head of Membership: barbara@makingmusic.org.uk. Lizzy, Membership and Projects Manager: lizzy@makingmusic.org.uk. www.makingmusic.org.uk/membership-advice-blog
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West Cork Chamber musiC Festival 2013 bantry, Co. Cork, irelanD
FriDay 28 June - saturDay 6 July New Commission by John invited artists include
Kinsella
Leonard Elschenbroich Vadim Gluzman Nicola Benedetti Pekka Kuusisto Brett Dean Natalie Clein Alexei Grynyuk Clara Mouriz & many more 13 Glengarriff Road, Bantry, Co Cork, Ireland T:+353 (0)27 52788
www.westcorkmusic.ie
Sherborne Summer School of Music 28 July - 11 August 2013
Four Choirs Cappella Chamber Choir, Lighter Side Choir Choral Masterpieces Choir, Voices in Harmony
Chamber Music for Winds and Strings Piano and Vocal Masterclasses
If you haven’t already applied do remember that the closing date for Dance Applications is 1st February and the Closing Date for Soloist Applications is 28th February. Non-competitive performers closing date is 1st March. Don’t miss the chance to be part of this exciting event with new competitions for 2013. See our Website for further information and application Forms.
9 - 14 July 2013 www.international-eisteddfod.co.uk
Piano Course, Piano Accompaniment Course Masterclass for Singers 1 and 2
Jazz Four Conducting Courses
George Hurst Conducting Course Wind Conducting Course, Practical Conducting Choral Conducting
Composition Wind Ensemble Two Orchestras Chamber and Symphony Orchestras
Drawing and Painting Musicians Sherborne
Summer School of Music
email summermusicschool@btinternet.com tel +44 (0)1342 893963
www.sherbornesummerschoolofmusic.co.uk
from our team
Volunteers Peter Stokes, our Head of Volunteer Management, talks about ...
Making Music needs you! Since 2011, we have seen a marked increase in people from outside our membership volunteering with us, which has really broadened our range of experise as an organisation. Voluntary music is a vast and sometimes complicated field, however, and volunteers with inside knowledge are vital for us. Our volunteer opportunities are designed to be flexible, meaningful and fun, with most roles only requiring a
few hours a week. A strong, informed and motivated volunteer team will help Making Music to be stronger as an organisation, and our membership as a whole will benefit. Do you have experience of voluntary music, fundraising, marketing or running events? If so, check out our list of current vacancies and see where you might fit in. www.makingmusic.org.uk/volunteers
Board Member spotlight
Volunteer spotlight
Clare Edwards
Bela Green
Role: Marketing Director
Role: Member Development Officer
How long have you been on Making Music’s Board? Two months.
How long have you been volunteering with Making Music? Seven months.
What does your role on the Board involve? I help support Making Music strategically, particularly advising on how the organisation communicates with its members. I also aim to help ensure we’re giving members what they need to run a music group successfully.
What does your volunteer role involve? I’m the first point of contact for the 14 member groups in my local area, which is in North Yorkshire. I help these groups with whatever issues they are facing.
What inspired you to join the Board? I met someone at a training course who recommended that I apply. Performing in choirs is one of the most important parts of my life, so I strongly believe in the work Making Music does to support and nurture amateur music groups. What has been your most rewarding experience with Making Music? Attending the conference in Cardiff last September, particularly the evening concert. It was great to see so many musicians – both young and old – performing together. What do you do when you’re not involved in Making Music Board activities? I sing in two choirs, as well as running various music festivals in Birmingham, including a jazz and hip hop festival. I’m also producer for Voices Now 2013, which is taking place at the Roundhouse in London and in Derry, Northern Ireland, later this year. What was the last piece of music you listened to? ‘Four Sea Interludes’ from Britten’s Peter Grimes.
What inspired you to volunteer with Making Music? I wanted to volunteer for an active organisation – this role gives me the chance to contribute something to my local community. What has been your most rewarding experience with Making Music? I’ve only been in the role for a short time, so I feel like I’m only just getting started. My most rewarding experience has been meeting members face-to-face and getting more involved in my local music scene. What do you do when you’re not volunteering for Making Music? In my day job, I’m a Senior Project Manager for an innovative electronics technology company. By night I am a gigging guitarist in a rock band. What was the last piece of music you listened to? Crooked Smile by American rock group Dan Baird and Homemade Sin. I would recommend volunteering with Making Music because ... It gives you a chance to contribute something – people at Making Music really respect your opinion and take on board your suggestions.
Interested in volunteering for Making Music? Visit www.makingmusic.org.uk/volunteers
16 HIGHNOTES Spring 2013
members
Blow your trumpet Singing for life Udita Everett of Sing For Better Health describes how her organisation uses singing to help people with a range of health problems Sing For Better Health runs four singing groups in Brighton and Hove for older people and those with long-term health problems, ranging from breathing difficulties and depression to Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s and cancer. The groups have been running for over five years, having been founded by NHS Brighton. Our aim is to use singing to help prevent illness, physical and mental deterioration, and the resulting social isolation. We also help older people and those with long-term health conditions to cope better with daily life. Apart from having a lot of fun singing songs together, our members are offered a
‘tool box’ of stretching, relaxation, singing and breathing exercises. No singing ability is required to take part. We provide a non-judgemental atmosphere where people laugh, socialise and support each other. Many of our members are lonely; the groups have become a lifeline for them. One participant says: ‘We all suffer from similar problems – meeting together puts us in a positive frame of mind, exercises our lungs to their full capacity and creates friendships.’ Other testimonials show that our members’ health has improved as a result of taking part. One member said
SPELTHORNE CHORAL SOCIETY is seeking a
MUSICAL DIRECTOR FOR INFORMATION ON HOW TO APPLY go to www.spelthornechoralsociety.com
Leamington Sinfonia Wishes to appoint a
the group has helped them give up smoking, while another said: ‘I don’t need to take any medication against high blood pressure any more, the singing has relaxed me so much!’ Another singer said: ‘I go to the group with a tight chest and leave feeling I can breathe again.’ Our groups make a big difference to people’s health, and we save the NHS a vast amount of money. To see a video of the groups in action, visit our website: www.singforbetterhealth.co.uk If your group has an innovative idea that you want to share, get in touch at editor@makingmusic.org.uk.
Brian Bennett:Layout 1 25/11/2012 17:47 Page 1
Musical Director Required For Harrogate Barbershop Chorus
We are a small 15 member group of friendly, male Barbershop singers in Harrogate, North Yorkshire. We meet each Wednesday evening. Anyone who may be interested, please contact Brian Bennett on 01423 540528
rosewood publications Chamber Music for Wind, Strings and Piano Rosewood produces a wide variety of chamber music for combinations of wind, strings and piano. We also have a range of facsimile editions
www.rosewoodpublications.co.uk • s.westmeath@rosewoodpublications.co.uk
MUSICAL DIRECTOR
Rehearsals held Tuesday evenings during term-time Further details from info@leamingtonsinfonia.org.uk Deadline for1applications 31 January 2013 Cornwall choir:Layout 02/12/2012 08:53 Page 1
Sixty choirs from across the world; 50 concerts and events; 40 locations across Cornwall; 24 choirs in competition. Who’d want to miss it!
On line tickets and details: www.cimvcf.org.uk. Tel: 01778 347381
Spring 2013
HIGHNOTES 17
members
readers’ page This is your page, and we’d love to hear from you: editor@makingmusic.org.uk. Could you be an occasional or even our resident cartoonist? Would your group like to feature in a 60 Second Interview or send in an anonymous column?
60 Aberdeen Strathspey & Reel Society
nd secoview r e int
Ross Fowler is Treasurer and Making Music Rep with Aberdeen Strathspey & Reel Society. Since 1928, the group has existed to preserve and encourage traditional Scottish music through practice and performance Describe your group in three words. Fiddles, accordions, fun. Why was it set up, what does it do? We were formed shortly after the death of J. Scott Skinner, the ‘Strathspey King’, who helped make traditional Scottish music popular through his playing and compositions. We mostly perform traditional Scottish music, from soulful slow airs to rattlin’ reels with everything in between.
To stand or not to stand …
Another year, another AGM, and our Chairman and committee have organised it for the rehearsal tea break, just to make sure we’d be there! They want us to agree the annual report, and that they’ve spent our money well, but I don’t feel I have even the slightest bit of input. Now they’re pleading with us again to stand for the committee. I suppose that would be one way of influencing things, and I get involved with other volunteer things, like the village fete, but here they don’t make it sound appealing. They’re always meeting in the Chairman’s cottage, and I would find it difficult to speak up
in someone else’s house. I wish they could meet in the pub and have some fun like we do with the PTA! And the committee spend all year complaining about how much work they do – do I really want that much additional responsibility? Would I get anything out of it? The existing committee members never actually seem to resign or leave either. So I’m not really sure, if I decided to stand, whether I’d be sort of competing against one of them. That would feel wrong somehow, rude even. Oh well, over for another year. I hope the group survives without my help …
How does running the society fit in with your working life? Mostly society work fits into evenings and weekends, but it can be a juggling act. My practice time tends to suffer too (but don’t tell the conductor!). A memorable recent concert? The final concert of our conductor Graham Reid at the end of his 25th season last April. As a surprise gift we commissioned a new tune by Judi Nicolson, one of Graham’s favourite fiddle composers. What do you do when you’re not playing music or at work? I’ll be out walking our very energetic two-year-old spaniel, whatever the weather. What would be your desert island disc? Aside from our own CDs, it would be The Best of the Proclaimers. We performed I’m Gonna Be (500 miles) with Caledon as the closing number in a Fiddlers’ Spectacular concert in Aberdeen. www.aberdeenstrathspey.org.uk 18 HIGHNOTES Spring 2013
Cartoon by Philippa Farina from member choir Cheshire Chord Company. to see more of philipa’s work, visit www.pipscartoons.com Correction: In issue 20, the piece Of All Persons and Estates was wrongly attributed to Simon O’Neill. The composer of the piece is in fact Nicholas O’Neill.
Connecting Teachers and Musicians Around the World Introducing SoundEd CPD — a new professional development programme designed for all music teachers worldwide. Developed by Trinity College London and The Open University, SoundEd CPD provides support and inspiration for all aspects of music teaching through flexible and personalised professional development. Delivered through a brand new online learning platform for teachers, SoundEd CPD offers interactive e-learning and integrated workshop sessions, a wide range of musical resources, forums, articles, and much more.
photo: Belinda Lawley
How you can engage with SoundEd CPD: Engage in professional development by completing the SoundEd CPD online modules.
Be part of our community. Discuss and share ideas with us and with other teachers in our forum.
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