Music Partnerships

This sentiment has been core to our partnership work this year, and we have seen how the connective, communicative power of music can be transformational for individuals and communities. Resources for music are limited and vary hugely between schools and postcodes. Coming out of pandemic restrictions, it was obvious that the disruption to music education had been acute in many schools, and many teachers (particularly in the primary sector) felt isolated and lacking in confidence to lead music in their classes. Equally, it was obvious that the power of music to bring together school communities, and provide means for self-expression and joy were needed more than ever – at Radley College just as much as in our local schools. The arrival of Rose Martin, in a new role focused entirely on Music Partnerships and funded by philanthropy, has transformed what we have been able to achieve. Rose has been able to work towards our aspiration for more sustained, meaningful relationships with local schools and other musicians. A lot of her activity this year has focused on getting to know teachers and pupils in local schools, sharing ideas and building confidence.

The Music Flood Week in September 2021 was a statement of intent! It brought music into every primary school every day of the week, culminating in a massed performance in Abingdon Market Place and involving thousands of individual musical experiences. Secondary school pupils led inspiring music assemblies alongside professional musicians and busked in school playgrounds; every school enjoyed singing workshops led by the Radley College singing team; and boys led workshops alongside the Blues and Roots Ensemble, beatboxer Aminita Francis and djembe drummers. 2022 Music Flood Week will involve double the number of schools and several thousand children, alongside some amazing guest singers and bands, and a new partnership with the Oxfordshire Music Service.

Working with schools to bring singing back to the heart of the school, as it is at Radley, was an important aim this year, with events like the Big Sing and the Music Flood market square performance being supported by regular singing sessions in schools and CPD sessions for teachers. Importantly, these projects link closely to the school curriculum. In December, over 500 young singers from Oxfordshire will join the Gabrieli Consort in Coventry Cathedral for a massed performance, with several schools starting new choirs specifically for this project.

Our partnership with the Abingdon Music Centre focused on instrumental music, culminating in a spectacular orchestral day involving 175 performers in Silk Hall, which stimulated small ensemble work in schools and giving opportunities for secondary school children to lead, mentor and inspire younger children. We now begin planning the next joint performance and work to sustain these first shoots of ensemble music.

The new Visiting Recital Series, made possible by a donor, has enabled Radley to dramatically increase access to live performances and workshops with visiting musicians, enriching the musical experience and aspirations of children across all schools, as well as providing amazing masterclass opportunities for Radley students. Initiatives like the secondary songwriting project respond directly to conversations between teachers and pupils at these events. The Recital Series has also enabled us to welcome in large audiences from the local community. As one audience member commented, “how lucky we are to have Radley College on our doorstep”.