Values
We believe in the importance of striving to provide:
- Access and inclusion – for every child in the world of music making.
- Sustainability and continuity – to enable children and young people to achieve their full potential.
- High quality provision – using well trained and qualified staff under the guidance of experienced leaders and managers.
- Breadth and Diversity – of musical styles, genres and methods of delivery to meet the needs of children and young people.
Aims of the Music Service
The Music Service seeks to provide:
- Access and inclusion for every child in the world of music making.
- Sustainability and continuity of provision, enabling children and young people to achieve their full potential.
High quality of provision using well trained and qualified staff under the guidance of experienced leaders and managers.
- Breadth and diversity of musical styles, genres and methods of delivery to meet the needs of children and young people.
In support of the above aims we provide:
- Instrumental tuition for individuals and groups on a wide range of instruments.
- A number of new approaches aimed at increasing access to tuition e.g. pupils with special educational needs, whole class and large group tuition, pre-tuition schemes, use of technology.
- An instrument loan and maintenance service including the administration of an instrument purchase scheme.
- Opportunities for children, young people and adults to achieve their full potential by playing together in orchestras, bands and other musical events.
- Opportunities for children and young people to perform throughout the year at a range of concerts, festivals, recitals, master classes and other events.
- Access to teaching and performing qualifications through the graded examinations of the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music and Trinity Guildhall : both examination boards have received accreditation from the Qualification and Curriculum Authority (QCA).
- Support for the delivery of the music curriculum including preparation, where applicable, for the practical aspects of G.C.S.E and AS and A2 music examinations.
- A programme of live music concerts to schools delivered largely by the Music Service Road show.
- An annual Summer School offering a range of options for all students.
SELB Music Service Achievements 2010/2011
Instrumental Tuition was delivered to around 6,500 pupils in 205 schools. This figure includes the growing number of pupils involved in whole class and large group projects, of whom we estimate there were over 3,000 this year. Over 900 pupils were involved in pre-tuition schemes. In addition, approximately 360 students were involved in some form of centre-based tuition bringing the overall number of pupils who had some experience of instrumental tuition to almost 8,000.
- Wider access programmes, delivered through Music Roadshows, Summer School, ‘My Music’ and WorldDrumming, bring the total number accessing the service to around 12,000.
- The total number of schools receiving tuition remains relatively unchanged from last year at 205. While two schools found it necessary to withdraw from tuition, we were able to offer tuition to one new school which requested tuition after the new academic year had begun. Of the existing schools, twenty requested extra time and ten schools asked to reduce their time. New whole class projects started up across the year, with two schools currently on the waiting list for projects.
- Following a reduction in the budget this year, it was deemed necessary to make small increases to our contributory charges. Schools remained cautious about the level of tuition being bought in. On the positive side, the increased charges have enabled us to be more responsive to schools’ needs, particularly in the new whole class teaching areas. Despite remission arrangements, concerns remain about the exclusion from tuition of some young people for whom the cost is prohibitive.
- With access and opportunity in mind, group teaching and whole class projects were offered in 45 schools. With some schools requesting more than one project, a total of 71 schemes were in operation. There continues to be a year on year increase in the numbers of young people who are involved in music making through these projects.
- Pre-tuition schemes provided opportunities for over 900 young people to be involved in music making activities prior to deciding whether to learn to play a musical instrument. This slight drop in numbers from the previous year is, to a large extent, due to schools needing to recover the costs of tuition as early as possible after the start of the academic year.
- Breadth of opportunity was available through the delivery of the ‘My Music’ project in Lisanally and Rathore Special Schools, and through World Drumming, which reached 20 schools and almost 3,000 pupils through a programme of demonstrations and workshops.
- Numbers entering for the ABRSM grade examinations remain high at 936. Despite the increase in pupil/tutor ratio, overall standards are being maintained: 94% of candidates were successful, 12% achieved a distinction while 29% of candidates achieved a merit.
- Music Medals examinations continue to be a popular option for young students, particularly those taught in groups and it is encouraging to note that our students are maintaining their 100% pass rate.
- We work with schools to prepare students for the practical components of GCSE, AS and A2 examinations. This year we are delighted to report that 100% of the candidates, with whom we worked, achieved Grades A to C at GCSE, AS and A2 level. 68% of GCSE candidates received an A or A*, while 83% of AS students achieved an A as did 79% of A level candidates.
- 876 students and adults were members of an orchestra, band or ensemble. Our youth groups performed at a total of 9 concerts throughout the year. The highlight, was a stunning world premiere performance of the specially commissioned piece, Gullion Tales, by composer Brian Irvine in the Ulster Hall, Belfast, on 10th April. The performance involved the South Ulster Youth Orchestra, three “Pathways” schools from the Newry area – St. Joseph’s Boy’s High School, St. Paul’s High School Bessbrook and Newry High School and reaffirmed our links with our colleagues in Dundalk, by the involvement of the choir from Dundalk Institute of Technology. Our thanks to SELB and Extended Schools funding.
Other events were undertaken by the Brass Ensemble, the Recorder Ensemble and the Harp Ensemble, while the adult groups provided an extended programme of concerts and community events throughout the season.
- Well done to our staff and young people who raised almost £2,000 for the Clic Sargent Appeal for children with cancer. The Friends Association and students from the South Ulster Youth Orchestra continue their fundraising activities as they prepare for the summer tour to Krakow. The Friend’s Association also raised enough money to re-instate the Advanced Teaching Bursary Awards, from which 3 students have benefitted this year, with more to follow next year.
- The Music Service Roadshow - live music experiences using our full staff orchestra and samba band – presented concerts to pupils in the period just before Christmas. Despite the extreme weather conditions, which forced some schools to close, approximately 1,100 children enjoyed and benefitted from this exciting experience.
- Preparations are currently underway for a double-reed, brass and percussion day in association with the Ulster Youth Orchestra. Staff, students and invited guests will rehearse and perform Handel’s Music for the Royal Fireworks. Key events such as these attract large and enthusiastic numbers of amateur and professional players from throughout the UK and Ireland and help to raise the profile of the Southern Education and Library Board Music Service.
- There were 224 applications for our annual Summer School. The complete beginner Wind Band once again proved a popular option and provided access and opportunity for students not already registered with the Music Service. As in previous years, demand was particularly high for string, wind and guitar places. Ice-breaking activities continue to prove very popular and added to the fun and enjoyment.
- All full-time and most part-time permanent staff attended and contributed actively to the Service Development Conference and planning process. During the year, 10 staff Action Groups carried out quality improvement initiatives in agreed priority areas.
- Music Festivals in Portadown, Newry, Warrenpoint and Dungannon provided a platform for many of our young students. In this competitive arena students and schools acquitted themselves well.
- In February, our “New Start” recitals were specifically targeted at the parents of newly enrolled students. These informative and entertaining evenings enabled parents to see the opportunities available and the diversity of experiences on offer. Performers ranged in age from nine to nineteen years.
- Both students and staff contributed to the recital programme for our 17th annual Prize Night in Craigavon Civic Centre in May 2011. A total of 115 students were nominated for awards in nineteen categories. The event was introduced by Eithne Benson, Head of Music Service and Seamus Dinsmore, Deputy Head of Service. Hazel Mullan, Assistant Senior Education Officer, presented the awards.
- ‘Whole staff’ training opportunities continued to focus on the sharing of expertise both in whole class/large group teaching situations and on instrument specific issues. Child Protection Procedures and Tutor Guidelines were revised and delivered to staff. Work continued on the preparation of support materials for whole class projects linked to the Revised Curriculum. The highlight of the year however, was the opportunity for staff to develop new methods and approaches through their involvement in the rehearsals and performance of the specially commissioned piece, “Gullion Tales”. by composer Brian Irvine.
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