Peter Walker, Acting Head of the East Riding Schools’ Music Service, joined us at our AGM in November 2017 to share his report from the last, very busy year for the Schools’ Music Service during which the ensembles took part in numerous concert performances. There were the regular local performances, participation in the regional heats of the National Festival of Music for Youth in Hull, excellent performances in Birmingham by the Percussion Ensemble and Senior Wind Band, one at Hull Truck by the Jazz Orchestra as part of Hull Jazz Festival as well as those in Croatia where the Senior Wind Band & Jazz Orchestra were on tour. All such events are worthwhile, putting the young musicians on the national stage and leaving them with lifelong memories.

Peter continued to outline in more detail some of the local concerts, stressing how high the standard of music making was again. In addition, the Jazz Orchestra played at the Chairman of the Council’s award ceremony at The Spa, Bridlington and the Senior Wind Band was joined by the Jazz Orchestra for a last night of the proms concert in conjunction with the Goole Lions.

He mentioned the annual Friends Jazz & Quiz night in May, describing it as a “tremendous success” and the successful outdoor summer concert at Wassand Hall. The City Hall Summer Showcase saw three senior ensembles joined by the East Riding Schools’ Choir, who gave a spirited performance. Peter made particular reference to the Battle of the Bands competition, a very popular annual fixture, which ‘enables the service to reach pupils ….that our regular ensemble programme does not cater for.’ More success came in July through the Big and Little Big Sings which saw, in total, over 6,000 primary school pupils singing in either Bridlington or Goole. Also, the tour to Croatia for the Senior Wind Band & Jazz Orchestra was very successful, with excellent performances in 3 fantastic venues to highly appreciative and enthusiastic audiences.

In general, Peter stated how the Schools’ Music service continues to deliver small group, whole class and curriculum support lessons in all of the ER secondary and the majority of primary schools. The team of 45 staff members delivers a high quality service which supports the work of our ensembles programme and enhances music provision in schools. At present they teach over 3,000 pupils per week in small groups and whole class instrumental and curriculum lessons and there are around 400 young musicians attending one or more ensembles on a regular basis. Peter publicly thanked the dedicated staff of the Music Service who all take pleasure in working with the talented youngsters of the East Riding.

Peter then turned his attention to the Friends, thanking them for the extremely generous financial support which enables all young musicians to benefit from the experiences on offer, regardless of circumstances, along with providing tuck shops at rehearsals, refreshments at concerts and helping to publicise the work of the Music Service.

Fiona Latham, Partnership Liaison Officer, also received thanks for the fantastic job she does involving much organising, answering parental queries, and giving of her time to ensure that rehearsals and concerts run smoothly.

Peter thanked parents & carers for their effort and commitment to ensuring their children can attend rehearsals and concerts. He also listed a few of the events that will be happening in the year ahead and went on to make a plea for new members, on behalf of the Friends, whom he described as ‘a brilliant support group.’