News

Blog: Men Who Sing - a documentary film for music makers far and wide
Post date: Friday, 15 October 2021 - 4:28pm

Marketing & Communications Officer Alex McGeever takes a look at documentary film Men Who Sing and what makes its characters tick ahead of our screening + director Q&A on 20 October.

Men Who Sing is a film that starts as it means to go on, easing us into the seaside town of Rhyl, North Wales, with calming establishing shots accompanied by the local choir’s delicate tones.

The group in question, Trelawnyd Male Voice Choir, has a proud history dating back to 1933. With an average age of 74, however, it faces a battle to survive.

Member blog: Helensburgh Orchestral Society
Post date: Thursday, 7 October 2021 - 5:22pm

Miriam Iorwerth updates us on Helensburgh Orchestral Society's musical activity during the pandemic, including award success for their MD and an exciting performance on the horizon.

Adopt a Music Creator blog: Back with a bang
Post date: Thursday, 30 September 2021 - 1:04pm

Sheila Biegala fills us in on a long-awaited return to in-person activity for Ugie Voices, who can now look forward to more joint rehearsals with Aberdeenshire Saxophone Orchestra.

Ugie Voices are finally back to rehearsing in person! It is so wonderful to see everyone in person after so long with only Zoom rehearsals.

OTR in numbers
Post date: Wednesday, 29 September 2021 - 10:45am

Since HMRC launched the Creative Industries Tax reliefs in 2017, our OTR service has been a great success earning our instrumental groups over £250,000 of additional income.

On average, each group claimed back around 15% of their annual production costs which in some cases, amounted to over £10,000.

WellRehearsed app: first data and what they show
Post date: Thursday, 23 September 2021 - 10:20am

WellRehearsed is gathering vital data to help policy makers and music groups understand ongoing Covid risks

Initial data from the WellRehearsed app for leisure-time music groups created by abcd (Association of British Choral Directors) and Making Music show that since its launch in the summer, over 2,571 reports have been submitted from 2,209 rehearsals by choirs, wind or brass groups, and other instrumental groups with or without singers, wind and brass.

Be part of 'You Are Not Alone'
Post date: Tuesday, 21 September 2021 - 4:41pm

Dr Noël James, director & CEO of Milton Keynes City Discovery Centre, outlines an exciting new project to connect music makers across the world. 

Our project, 'You Are Not Alone', will be using the Cathal Smyth (formerly of Madness) song, ‘You're Not Alone’, to unite families and friends in the UK with their overseas counterparts. The power of music will bring together many individuals who have been isolated and kept apart by Covid-19.

Corporate member blog: Attend a free ABRSM Performance Grades webinar
Post date: Tuesday, 14 September 2021 - 10:52am

Open to all music makers, ABRSM's Performance Grades are digitally assessed exams that focus entirely on performance. They provide exciting new flexibility and accessibility in terms of where, when and how you take your exam.

Winners of 2021 Making Music Awards announced
Post date: Thursday, 9 September 2021 - 4:52pm

Making Music, the UK’s membership organisation for leisure-time music groups, has announced the winners of the 2021 Making Music Awards. The annual awards celebrate the creativity of Making Music’s 3,600 member groups, as well as the talent and tireless work of individuals who help to make the UK’s leisure-time music sector so vibrant. 

Be part of the Last Night of the Proms!
Post date: Friday, 3 September 2021 - 12:43pm

Did you take up a new instrument in lockdown? Then the BBC Proms television team have an exciting opportunity for you...

Did you know that during lockdown, around one million people in the UK took up a musical instrument? Music helped us stay creative, connect with friends, and improved our mental wellbeing. For many of us, it was the first time since school we’ve had time to get back in touch with our musical selves, and the Proms want it to keep going!

Return to rehearsals member blog: The film Orchestra
Post date: Wednesday, 1 September 2021 - 12:16pm

Jane Whittle, founder and managing director of The film Orchestra, talks us through an eventful return to rehearsing and performing for her group.

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