It’s been great to get to know the orchestra personally, and have time to try out several drafts and sections of the piece before finalising them; everyone in the orchestra has been really enthusiastic about having a new piece written for them, and I couldn’t have done it without them.
News
Nearly 20% of the British population call themselves 'tone deaf', and probably many more would call themselves 'non-singers', holding negative thoughts about their own singing ability and voice.
A new project – Finding a Voice – run by Guildhall School of Music & Drama will focus on people who are not singing, engaging them in specially designed programmes including individual and group sessions with experienced teachers.
After over 100,000 music makers and supporters signed an official Parliamentary petition asking the Department for Education (DfE) to include expressive arts in the English Baccalaureate (EBacc), the proposals were debated in the House of Commons on 4 July.
Health and Wellbeing Month, in August 2016, will include a series of workshops to demonstrate useful skills and practises for musicians' health. The initiative, now in its fourth year, is a partnership between Help Musicians UK, British Association for Performing Arts Medicine and Musicians' Union. Events will be held in Birmingham, Cardiff and London.
Once again, the Annual General Meeting day included the concert showcasing the newly selected Philip and Dorothy Green Young Concert Artists, now available for you to book either as soloists to perform alongside your choir or orchestra or to present in concert, if you are a promoter.
Tuesday 21 June marked the 4th UK Music Day, part of a worldwide tradition of celebrating music making in all its forms. Across the country, musicians gathered to put on performances, workshops, open rehearsals and much more.
Adopt a Composer 2015, Alison Willis
My Ukulele playing hasn't developed much since last time but I have learnt enough to help refine my piece and even join the band, even if only on a few chords, when the band is playing songs.
Our latest research reveals the varied nature of roles and engagements by amateur music groups of professional musicians.
At Making Music we will celebrate Music Day 2016 with three pop-up choirs in Cardiff, Edinburgh and London. Join us on 21 June and let’s get as many people as possible singing!
In Cardiff, we will meet outside the Cardiff Central Library (The Hayes, CF10 1FL) from 5:30pm to 6:30pm. Affinity Female Voice Choir will lead this 'come and sing' event with well-known songs from films and shows.