Making Music's Covid impact survey of members revealed that 20% of our groups are paying their music director (MD) when they are not providing any services, and this is also a common topic on our regular Zoom member meetups.
We understand that this is a difficult issue, and why groups might do this. However, it is something that needs very careful consideration within the context of the best interests of your group.
Foss Foster provides a second update on Aberdeenshire Saxophone Orchestra's Adopt a Music Creator 2020/21 journey.
Sunday 6 December marked Aberdeenshire Saxophone Orchestra’s last rehearsal of the autumn term and of 2020: a very strange year, but one which has brought several surprising benefits for ASO as well.
Christmas carols performed by Making Music member groups to be broadcast daily on Classic FM Drive with John Brunning from 14 to 18 December.
Making Music has once again teamed up with Classic FM to showcase a variety of festive recordings from choirs and instrumental groups across the UK.
Nicky Astle from Rayburn Tours reflects on a recent virtual corporate member meetup.
On 25 November we were lucky enough to be invited to a virtual meetup hosted by Making Music Chief Executive Barbara Eifler, where we had the opportunity to come together with other like-minded organisations: those who, like us, have long supported and worked with members of Making Music.
In our second blog from Adopt a Music Creator 2020/21, Foss Foster of Aberdeenshire Saxophone Orchestra outlines her group's experience of Zoom rehearsals with Ben Lunn and meeting fellow collaborators Ugie Voices.
Jean Kelly, administrator and active member of Nottingham Philharmonic Orchestra, talks to us about her group's experience of putting on a socially-distanced, COVID-secure concert before the second lockdown in England
Having not met since mid-March, our primary aim when we approached autumn was simply to get the Nottingham Philharmonic Orchestra together to do some playing. It soon became apparent that there was a very real opportunity to stage a concert, so we grabbed it with both hands!
Good news ahead of the festive season for leisure-time music groups in England this week: rehearsals and performances are allowed in each of the three tiers, provided groups risk assess and meet in a Covid-secure way
Rehearsing and performing allowed for music groups
Three sets of guidance are now relevant to groups:
Marion of Ayr Choral Union details the group's rich history with Handel's Messiah, including their most recent digital performance
Ayr Choral Union‘s relationship with Handel’s Messiah has always been significant: it was performed at our first ‘real’ concert in 1878, the 50th and 100th anniversary performances, and a special Come and Sing event, which raised over £5,000 for the victims of the Indian Ocean tsunami in 2005.
Carmel Smickersgill from Adopt a Composer 2019/20 updates us on her progress with Junior Leeds College of Music Ensemble Creative, both post- and pre-lockdown
Festival Director Samir Savant unveils exciting online plans for the Handel Festival, and invites you to watch and participate - all you need is enthuasism and commitment!
For all our updates and opportunities
