2020-2021 were turbulent years, when many music groups were regaining a level of normalcy in life and getting things back on track after Covid.
We launched the Best music director and Group hero awards to recognise all those who made sure their music group thrieved in this transitional period. Whether it was teaching themselves how to use Zoom, learning how to stitch together recordings, inventing fun activities to keep people engaged, helping others who were less tech savvy to get online or making sure that they kept in contact with each member just to make sure that they were ok, we celebrate those individuals (or committees) that kept their group afloat.
We rebranded the Group hero award in 2023 as the President's Award, to recognise volunteers who have given exceptional service to any Making Music member group.
Below are the winners for 2021-2022, in recognition for their work in the previous year:
Best music director
For the music director who went above and beyond to make sure their group (musical or non musical) stayed together during the pandemic.
Recipients of the award:
2022: Chris Parsons, Bury St Edmunds Friendly Orchestra
2021: Hilary Campbell, Chiswick Choir and Bristol Choral Society (vocal); Robert Baxter, Helensburgh Orchestral Society, Glasgow Chamber Orchestra and Dunbartonshire Concert Band (instrumental)
Music group hero
For any person, team of people or committee who went above and beyond to make sure their group (musical or non musical) stayed together during the pandemic, decided by public vote.
Recipients of the award:
2022: Bradford Festival Choral Society team (Alice Phelps, Fran Wyburn, Thomas Leech, Christopher Pulleyn, Pariss Joseph, James Hamilton)
2021: St Neots Choral Society committee
Read our blogs about the previous winners: 2021 winners, 2022 winners.
