CITY MUSIC
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CITY MUSIC
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Music Enrichment Opportunities Music Ho!
Aimed principally at primary pupils, Music Ho! visits Sunderland twice every year and provides pupils with the opportunity to hear world class professional musicians playing orchestral instruments. School are offered a wide range of options, from bassoon and piano to brass quintets and percussion ensembles. Through demonstration and pupil participation, the musicians explain the characteristics of their instruments and the range of music that they play. Music Ho! is free to schools and is offered during the Autumn and Spring terms. Whilst first choice cannot be guaranteed, schools that regularly apply will ensure that during their time in primary school their pupils receive the full range of workshops on offer.
Other Music Enrichment Workshops Each year, the Music Development Office invites musical groups into the City and offers their workshops to schools. Several of these groups end up being regular visitors. Some of these groups include: Paraguayan Harp Trio - playing traditional South American music and talking about their country and their instruments; The Bold Balladiers - Exploring historical evidence through songs of the time; Aurora Wind Quintet - Demonstrating their instruments and classical music from around the world; Folk Duo - Shona Kipling and Damien O'Kane playing and talking about their music;
These groups are free to schools and are offered either on a first come, first served basis, or to complement other work taking place in a school. City Sings This is an annual competition aimed at encouraging and celebrating singing in Sunderland schools. Choirs can enter in either the Primary or Open categories. All participating choirs are offered the use of a portable recording studio and technician in order to submit a CD that reflects their choir's range and expertise. These are judged, with the selected finalists invited to complete in front of a huge audience and panel of judges at the Sunderland Empire Theatre. In addition, secondary schools can enter a Year Seven class choir, selected by internal school
competition. Entrants in this category receive workshops and tuition from The Sage to facilitate their in-house selection. Pictured above is Sharon Durant leading the Year 7 Singing Workshop at Usworth School in November 2005. The winners in each of the three categories receive a cheque, with overall winner also receiving the Dr. Gilbert Trophy and tickets for a suitable high-profile music event. Durham Cathedral Partnership
This annual singing event for primary schools aims to increase the repertoire and expectations of primary choirs. It also provides a link between Sunderland schools and Durham Cathedral. Participating schools receive a visit from the Durham Choristers, who demonstrate their expertise and talk about their lives in a choir school. The primary choirs then rehearse a selection of music with the assistance of a choral tutor, before travelling to Durham Cathedral for a final rehearsal and a joint concert with the choristers. Participants are chosen in order of response, but priority is given to schools that have not previously taken up this opportunity. GCSE Workshops The Music Development Office organises annual support for composition at GCSE through practical workshops with professional ensembles. Workshop leaders include the Northern Sinfonia, The Aurora Wind Quintet and Rhythm Attack, a vibrant percussion ensemble. These workshops are open to GCSE pupils through their schools and are usually free. Assistance For Access Under certain circumstances the Music Development Office subsidises the cost of transport for schools wishing to participate in music enrichment activities. Visits to the opera, Northern Sinfonia concerts, singing and instrumental events have all been supported in this way. String Days For the numerous string players within the City of Sunderland, the Music Development Office organises opportunities to play in string ensembles and attend workshop sessions. Workshops are usually led by experienced teachers, but may occasionally be led by the Northern Sinfonia or by visiting soloists. Such events are usually free and are open to players of all abilities. Pupils are notified either through their schools or instrumental teachers. Wind Days Each term wind players of all abilities are invited to attend a workshop/concert taking place over one or two days. Such events are led by professional players and provide pupils with an opportunity to develop their skills and repertoire at their own level. The long-term aim of these events is to establish a framework for the development of central wind ensembles.
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