News
HMS launch ambitious school visit programme and early morning drop-in sessions
To support the DfE’s aims and ambitions in the National Plan for Music Education (NPME), Herts Music Service will offer music visits to every school in Hertfordshire over the next three years.
Regional teams will come to your school and meet your music subject lead to discuss the NPME in more detail and offer tailored support to your school, its teachers, pupils and their families.
During 2024-25 we aim to meet 180 schools and hope that these supportive meetings will boost music making across the county.
HMS colleagues will contact your school directly to book in a meeting and will initially focus on schools who have higher levels of FSM pupils and those who don’t currently engage with the Music Hub.
If you can’t wait that long however, HMS is also launching a new early morning music drop-in session service join us on the first Thursday of every month at 8am on MS Teams. Find more details in the school support and CPD section of this newsletter!
Lead schools for music
As part of the NPME, the DfE would like Hubs “to support stronger links between local schools and academy trusts, and broker opportunities for peer-to-peer learning”.
To do this, HMS will appoint a network of Lead Schools, designed to drive continuous support and improvement of school music by embedding schools within the Music Hub, not only as customers of the Hub, but as co-creators and delivery partners for elements of its work.
HMS has allocated some funding to support this network of Lead Schools and the appointment process will begin in early January 2025. Please look out for a Lead School application email at the start of the spring term but in the meantime, if you have questions please contact Christina Luchies who is our Head of Participation and School Music by email: christina.luchies@hertfordshire.gov.uk.
Music opportunities pilot
Herts Music Service is one of the partners in the recently announced government backed scheme designed to break down the barriers to musical participation and progress.
Young Sounds UK have established a network of experts across their partner Hubs and they’re calling them ‘Connectors’. Herts Music Service’s role as a connector hub is to connect young people and families with musical experiences in their local area. Our own ‘connector’ is Ross Lanning and he will support people to find appropriate opportunities and share valuable information on how best to support young people’s musical development.
For more information, click here: Connectors - Young Sounds.
Requesting music services in 2024-25
If you have any music requests for this academic year, please contact your regional music team directly. The application form is now closed and the route to requesting or updating any service is via the HMS regional team local to you.
Many of our teachers who deliver lessons at local schools also teach at our network of music centres for after school lessons too – so there’s a range of ways for your pupils to get into music lessons.
You can find the contact details for your Regional Manager here by clicking on ‘Contacts for schools – Regional Managers’.
Publishing your school music plan online
The DfE is asking schools to publish a summary of their music development plan on their website before the start of the 2024 to 2025 academic year. Schools should then update the summary before the start of each new academic year.
HMS are here to help you and we have a toolkit for schools with a step-by-step process that anyone in the school can pick-up and use. Building a high quality music education Building a high quality music education includes practical resources to accompany the process to ensure a high-quality music education is embedded in your school. The audit toolkit (step 7) will support the identification of strengths and future development areas in the quality of music provision at your school based on the requirements of the NPME.
It does not matter if the person using the toolkit is a music specialist or has never delivered a music plan, all the information is straightforward to follow, and support is available from HMS. Please contact your Regional Manager for further details.
Herts Schools’ Gala: applications open to take part!
Applications are now open for Primary, Middle, and Special Schools to apply for a place in the 2025 Hertfordshire Schools' Gala massed choir! The deadline for applications is Wednesday 23 October 2024.
The Hertfordshire Schools’ Gala celebrates its 30th anniversary at the Royal Albert Hall on Sunday 23 March 2025 with two performances at 1.45pm and 7.45pm. The 2025 Gala “For the record” will be a celebration of music across the generations, featuring music making from Hertfordshire Music Service and Hertfordshire schools.
A massed choir of primary and secondary singers will perform alongside the Hertfordshire Schools’ Symphony Orchestra and County Youth Choir, plus dancers, rappers, and many more fantastic performers!
For full details on how Primary, Middle, and Special Schools can apply, please visit: www.hertsmusicservice.org.uk/HMSGala
School support and CPD
For a full list of CPD from Herts Music Service as well as our partners, please visit the school music development toolkit page for details of all the available events: School support - CPD. Some of the key sessions this autumn are summarised below.
Early morning school music drop-in sessions
We are thrilled to announce the launch of our new early morning music drop-in sessions!
These sessions are designed specifically for music leads and teachers to network, share ideas, and ask questions in a supportive and collaborative environment.
When and where
Every first Thursday of the month, 8.00am - 8.30am (no booking required).
MS Teams link
Meeting ID: 369 189 446 924
Passcode: 4yU7Ch
Join us!
Mark your calendars and don’t miss out on this exciting new initiative. For more information, please contact Christina.Luchies@hertfordshire.gov.uk
SEND
SEND Music Network: 24 October 2024, 3.45pm - 4.15pm online.
Primary
Intro to Charanga Musical School: 1 October 2024, 4.00pm – 5.00pm online.
Singing the Golden Thread: 7 October 2024, 3.45pm – 4.15pm online.
Charanga Instrument and Singing focus: 6 November 2024, 4.00pm – 5.15pm online.
Secondary
The Rhythm and Notation Workshop: 17 October 2024, 2.00pm – 3.00pm at Mid Herts Music Centre.
Cross Phase
Leading a Choir: 15 October 2024, 6.00pm – 8.00pm at Mid Herts Music Centre.
Music support networks available
To support your school, HMS is hosting a series of networks to bring teachers from similar schools together. Click on the relevant options below to join colleagues in learning new skills and finding solutions to challenges – all fully funded!
Register your interest to become part of the Hertfordshire SEND School Music Network
Register your interest to become part of the Hertfordshire Primary School Music Network
Register your interest to become part of the Hertfordshire Secondary School Music Network
HMS Online Training Sessions: 02 July 2024, 4.00pm – 5.30pm
The online training programme is for all staff involved in the planning and delivering of the primary music curriculum.
Next session: Inclusion and SEND - Tuesday 2nd July 2024, 4.00pm – 5.30pm – online.
Session details:
- Sounds of Intent in the Early Years framework.
- Understanding musical development in children. A basis for music planning and assessment.
- Music in multi-sensory environments. Creating a themed environment for children to engage in music.
- Patterns, motifs and whole songs (ref: Sounds of Intent levels). Interacting with the child at different musical levels.
- Small groups – developing social interaction through group music. Soft skills: turn-taking, waiting, listening to others, playing music in a pair or group, playing to others and building confidence, developing friendship through participating in the group.
- Taking a lead from the child. Incorporating elements of intensive interaction in musical interaction with the teacher.
Sign up link: https://surveys.hertfordshire.gov.uk/s/CED5A1/
Events and opportunities
GCSE music concert: save the date - 31 March 2025, 1.00pm – 2.30pm
Following great feedback about the event in 2023 and 2024, the HMS GCSE music concert is back with our host Patrick Bailey and our band of musicians and soloists. Patrick will guide students through the different components of the GCSE music exam with interactive and bespoke music for the event.
The venue is the Gordon Craig Theatre, Stevenage Arts & Leisure Centre, Lytton Way, Stevenage, England, SG1 1LZ – accessible by train or bus/coach.
Aimed at GCSE students as well as those considering studying the course in Y9, your students will be able to enjoy professional performances of some of the GCSE set works as well as the chance to submit a short musical motif or idea in advance which will be turned into a full GCSE music composition – performed by the musicians.
For a sneak peek take a look at the video below.
Save the date and register your interest today - GCSE Music Concert 2025 (hertfordshire.gov.uk)
Music & Drama Education Expo
The annual event at London’s Business Design Centre will take place on 30 & 31 January 2025. Full information with how to register for free is available on their website: Music & Drama Education Expo 2025 - 30 & 31 January 2025 (musicanddramaeducationexpo.co.uk).
Local updates
We manage our relationship with schools through a team of six Regional Managers. Each ‘region’ has a Regional Manager who is supported by a team of teaching specialists and support staff to understand local needs and create relevant events and opportunities for your students to participate in musical activities.
You can find the contact details for your Regional Manager here by clicking on ‘Contacts for schools – Regional Managers’.
Find out about recent events and future opportunities in your area by selecting the region your school is in.
North Herts and Stevenage
We will be hosting ‘Come and try’ sessions on:
- 16th November at North Herts Music School, SG4 9RU (Hitchin) between 1.00pm and 2.30pm
- 23rd November at Stevenage Music Centre, SG2 0HS, between 1.00pm and 2.30pm
This will be an opportunity for children and their families to come along and try a variety of orchestral instruments in a fun and friendly environment. Our experienced staff will be able to answer questions as well as give an insight into instrumental playing and help you with a hassle free sign up for lessons and ensembles!
Concerts
This term we have a variety of concerts that you and your family are welcome to attend. These will showcase the hard work of our young musicians and we hope your child will be inspired to come and join one of our ensembles. Best of all entry is free!
- 30th November – Winter Showcase featuring the regions senior players. At Stevenage Music Centre’s Auditorium (SG2 0HS)
- 7th December – Saturday Morning Music School concert at Stevenage Music Centre (SG2 0HS) – from 10.30am
- We are taking part in the Hitchin Christmas Tree festival. Our tree will be able to be viewed by the public (and be voted for!!) between 13th – 15th December.
Take part
We still have spaces for Royston Music School’s - Sing Make Play! This session encompasses instrumental tuition, singing and musical games to expand your child’s knowledge of music, in a fun environment. No experience necessary. All materials and instruments provided.
Tailored for year 3, 4 or 5 children, this is a one year course, leading on to individual/shared lessons within schools or the music centre.
Watch this space as we launch Sing Make Play will at both Stevenage Music Centre on Saturdays and North Herts Music School on Thursdays, in the spring term. These groups will be tailored for pupils in years 1 and 2, and are a chance for children to explore their musical voice through play in a more informal setting.
To keep up to date about the opportunities and events taking place in the region, why not follow us on Facebook or you can contact us directly at stevenagemusicenquiries@hertfordshire.gov.uk or hitchinmusicenquiries@hertfordshire.gov.uk.
East Herts and Broxbourne
East Herts Music Centre based at The Broxbourne School, Badgers Walk, Broxbourne, EN10 7FU.
E-Mail: easthertsmusic@hertfordshire.gov.uk Tel: 01992 556698
- Saturday 9th November 9.00am - 10.00am
Play Cornet free taster session for children ages 7 and up.
E-mail: easthertsmusic@hertfordshire.gov.uk for further information or to book a place.
Concerts
Performances by Friday night groups at the music centre: East Herts Youth Orchestra, String Group, Wind Band
To book a place please e-mail easthertsmusic@hertfordshire.gov.uk.
Performances by Saturday Morning Groups: Recorder Groups, Junior Music Group, Junior and Senior Choir, Strings Group.
To book a place please e-mail easthertsmusic@hertfordshire.gov.uk.
Bishop’s Stortford Music Centre based at Birchwood High School, Parsonage Lane, Bishop's Stortford, Herts, CM23 5BD.
E-mail: bstortfordmusicenquiries@hertfordshire.gov.uk Tel: 01992 556752 or 01992 555532
Concerts
- Saturday 7th December 2.00pm in the High Street by B&M.
Bishop’s Stortford Town Christmas Fayre - Join in the festive Christmas town atmosphere as our Senior Wind Band plays well-known Christmas Music / Songs.
Exact location and timings to be confirmed nearer the date (see Bishop’s Stortford Music Centre website).
Please e-mail bstortfordmusicenquiries@hertfordshire.gov.uk for any enquiries.
- Saturday 14th December 11:00am to midday in the gym
Performances by all groups at the music centre: Junior Music Group, Brass Ensemble, Training Band, Wind Band, String Group, Orchestra.
Please e-mail bstortfordmusicenquiries@hertfordshire.gov.uk for any enquiries.
Mid & South Herts: St Albans, Welwyn, Hatfield & Hertsmere
Events in your area for your young people
Looking for fun and educational activities for your children?
Check out these exciting events happening at the Mid Herts Centre for Music and Arts!
From music groups for toddlers to percussion days for school children, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Don’t miss out on these fantastic opportunities for your little ones to explore, learn, and have fun!
Exciting new music group for ages 0-3
We are thrilled to announce a new music group for children aged 0-3, starting on November 7th at the Mid Herts Centre for Music and Arts. Coffee will be served from 9.00am to 11.00am, with music sessions from 9.30am to 10.00am and 10.15am to 10.45am.
Building on our collaboration and training with Magic Acorns, this group is designed to foster early communication skills through music. Children will explore:
- pitch and intonation
- timbre and pulse
- musical games
- sound gardens
- singing
Each session will be themed around exciting topics such as oceans and rivers, weather, and space. Join us for a fun and educational musical journey.
We look forward to seeing you and your little ones there.
Percussion day at Mid Herts
School children across Welwyn, Hatfield, Hertsmere, and St Albans are invited to the Mid Herts Centre for Music and Arts on Wednesday 13th November, from 9.00am to 3.00pm to play a variety of percussion instruments, including Djembe, bucket drums, and steel pans. They will also participate in rhythmic games and composition activities.
This event is a wonderful opportunity for students to explore the world of percussion, develop their rhythmic skills, and enjoy making music together.
Our experienced instructors will be there to guide the children and ensure a fun and educational experience.
More details about the event will be sent directly to schools.
Have a go day!
On Saturday, October 13th, we will be hosting another “Have a Go Day” at the Mid Herts Centre for Music and Arts. The hall will be packed with a variety of instruments for students to try out. This is a fantastic opportunity for students to explore different musical instruments, discover new interests, and have fun in a supportive environment.
Whether your child is interested in strings, brass, woodwind, or percussion, there will be something for everyone to enjoy. Our experienced instructors will be on hand to guide the students and answer any questions they may have.
Come and join us for a day of musical exploration and excitement!
West Herts: Watford & Three Rivers and Dacorum
West Herts is now a new combined region which looks after Dacorum, Watford and Three Rivers.
Within the region we have two local music centres; Dacorum Music School based in Hemel Hempstead and Watford School of Music based in the heart of Watford.
At our centres we run many classes for children from Nursery through to KS5 and have a great Saturday Music School programme for the younger years (EYFS, KS1 and KS2).
Please get in touch with us if you would like our flyers to share with your school community. Don’t miss out on these fantastic opportunities for your children to start and/or enhance their musical journey.
At our Saturday schools we have:
Nursery and Reception children
- Mini Music Makers (Dacorum)
- Explore 1 (Watford)
Key Stage 1
- Music Makers (Dacorum)
- Explore 2 (Watford)
Key Stage 2
- Music Theatre (Dacorum)
- RockUP (Dacorum for upper KS2)
- Sing Make Play (Dacorum and Watford) where children will explore new and exciting instruments to play, access to music technology, singing and performing in orchestras and bands.
We also have lots of ensembles during the week from recorder ensembles to youth orchestras and much more!
What’s on this term in West Herts
This term we have some exciting concerts and events to look forward to. We will be writing to you with more details but if you wish to join any, why not get in touch first.
- Fully funded local live music events in Boxmoor for local schools.
- ‘Have a go’ session at Watford School of music (after school) which will include a sneak peek at our fantastic youth orchestra performance who will be joining us!
- First orchestra day – open to all West Herts primary schools. The event takes place at Dacorum Music School.
- Recorder day – open to all West Herts primary schools. The event takes place at Dacorum Music School.
- Junior string day - open to all West Herts primary schools. The event takes place at Watford School of Music.
We want to hear from you!
Please get in touch and let me know (Nyree.OBrien@hertfordshire.gov.uk) what community events/workshops you need. We can provide fantastic sessions.
Our staff team are highly skilled professional musicians who can inspire and create music to suit your school. Workshops that have been delivered in the past range from EYFS themed sessions such as oceans and rivers, weather, and space, music technology for KS1 and KS2, sensory SEND sessions, Samba, Djembe and many more – so please tell us how we can help you.
Partner updates and resources
We work with a wide range of partners to bring a diverse range of musical opportunities to Hertfordshire schools. This includes both national and local partners to ensure that local needs are met whilst ensuring opportunities across the country and beyond are available to students at your school.
Useful resources, publications and organisations
As part of the HMS curriculum music toolkit, we have collated a range of resources and links to publications and organisations that could help your school become more musical. Click here to view the resources.
Students and families can apply for funding for music with Young Sounds UK
You can apply if:
- Your child is aged between 5 – 17 years old
- Your child is an instrumentalist, composer, producer, singer or song-writer.
- Your family are on a lower income.
- You're eligible if the total income of any parents/carers in your home is less than £30,000 a year.
- You may be eligible if it's between £30,000 - £40,000 a year.
- It's unlikely you'll be eligible if it's above £40,000 a year.
Click here for more information!
Music Mark: Schools programme access available via HMS
By engaging with HMS in a music review process, you can unlock fully funded access to the Music Mark schools programme. Click here for more details.
Pictures sourced and used from Unsplash - Beautiful Free Images & Pictures | Unsplash.