A huge thanks to all who attended, presented, supported and engaged with the Norfolk Music Hub Expo 2018!

On Friday 8th June 2018 we held our second annual Norfolk Music Hub Expo, which brought together education professionals from all settings, music specialists, and partner organisations to share best practice, develop new and innovative ideas, and inspire new partnerships for the next academic year.

We were thrilled to see over 100 delegates taking part in practical sessions including playing ukuleles with Louder Than Life, singing with ACM Gospel Choir led by Mark De-Lisser, and learning how to create and collaborate on digital music-making resource Soundtrap. Mark De-Lisser’s inspirational keynote speech focussed on the challenges everyone faces on their own musical journeys and how teachers have the power to positively effect children’s lives. He encouraged our delegates to take away the message “don’t stop, dream big”.

There were also outstanding performances by young musicians highlighting the fantastic work that goes into music education across the County. Our huge thanks goes to the Little Snoring ukulele group, Cantabene from Springwood High School, and the Norfolk Students’ Jazz Orchestra, and the staff who supported them.

Workshops took place throughout the afternoon with delegates embracing new experiences such as Taiko drumming and guitars or investigating resources such as Connect:Resound, Musical Futures, Sing Up, Charanga, and how to use music to support social & emotional wellbeing. See the full list here >>

Some comments from attendees included:

“Today has reaffirmed the power of music and how it can make a difference to every child’s life. The best part was hearing Mark De-Lisser talk about his own challenges and realising how one word, one song can have a long term impact.” – Brundall Primary School

“I played drums for the first time today and I didn’t think I’d ever sing in front of people! I’ve been put out of my comfort zone in a brilliant way – it has become normal!” – Highgate Infants

“Overwhelming, inspiring, motivational! I’m not an expert but now I can share things in my school and learn along with the kids. We’ve made friends and we’re looking forward to more projects soon!” – Forncett St Peter Primary & Peterhouse Primary Academy

To see more comments throughout the day, check out the hashtag  on Twitter.


Evaluation

If you attended and participated in the conference, we would welcome your feedback to enable us to improve our conference for next year and better meet your needs. Please to complete our evaluation form at your earliest opportunity: goo.gl/forms/0lEW6e6swGWFDkIj2


Norfolk Music Hub Awards 2018

The Norfolk Music Hub Awards aim to recognise and celebrate the hard work that individuals, schools and organisations put in to music education in all areas of Norfolk.

The categories were open to public nominations, from which the Executive Board for Norfolk Music Hub chose the shortlist. The shortlisted nominees were then interviewed by Alison Corfield, Head of Music Service, and the winners were announced following the conference.

Congratulations to all the nominees and winners!

Innovation Award (Head of Music)

Peter Strudwick – Springwood High School
Lorna Kirk – Downham Market Academy
Claire Ditcham – Ormiston Venture Academy (winner)

Innovation Award (Music Coordinator)

Rachel Salton – St Mary and St Peter Catholic Primary School
Damyon Hardy – Toftwood Infant and Junior Federation (winner) 
Amy Harvey – Holly Meadows School

Secondary Music Department of the Year

Notre Dame High School (winner)
Old Buckenham High School
City of Norwich School

Primary School Music Award

Blofield Primary School
Gresham Village School
Edward Worlledge Ormiston Academy (winner)

Complex Needs School Music Award

Fred Nicholson School
John Grant School
The Clare School (winner)

In-school Ensemble Award

City of Norwich – Saxophone Group (winner)
St Martha’s Catholic Primary – Ukelear Power
Lynn Grove Academy – OrKeystra

Hub-led Ensemble Award

GYSMO
Holt Strings
SNYSB (winner)

Music Leader Award

Ann Smith
Juliet Rickard
David Stowell (winner)

Hub Engagement Award

Access Creative College, for their valuable input and partnership with the Hub over the past year.

Hub Achievement Award

Jessica Berners, for her commitment to Whole Class Instrumental Teaching in West Norfolk and the 10th consecutive year of giving children the opportunity to perform at the Music For Youth National Festival.