A seasonal note from our Chief Exec

It’s been quite the term. Winter concerts, classroom projects, area events, conferences, rehearsals, paperwork, travel, more concerts… and through it all, our young people have been making fantastic music across Kent & Medway!

Our Chief Executive Gerry has been travelling across the county, visiting concerts, chatting to teachers and seeing first-hand the progress young musicians have made this year. Read on for an insight into how he’s found his first autumn term at Kent Music:

Now that Christmas concert season is in full swing, I’ve had the pleasure of attending as many winter concerts as I can from our Music Centres and County Groups. Every performance has highlighted the skill of our young players and the dedication of the staff who guide them, and I’m excited to see more as we count down to the holidays. Together, these events have been a wonderful celebration of the progress our learners have made this term and a reminder of the joy that music brings to us all.

Of course, none of this would be possible without the dedication and hard work of peripatetic and classroom music teachers.

To support classroom teachers, Kent Music held a conference in November that brought together more than 200 practitioners. This gave colleagues space to share ideas and take part in a wide range of training sessions. Our theme, Music is for Everyone, reflects a belief that sits at the heart of Kent Music.

One way we help break down barriers to participation is through our inclusive, youth-led approach to music-making. During the October half-term, our Orchestra ONE course brought together orchestral players, band musicians and young people interested in music technology. The course gave participants the chance to create their own music and lead the creative process, supported by our teachers. Seeing young people’s creativity develop, and their confidence grow as young leaders, was truly inspiring.

We have a brand-new O1 course planned for this coming February half term, alongside one and two day courses for singers, strings, wind players and music tech. It’s going to be a brilliant week, and I can’t wait to hear what the young musicians will create next.

Over the last few weeks, it has also been a pleasure to see colleagues across Kent Music – in schools, music centres and the office – getting into the festive spirit as we reach the end of term. The teamwork and commitment shown by staff throughout the autumn has been remarkable, and it’s been inspiring to see this reflected across concerts, rehearsals and events. As we look ahead to a new year, I’m excited for the music we will make and the opportunities we will create in 2026 and beyond.

Finally, to all parents, carers and teachers: thank you for supporting the wonderful young musicians of Kent and Medway. I wish everyone a peaceful, music-filled festive break – and here’s to a new year full of exciting musical adventures!

Gerry Sterling

Chief Executive