News

The transition for pupils as they move from primary to secondary education can be tough. Especially when it comes to music education, the difference in the environment can be stark and at worst can impact on students’ progression and desire to continue engaging with music. However, that doesn’t have to be the case! We were delighted to speak with Emily Renshaw-Kidd, Director of Music at Simon Langton Grammar School for Boys, about the school and how she approaches the transition period and supports a thriving music education environment in and out of school.

Every year Kent Music offers all schools in Kent the chance to access Funded Opportunities to support music education. From memberships to ensemble leaders and WCIT, there are lots of options for schools. One unique opportunity which Kent Music provide is Bespoke Support, an opportunity to work with a member of the Kent Music team to drive the development of music in your school.

Singing is one of the most enjoyable and accessible forms of music-making for children and young people. Not only is it a lot of fun, but it also provides a host of benefits that can positively impact their development and well-being.

This month we chatted to Emma Higgins, music lead at St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School in Northfleet. Emma was subject to an Ofsted deep dive in music this year. We took the opportunity to quiz her about her experience in order to inform and guide us when carrying out Music Health Checks. Some schools have requested these in order to ensure they are fully prepared should they receive ‘The Call’.

In November 2022 we held the Kent Music Conference: Taking Action on Music at the Kent Event Centre near Maidstone.

Young musicians gathered to create a new suite of music inspired by myths and legends. Led by Issie Barratt, director of the National Youth Jazz Collective, the participants started from scratch and developed their ideas into a cohesive piece over a few days.

Holy Family Catholic Primary School in Maidstone have been embracing QR code technology to share their musical performances. Lead Teacher for Music, Georgina Kershaw tells us how they create a QR ‘buzz’.

Mandy Sangiuseppe joined the Kent Music Hub team at the end of November 2022 as our Inclusion Development Manager. She’s already making waves in supporting diversity, equity and inclusion in music education in the county!

What links a centuries-old Kentish folk tune, a modern bhangra piece and secondary school pupils in Ashford? Well, in the summer of 2022 it was just the one thing – the Ashford Creative Orchestra project.