Stockport Music Service (SMS), part of the local council’s education service, has long believed that performing in an ensemble is an essential part of learning to play a musical instrument.
It helps develop essential musicianship through schools-based tuition as well as through lessons at Hazel Grove Music Centre. In addition to the tuition provided, pupils can also elect to take part in various ensembles (from beginner level to advanced) as the SMS believes that playing in a group is integral to the overall development of young musicians.
It’s a philosophy that chimes with the Wider Opportunities concept of group learning and teaching – one that has been championed successfully by a number of our teachers over the last few years. Indeed some of this work was being piloted long before the Wider Opportunities moniker was given national prominence.
To demonstrate just how successful Stockport's approach is, the music service hosts an annual event at the Royal Northern College of Music (RNCM) in neighbouring Manchester. The showcase – which is given financial support by Yamaha – demonstrates the excellent standards being achieved by SMS’ central ensembles and schools. This year’s concert – held on 20 July – brought together several of its Wider Opportunities groups to take part in a performance for parents, friends, councillors and head teachers.
The RNCM concert hall provided a wonderful environment for pupils to demonstrate the enjoyment and pleasure they gain from instrumental music and the concert had a real sense of occasion for all involved. In excess of 140 singers, violinists and brass players all combined to entertain and delight the audience and they can feel justly proud of their achievements over the last 12 months.
As the debate over funding for music education continues, events such as this series of concerts serve to remind us all of the reasons we continue to promote music education. Music is a powerful force in its own right but the additional, complimentary benefits of a practical music education should not be ignored. We must all continue to fight long and hard to provide these musical opportunities for all pupils in years to come.