West Midlands Music is a collective of 14 Music Services committed to working together to ensure high quality, progressive and sustained music education for all children. On Monday 6th January staff from these services joined forces for a conference held at Edgbaston Cricket ground.
The day began with introductions from Martin Green – Chief Creative Officer, Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, Nicola Benedetti – The Benedetti Foundation via Video Link and Michael Elliott – Chief Executive ABRSM
Next followed a carousel presented by exam boards ABRSM, Trinity College, RSL Awards (Rock School), PRSSV and
London College of Music
Then a Teach/Meet/Share session for each of the following specialisms :- Brass, Guitar, Keyboard, Vocal, Strings, Woodwind & Percusssion
Followed by carousel sessions where staff chose to attend 2 of the following
Ofsted and the NEW Inspection Framework – What does it mean for schools and music service teachers?
Inclusion in Music Education – Case studies from two instrumental teachers in contrasting settings
Pupil Motivation and Behaviour Management
WCIT and Creativity
Conducting and Directing an Ensemble
Pitch Pace Perform
World Voice
(Thanks to Mr Pardesi and Mrs Walters from WMS for contributing to the delivery of these sessions)
The day rounded off with information about the Big Month of March 2020 and Conference Reflections from Bridget Whyte (CEO of Music Mark) and Chris Jones (Dudley Performing Arts)