‘The force’ will certainly be with the Oxfordshire County Council youth orchestra – part of its music service – during a rousing performance of the Star Wars suite, by John Williams.

There will also be plenty of opportunities for the audience of pupils from Oxfordshire schools to participate in some beatboxing activities before listening to Voice-Leading by Alessandra MacKinnon-Botti, a concerto for beatboxer and orchestra, which uses the human voice box as a musical instrument.

Councillor John Howson, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Children, Education and Young People’s Services, said: “This high profile event will showcase many of Oxfordshire’s most exciting young musicians, and, through them, I hope inspire their peers in the audience to pursue their own studies in music.

“Many of the pupils supported by our music service have special educational needs and disabilities. Music is a way for them to express themselves, overcome their challenges and give them aspirations and goals. I know that in years to come some of them will be performing on the Sheldonian Theatre stage.”

Lewis McVean, a pupil of Oxfordshire County Council youth orchestra, said: “The concert has always been one of my highlights of the year.

“I attended the event twice as a primary school student and remember the experience being one of excitement and fascination for everyone involved.

“The opportunity to be a part of the event that encouraged me to pick up my trombone – and even play some of the music I heard on my first visit to the Sheldonian – is a real privilege.

“I hope that many of the students leave the concert with a new interest in music, just as I did ten years ago.”

Oxfordshire County Council’s music service supports school children through choirs, chamber groups and the orchestra, provides teaching resources, and assists families in hiring and buying musical instruments.

Further information is available on Oxfordshire County Council’s website.

Your Oxfordshire

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The orchestras are supported and managed by Oxfordshire County Council’s music service, and this will be the first overseas tour to take place in five years. They will be performing three concerts in Vierzon, Blois and Orleans between 25 and 29 July.

The local Loire Valley Youth Orchestra will join the concert in Blois and the pupils from all groups will have the opportunity to interact and talk with other young people from the region who share their musical interests.

Councillor John Howson, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, said: “The Oxfordshire County Youth Orchestra is one of the top youth orchestras in the country and is frequently invited to take part in national events across the country.

“It’s great news that both orchestras will have a much-deserved opportunity to perform to a French crowd in the first tour since the pandemic.

“The orchestras are a great opportunity for talented young musicians across the county to expand their skills and gain valuable experience playing together, and I wish them all the best on their tour. I am sure it will be an inspiring trip for all.”

The youth orchestra will be performing Symphony No. 1 in E minor by Sibelius and part of the wind orchestra’s programme will include Olympic Fanfare and Theme by John Williams, arranged James Curnow, in recognition of the Olympic games in Paris.

The orchestras are open to musicians of Grade 7 and above, who live, and or study in Oxfordshire, and are below the age of 18.

People can keep track of the orchestras’ progress on Oxon music’s Facebook page, and X (previously called Twitter).

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The dedicated teens from Oxfordshire Youth Music Theatre – part of Oxfordshire County Council’s music service, will be performing their rendition of the Rodgers and Hammerstein classic from 31 March to 2 April at the Radley College Theatre.

They will be supported by young instrumentalists from the Oxfordshire County Music Service.

Councillor Neil Fawcett, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Consumer Services, said: “The Oxfordshire Youth Music Theatre showcases some of Oxfordshire’s most talented young people. This performance will surely be a high-quality piece of theatre for all to enjoy. If you love theatre, don’t miss out!”

Oxfordshire Young Music Theatre consists of singers, dancers and actors aged 14 to 19 from across the county. It boasts a reputation for presenting high-quality youth theatre. Many former members are now enjoying successful professional careers in West End hits such as Rock of Ages and Wicked, and even anniversary performances of Les Misérables.

Meet the lead

Millie Hurd from Oxford is the show’s female lead, playing the role of Laurey Williams. She’s 17 and currently working towards a diploma in Professional Acting in Oxford with Boomasatsuma, run by Bristol School of Acting. She’s also studying voice and piano at the Centre for Young Musicians (Guildhall) and pursuing an A-level in Psychology. 

Millie has already performed as a child singer in several professional operas. She’s achieved a distinction in her Silver LAMDA (London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art) exam - hoping for the same at gold level. She’s also attained distinctions in all her Trinity music exams up to a level seven. She would like to continue her passion for performance at university and beyond.  

Tickets for this show are available to buy online, visit  wegottickets.com/oklahoma

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The music groups are aimed at children who have been playing an instrument for at least a term and up to grade 5 and who are looking to develop their skills and performance with other players of similar ages. They will offer a fun, safe supportive atmosphere where children can make new friends and improve their playing by performing with others.

The 90-minute Saturday music centre sessions are available through school term times from 18 September and are available in Bicester, Oxford, Didcot, Thame and Witney.

Councillor Neil Fawcett, Cabinet Member for Community Services and Safety, said: “Culture plays a very important part in the lives our communities and this is especially true for our children. After the restrictions we’ve had to adapt to through the pandemic, the resumption of the music group sessions is a very welcome part of our commitment to the cultural life of children in the county.

“Evidence has found that learning music is best when you play with other people - it's more fun, and you make faster progress - come along to play in a band or group with children the same age and standard and have fun playing your instrument with others.”

Music centre instructors will offer expert tuition to allow the children in the sessions to develop their musical skills by playing as a group in an orchestral style. All of our instructors are DBS checked and risk assessments and safety precautions are being taken to reduce the risks of COVID-19 transmission.

Booking lessons is easy; parents can visit the council’s webpage, select the nearest venue and reserve a place. The groups will run on an ongoing basis through school terms. Participating children will need to bring their own instruments to the sessions.

The sessions will run each Saturday from 9am until 10.30am.

The new sessions come after school choirs and bands have not been able to rehearse together for more than a year, and children learning to play an instrument had to rely on remote instruction from their teachers.

Oxfordshire County Council’s Music Service approached the ex-Beatle’s estate with the project and were thrilled to be given permission for their performance which will be shared on social media on July 3 and will be allowed to remain live until October 3.

Individual musicians had their own part in the piece recorded and they were then pieced together to re-create the familiar chart-topping 1971 song which came from an album of the same name. The video can be viewed here: https://youtu.be/Yk51u-vmjr8

Jessica Gray, Area Manager from the Music Service explained: “The recordings took place during a time when the social restrictions were starting to ease, but we still could not meet together to rehearse or perform. The message within the music, about unity, is fitting at this time as we all start to look forward to a time when our all members of all our ensembles will be able to meet together to make music again. We hope people enjoy the recording when it goes live.

Councillor Neil Fawcett, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Community Services and Safety said: “A lot of hard work and planning has gone in to this and the virtual nature of the performance is a reflection on the way our lives have changed since March 2020. I encourage people in Oxfordshire to take a look at this performance when it goes live and enjoy the musical skills of our young people and another example of the ingenuity and creativity of our highly-regarded music services.”

Flautist Emma Lee took part in the performance. She said: “This was my first virtual orchestral recording and it is definitely more challenging compared to choral recording. I'm glad to be part of this experience knowing that the part I contributed may be small but significant when we piece the music together and listen as everyone plays in perfect harmony. This has been a difficult year, but I believe we will get through all the tough times as long as we work as one.

People who would like to sign up for lessons with the Oxfordshire Music Service can learn more here: https://www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/residents/music-service/music-lessons/learning-instrument

The skeleton of the young man, believed to have been one of at least 35 brutally executed in the city in AD 1002 on the orders of the king, was couriered from its home at Oxfordshire County Council’s Museums Resource Centre in Standlake, West Oxfordshire, to Copenhagen earlier this month. The bones were laid out earlier this week after a period in quarantine.

Ancient DNA evidence published last year revealed that the skeleton – labelled SK1756 but named Vidar by its Danish hosts – is a close relative, such as an uncle, nephew, grandson or half-brother, of a skeleton uncovered during an excavation in Denmark. Both will soon be on display to the public at a Viking exhibition at the National Museum of Denmark and have already been the subject of a Danish documentary, partly filmed in Oxfordshire last September.

Oxfordshire County Council’s Curator of Archaeology, Angie Bolton, said: “It was a bit emotional waving goodbye to him after all of this planning, filming, and getting to know his story.”

The mass grave was discovered in 2008 when archaeological excavations took place ahead of a development in the grounds of Oxford University’s St John’s College. Research shows that they had all been massacred at the same time, probably in AD 1002.

While 33 of them were tall, robust adult males, two were adolescents who had all met a violent death but did not necessarily lead a violent life. Isotopic analysis suggests that some of the victims originated from within the UK, Denmark and Germany.

SK1756 had been hit with a sword eight to ten times in the head and stabbed several times in the spine.

The massacre was prompted by King Aethelred II’s inability to stop Viking invaders from raiding England towards the end of the 10^th century, despite paying them large bribes to stop.

As a result, in AD 1002 he issued a decree ordering the killing of all Danes on St Brice’s Day, including Danish raiders, plus settlers and their offspring. The timing, plus historical and archaeological evidence suggests that the remains found in Oxford were probably of people killed as part of this decree.

The Danish exhibition is due to run in various forms until 2024 and was the brainchild of Dr Rane Willerslev, Director of the National Museum of Denmark, who also visited Standlake last year to film the documentary. His twin brother Eske – an expert in DNA – helped to establish the family link between the two skeletons.

Jeanette Varberg, Exhibition Curator, said: “We are honoured and delighted that we can reunite two family members that were separated 1,000 years ago. These two men carry a harsh story in their bones. We will share our new insights during the upcoming exhibition on Vikings at the National Museum of Denmark, opening on 26 June.”

However, you don’t have to travel all the way to Copenhagen if you want to view Viking skeletons. The Oxfordshire Museum, in Woodstock, has another of the massacred Oxford Vikings on display as part of its Skeleton Science exhibition, which opened to the public last month. The museum and display is free to visit.

Created by Durham University, this exhibition explores how scientific analysis of their skeletons helps us to understand more about the lives of people from the past.

The bones of the young Viking on display show that his upper body was muscular and that he had an unusually shaped head due to the plates of his skull having started to fuse before he had stopped growing. We know he was aged between 16 and 20 years old, suffered with tuberculosis, and had violent wounds inflicted on him, resulting in his death.

Councillor Neil Fawcett, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Community Services and Safety, said: “We are delighted that our museums are once again opening up to visitors. The skeleton science exhibition offers a glimpse into Oxford’s gory past, as well a fascinating look at what scientists can teach us about the lives of our ancestors.”

The Museums Resource Centre is the principal store for all archaeological sites excavated or studied in Oxfordshire. Collections include objects from every period of human history – prehistoric, Roman, Saxon, medieval and post-medieval.

Members of the cast – part of the Oxfordshire County Music Service – will perform the toe-tapping treat at Radley College Theatre from Wednesday, April 3, to Saturday, April 6.

Jonathan Cox, senior manager at the Oxfordshire County Music Service, said the production was the result of six months of hard work, both by the cast and professional staff who coach and support them.

“Youth Music Theatre provides amazing opportunities for young people in Oxfordshire to experience being involved in really good quality theatrical productions,” he said.

“They rehearse intensively between September and April each year and have built a reputation for outstanding high-quality performance.”

Thriving communities

Oxfordshire County Council’s Music Service epitomises the council’s vision for thriving people and communities and as a traded service, supported by the county council, its funding is derived from income and grants including from Arts Council England.

Performances of 42^nd Street will take place at 7.30pm on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, with a matinee on Saturday at 2.30pm. Tickets are available from www.wegottickets.com/42ndstreet

Oxfordshire Youth Music Theatre is supported by dedicated Music Service staff and has some of the most able young instrumentalists in the county.

Jonathan added: “There’s also a core of hard-working volunteers, some of whom attend every rehearsal during the year to support this production. Without this support Oxfordshire Youth Music Theatre would not be able to provide these great opportunities.”

Oxfordshire Music Education Partnership

Oxfordshire County Music Service is the lead partner of the Oxfordshire Music Education Partnership (OMEP – the Music Education Hub for Oxfordshire) which provides and signposts a wide range of music services and tuition to young people and some adults in Oxfordshire.

OMEP’s work includes delivery of the Government’s whole class instrumental programme in primary schools as well as individual and small group lessons, specialist teaching in primary and special schools, curriculum support and advice, a full programme of weekend and evening music schools, holiday courses for young musicians at all stages of learning, workshops, community projects, high level ensemble activities, inspirational large-scale concerts, tours and training.

There is also enhanced academic provision for particularly gifted young musicians. To find out more about the services and activities available through Oxfordshire County Music Service and the Music Education Partnership click here.

The Oxfordshire County Youth Orchestra and Oxfordshire Youth Brass Ensemble will play to more than 1,300 schoolchildren at the Sheldonian Theatre on Friday, January 25.

Three concerts will be held throughout the day and a stunning repertoire will include film music from The Greatest Showman and How To Train Your Dragon, plus an orchestral overture to Hansel and Gretel.

Oxfordshire County Council’s Music Service epitomises the council’s vision for thriving people and communities and as a traded service, supported by the county council, its funding is derived from income and grants including from Arts Council England.

Jonathan Cox, senior manager at the Oxfordshire County Music Service, said more than 30 primary and secondary schools would be sending pupils to the Sheldonian to experience the thrill of watching a live orchestra.

He said: “Our annual Schools’ Concerts aim to inspire pupils to learn more about the music they will hear and maybe to learn an instrument.

“The pupils learn about the different instruments of the orchestra; the pieces and the composers who wrote the music.”

Making the grade

The County Youth Orchestra is the Music Service’s top youth orchestra, made up of students aged 13 to 18 who have reached Grade 7.

They are conducted by Dr John Traill, Director of Music at St Anne’s College, Oxford, and lecturer at a number of higher education establishments including Royal Holloway, London.

The orchestra rehearse on Saturday mornings and have a busy schedule during the year. They have performed at world-class venues including Birmingham Symphony Hall and the Royal Albert Hall, London.

The orchestra will also be travelling to Italy this summer to perform on a concert tour. There are still places available for suitably-qualified pupils. Details of the audition process can be found here.

The Oxfordshire Youth Brass Ensemble features 16 young musicians from the county’s two top orchestras, rehearsing on Wednesdays at the Centre for Music in Bayswater Road, Oxford.

They can also look forward to a busy schedule in 2019, having recently earnt rave reviews for their part in Oxford Bach Choir’s Christmas concert at the Sheldonian.

In for a treat

Cllr Lorraine Lindsay-Gale, Cabinet member for Cultural Services, said: “The county boasts some wonderful young musicians and those pupils attending the Sheldonian Theatre to enjoy these concerts are in for a treat.

“The concerts are of great educational value and I am sure several schoolchildren will be inspired to take up a musical instrument once they have watched their peers perform.”

The Music Service strikes a chord in the lives of 8,000 children each week and offers activities across a broad range of music genres – including three county orchestras, choirs, ensembles for specialist instruments, Early and Baroque music, junior and senior rock schools, music technology, songwriting clubs, Stringbabies classes for preschool and Reception children, a Dixieland jazz ensemble and four highly-successful Big Bands.

Now efforts are under way to ensure a legacy is created from that magical, once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Oxfordshire County Music Service is spearheading work which will mean the collaboration between pupils from mainstream schools and children with special needs is replicated again and again.

That work by Oxfordshire County Council’s Music Service epitomises the council’s vision for thriving people and communities. As a traded service, supported by the county council, its funding is derived from income and grants including from Arts Council England.

The Music Service’s Buddy Choir and Orchestra performed at the Royal Albert Hall on November 7 on the last night of the Youth Proms. Over 200 of the children participating had special needs and disabilities and were buddied one-on-one with youngsters from mainstream schools.

By the time they had finished with a performance of This Is Me from The Greatest Showman, there wasn’t a dry eye in the house.

What they said

Cllr Lorraine Lindsay-Gale, Cabinet member for Education and Cultural Services
What a fantastic performance! Many, many congratulations to you and all the Music Service Staff for producing an experience I’ll always remember with huge pride.

Tim Stephenson OBE, Lord Lieutenant of Oxfordshire
Last night was a rare and wonderful triumph… huge thanks for bringing together such an unforgettable, moving and effective evening. Quite wonderful. Marion and I drove back to Oxford positively buzzing.

Chloe Brookes, Relationship Manager, Arts Council England
A quick note to say congratulations on a superb performance at the Albert Hall last night. It was brilliant, beautifully sang and performed, so moving and a really fantastic example of inclusive, high-quality work. Well done. I know how much work went into it and I think the people taking part got a huge amount out of it. I’ll be sharing it with colleagues here at ACE as a brilliant initiative.

Hannah Powell, Head of Music, Aureus School
I was just wanted to say how amazing we thought last night was. Our students from Aureus school thought it was incredible. Even though we have some tired faces today, they are raving about it here. It was such a privilege and they will remember it forever.

Liz Holmes, parent and SEND teacher
Very, very powerful. I teach children with special educational needs and to recognise so many students that I know performing on stage (and singing solo!) was very, very special. I also know that my son gained a huge amount through being a Buddy. The friendships and learning worked in both directions. Many, many thanks again. A staggering achievement.

Richard Venables, High Sheriff for Oxfordshire
I don’t think I have ever seen anything that was so professional, moving, fun or so big. I was so proud and humbled to have been able to watch this.

West Oxfordshire Wheelchair Dance
You and your team pulled off an outstanding event and gave so many an opportunity they could only ever dream of. For that you should be very proud.

Cayenna Ponchionne-Bailey, Royal Albert Hall Production Team
I am sure you are hearing this from every corner, but I was absolutely overwhelmed with the project. Three cheers for you and all those inspirational and incredible children!!!

From various Buddies
I had such an amazing experience I’ll never forget.
My buddy was so lovely, especially considering I had no experience of wheelchairs. Loved it so much I cried.
It was a great experience performing with people who might not necessarily be able to otherwise. My buddy was the best ever.

From a SEND buddy
I had an amazing day and will always remember it

Hard work pays off

Singers, performers and instrumentalists were involved in weeks of rehearsals leading up to the big event, with the help of Oxfordshire’s own John Lubbock OBE, of the famed Orchestra of St John. He founded the charity Music for Autism with his wife after discovering the transformational impact that music had on their autistic son.

The performance started with a piece by the English composer Karl Jenkins, followed by a song composed by the children, some of whom are severely autistic. For youngsters whose disability prevented them from travelling to London, a film was shown of them participating while the musicians played.

Local and national interest

The project has attracted interest both locally and nationally, and now the challenge is to ensure mainstream and special schools continue working together on musical projects.

Oxfordshire County Music Service’s Head of Service, Angela Turton, said: “There’s been a huge amount of feedback. I’ve received hundreds of emails, cards and letters from parents, schools and students.

“There’s a real demand for this collaboration to continue. We are working in close partnership with special schools across Oxfordshire to develop an annual festival.

“In addition, we are developing buddy ensembles, both instrumental and vocal, which will meet each half-term to create a sustainable ensemble along similar lines to the one that performed at the Royal Albert Hall. We’re determined to build a legacy from the huge success of this performance.”

The Music Service supports more than 8,000 children and young people each week and offers activities across a broad range of music genres – including three county orchestras, choirs, ensembles for specialist instruments, Early and Baroque music, junior and senior rock schools, music technology, songwriting clubs, Stringbabies classes for preschool and Reception children, a Dixieland jazz ensemble and four highly-successful Big Bands.

St Gregory the Great Primary School, Oxford, East Oxford Primary School, Rose Hill Primary School and Tyndale Community School, Oxford, joined with the Christ Church Cathedral Choristers.

They were singing as part of an Outreach project involving Christ Church Cathedral School, the Oxfordshire County Music Service and sponsor Oxford Orpheos.

Outreach began as part of the government Sing Up campaign more than 10 years ago. When funding was withdrawn, Christ Church Cathedral School undertook to keep the project going.

More than 50 local schools have now been involved in the project, which aims to encourage singing in primary schools as well as providing training for music teachers.

Jonathan Cox, senior manager for Oxfordshire County Music Service, said: “This is a wonderful project which really benefits the pupils and staff at schools.

“It is a great pleasure to work in partnership with Christ Church Cathedral School and we thank them and Oxford Orpheos for their ongoing support.

“We welcome two new schools to the project after Christmas and there are two more concerts during the academic year.”

Oxfordshire County Council’s Music Service epitomises the council’s vision for thriving people and communities and as a traded service, supported by the county council, its funding is derived from income and grants including from Arts Council England.

The Music Service supports 8,000 children each week and offers activities across a broad range of music genres – including three county orchestras, choirs, ensembles for specialist instruments, Early and Baroque music, junior and senior rock schools, music technology, songwriting clubs, Stringbabies classes for preschool and Reception children, a Dixieland jazz ensemble and four highly-successful Big Bands.

The Big Christmas Sing took place at Oxford Town Hall over four nights in the final week of November.

Organised by Oxfordshire County Music Service in partnership with Christian Aid, the concerts raised £3,213.09. Over the past 11 years, the Big Christmas Sing has now raised £32,589.59.

Oxfordshire County Music Service’s Head of Service, Angela Turton, said: “It really was another amazing week of concerts and the pupils and schools can feel justifiably proud in helping to contribute towards such a fantastic fundraising total for Christian Aid.

“It was wonderful to see Oxford Town Hall packed on all four nights and we wish to thank everyone who contributed to another amazing Big Christmas Sing.”

Oxfordshire County Council’s Music Service epitomises the council’s vision for thriving people and communities and as a traded service, supported by the county council, its funding is derived from income and grants including from Arts Council England.

The Music Service supports 8,000 children each week and offers activities across a broad range of music genres – including three county orchestras, choirs, ensembles for specialist instruments, Early and Baroque music, junior and senior rock schools, music technology, songwriting clubs, Stringbabies classes for preschool and Reception children, a Dixieland jazz ensemble and four highly-successful Big Bands.

Each Big Christmas Sing started with the traditional Once in Royal David’s City, where a vocal soloist from each participating school processed down the aisle, with candle, in darkness.

Numerous other carols followed as audiences joined in with great gusto, including the hugely-popular 12 Days of Christmas. This year schools brought ever-more extravagant props to represent the presents brought by the protagonist’s true love and those in attendance on Thursday, November 29, were treated to the Lord Mayor of Oxford Colin Cook’s spectacular golden hoop for the Five Gold Rings.

Where Did My Snowman Go? was this year’s solo and eight children throughout the week conquered their nerves and sung extremely well.

Two songs performed by the massed schools’ choirs were included and sung by the children with conviction and joy: Noel by Joy Webb and I Wish It Could Be Christmas Everyday by Roy Wood.

Concert-goers were sent home on a high with O Come All Ye Faithful as the organ, orchestral percussion, descant singers and audience joined together for a rousing finale.

Angela Turton conducted the massed elements of the concert, assisted by a small band of staff and students and organists Ceri Ngai and Jon Cox.

Inner Edge, comprising Luke Akroyd, Tom Bardsley, Luke Dennis and Fletcher Sharp, impressed with their spectacular songwriting and energy to win Oxfordshire County Music Service’s talent show.

The 15-year-olds won a £500 voucher from Professional Music Technology to spend on Marshall Amplification.

Singers, songwriters, instrumentalists and bands performed an outstanding range of music to a packed audience at The Centre for Music in Bayswater Road, Oxford.

Second prize went to Brodie Johnson, a 16-year-old singer-songwriter from Abingdon, who performed an emotive, original song to win an eight-hour recording session at Oxfordshire Music Rooms in Charlgrove.

Third place went Georgina Osibodu, whose soulful performance saw her claim a voucher for artist development from World Beats Music.

The audience vote prize went to Collision Theory, an Oxford-based band who delivered a charismatic performance. They won a voucher for a recording session with Oxfordshire Music Service’s own in-house music production team.

Andy Wright, Instrumental Teacher and Rock and Pop Lead at the County Music Service, said: “The competition was a close-run thing. Acts ranged in age from 11 to 18 and delighted the audience, making the judges’ decisions extremely difficult. Next year’s event promises to be an absolute cracker.”

Oxfordshire County Council’s Music Service epitomises the council’s vision for thriving people and communities and as a traded service, supported by the county council, its funding is derived from income and grants including from Arts Council England.

The Music Service plays a part in the lives of 8,000 children each week and offers activities across a broad range of music genres.

For more information on Oxfordshire Music Service events, visit www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/musicservice

Organised by Oxfordshire County Music Service, the ‘Big Christmas Sing’ will run for four consecutive nights from Tuesday to Friday at 6.30pm at Oxford Town Hall.

More than 1,000 children from nearly 40 primary and special schools across Oxfordshire will perform their favourite Christmas songs and carols, before a massed choir finale featuring the songs Noel and I Wish It Could Be Christmas Everyday.

The audience will get their chance to participate in a selection of well-known carols and all money raised from ticket sales will go to support the vital work of Christian Aid.

Music will be co-ordinated by Angela Turton from Oxfordshire County Music Service, who will be joined by Jenny Ayres and Phil Evans from Christian Aid to compere the event.

Oxfordshire County Council’s Music Service epitomises the Council’s vision for thriving people and communities and as a traded service, supported by the County Council, its funding is derived from income and grants including from Arts Council England.

The Music Service strikes a chord in the lives of 8,000 children each week and offers activities across a broad range of music genres – including three county orchestras, choirs, ensembles for specialist instruments, Early and Baroque music, junior and senior rock schools, music technology, songwriting clubs, Stringbabies classes for preschool and Reception children, a Dixieland jazz ensemble and four highly-successful Big Bands.

Angela, Head of the County Music Service, said: “This is the 11th year that we have worked in partnership with Christian Aid to promote the Big Christmas Sing. Oxford Town Hall is a lovely venue and places are always in great demand.”

One pupil from Sandhills Community Primary School in Oxford said “I can’t wait – it’s so exciting” and another from the city’s Larkrise Primary School was confident that “it’s going to be magical!”.

Last year more than £4,300 was raised, which was doubled by UK Aid to more than £8,600.

Organisers are hoping more than £33,000 will have been raised over the 11 years by the end of this year’s events.

Siobhan Grimes, Christian Aid regional coordinator said: “The Big Christmas Sing is a great occasion for all the family and we’re very excited to be running it over four nights again this year.

“With all the hard work the children have put in we are sure they will be fantastic festive concerts and, of course, it will also raise money for a very worthy cause. Since the first Big Christmas Sing the event has raised more than £29,000 for Christian Aid and it gets better and better each year.”

The following schools will be taking part:

Tuesday, November 27: Beckley CE School, Little Milton, St Christopher’s CE School, Longfields Primary School, St Blaise CE Primary, St Mary’s Primary (Banbury), St Francis CE Primary (Cowley), Great Milton CE Primary, Larkrise, North Leigh CE Primary, Rush Common

Wednesday, November 28: South Oxfordshire Young Singers, William Fletcher, Oxford Young Singers, Windmill Primary School, Freeland CE School, Bayards Hill Primary, Fir Tree Junior School, Garsington CE Primary School, Chesterton CE Primary School, Checkendon CE Primary School, Kidmore End Primary

Thursday, November 29: Chadlington CEP, St Gregory the Great Primary and Secondary, Watlington Primary, Brookside, Hagbourne CE Primary, St Thomas More, Eynsham Primary, Sandhills CP School, Tyndale Community School

Friday, November 30: St John Fisher, Crowmarsh Gifford, St Edmund’s Abingdon, Stanford in the Vale Primary, Edward Feild Primary, Kingfisher Special School, Tackley Primary

For ticket information, contact the Oxfordshire County Music Service on 01865 816990 or go to WeGottickets.com to check availability. Adult tickets are priced £5 and child/concessions £2.50.

Spotlight Talent 2018 has provided a platform for new young musical talent across the county, with auditions held in a host of different locations.

From a diverse pool of young solo artists, duos, bands and instrumentalists performing in a wide range of styles and genres, the Music Service has chosen some superb acts for its Grand Final.

Finalists aged from 11 to 18 will take to the stage at the Centre for Music in Oxford this Friday to compete for some great prizes, kindly donated by Professional Music Technology, Oxfordshire Music Rooms and World Beats Music.

Andy Wright, Instrumental Teacher and Rock and Pop Lead at the County Music Service, said: “Tickets are available to see the next generation of local talent perform live! The creativity and musical excellence shown in auditions bodes well for a superb showcase on Friday.”

The Spotlight Talent 2018 Final takes place at The Centre for Music in Bayswater Road, Oxford, OX3 9FF. Doors open at 7.15pm and the show starts at 7.30pm.

Tickets are £5 for adults, £3 concessions, and are available both on the door and at wegottickets.com/event/455292

Around 600 talented youngsters – half of whom have special educational needs – will soon be heading off to the Royal Albert Hall to put on the show of their lives.

The Buddy Choir and Orchestra will be performing on the last night of the Youth Proms on November 7. Around 300 of the children attending will have special needs and disabilities and will be buddied one-on-one with youngsters who are from mainstream schools.

There’ll be singers, performers and an orchestra. The tempo will be set with an opener by the English composer Karl Jenkins, followed by a piece composed by the children, some of whom are severely autistic for example. For youngsters not able to travel to the famous London landmark, a film will be shown of them participating while the musicians play.

And then the performance will conclude with all the youngsters performing This Is Me from The Greatest Showman. “There probably won’t be a dry eye in the house,” says Angela Turton, the council’s Head of Oxfordshire County Music Service.

“They all know and all love This Is Me. It’s like their anthem. It’s about them as individual children, ‘standing up’, being counted and being able to reach their potential whatever difficulties or problems they have.

“OCMS has a history of going to the Royal Albert Hall but this, undoubtedly, will be our biggest and most challenging event yet.”

Rehearsals have been going on for weeks with the help of Oxfordshire’s own John Lubbock OBE, of the famed Orchestra of St John. He founded ground-breaking charity Music for Autism with his wife after discovering the transformational impact that music had on the their autistic son.

There’ll be a 60-strong orchestra with strings, brass, woodwind and percussion plus a rythmn section of bass, keys and drums. One of the performers is a young student who has a cleft hand for whom the music service has paid to have a specially adapted instrument. The student is “so delighted to be there to play.”

Oxfordshire County Council’s music service epitomises the authority’s vision for thriving people and communities and as a traded service, whilst supported by the county council, its funding is derived from income and grants including the Arts Council

Says Angela: “OCMS good for the mind, body and soul, transforms the lives of 8,000 Oxfordshire school children each week, and cuts across all social and cultural divides.

“And you’ll find it in all parts of the county, in 265 schools and happening almost every day and evening of the week.”

Although it has been going for 76 years, the OCMS – which adjoins Bayards Hill School in Barton, Oxford ­- is continually evolving to accommodate changes in music, education, the arts and technology and is now considered to be one of the best in the country.

Angela emphasises: “And it’s a service for all. While many may consider music to be elite, our service embraces everyone.”

By that she means it caters for all abilities and pockets. It’s not elitist or for those who can afford it. Children from low income families can access grants and funds to reduce financial burdens while maximising music’s potential.

“Whether you’re a child or an adult, music enhances people’s lives. It gives you a sense of social wellbeing, you mix with others in a shared experience which brings joy, happiness and laughter.

“And it gives you a sense of great achievement in learning skills. It’s good for the memory, cognotive skills, dexterity, co-ordination and creates teamwork and self-discipline,” explains Angela who was a school music teacher for many years.

Oxfordshire County Council Music Service offers a broad range of music genres – among them are three county orchestras, choirs, ensembles for specialist instruments, Early and Baroque music, junior and senior rock schools, music technology, songwriting clubs, Stringbabies and four highly successful Big Bands – including a Dixieland jazz ensemble.

There are lessons – and discounts – for pupils learning ‘endangered’ instruments like the viola, franch horn, oboe, trombone, tuba and bassoon.

And then there are musical theatre groups – Oxfordshire Youth Music Theatres and South Oxfordshire Youth Performing Arts.

There are a plethora or workshops, glitzy gala awards, an Oxford Cambridge Note Race, cultural exchanges and even a Spotlight Talent 2018 contest for 11-18 year olds where the county’s most talented singers, musicians, bands, rappers and instrumentalists turn up and show off (auditions in the North are at the Warriner School, Bloxham, on October 4.)

Angela said: “We offer as many genres of music as we can. Yes we support the very top but we also introduce whatever we can to attract all children and get them through the door so that we can inspire them.”

Recently OCMS held its annual music gala awards attended by 350 people which not only recognised achievement - for instance those who have received distrinctions in grade 5 to Grade 8 - but also leadership.

“We recognise good teachers, directors and student leaders. We’ve got inclusion categories for special needs schools. We celebrate progress, like the Practice Cup, and creativity – especially in projects with our wider-community partners.”

One of OCM’s most popular and most requested groups is the Big Band, which boasts a ‘fantastic Sinatra-style singer’. They performed at Abingdon In The Park this summer and were enjoyed by a 3,000-strong crowd.

"They’re compared with professionals by many of their audiences and at times bring in money as part of our traded service,” says Angela.

OCMS’s work with special needs children is now expanding. It has long taken its teachers into the community in hospitals, hospices and mental health facilities, but following the Royal Albert Hall performance, there will be a fuller provision for special schools.

As well as its state-of-the art Centre of Music in Barton, with its Jam Pods room and hi-spec performance hall, it has centres throughout the county in Wallingford, Thame, Wantage, Witney, Bicester, Banbury, Didcot, Chipping Norton, Oxford and Kidlington

OCMS also strikes a chord with adults every Thursday. Angela explained: “Many adults have reached under their beds or have ventured into their lofts to find treasured instruments they had as children. Once more they are discovering the joy of music.”

If you want to discover the joy of music or find out more about OCMS and its wide-ranging classes, visit https://www2.oxfordshire.gov.uk/cms/content/contact-oxfordshire-music-service

The creator of The Gruffalo gave three performances of songs inspired by her famous stories, alongside her husband Malcolm and 900 youngsters from 28 different schools.

Packed audiences of family and friends joined in with much-loved characters from tales such as Room on the Broom, Monkey Puzzle, and of course,The Gruffalo himself.

Julia and Malcolm were invited to perform with Oxfordshire school children, who have been learning the songs this year in music lessons.

Julia said: "A lot of people don't know that before I wrote any books I was a song writer. I was thrilled when I heard that lots of children from Oxfordshire schools would be performing these songs and they invited me and my husband Malcolm to join in the performance."

She added: "It was a really, really great day. Something just a bit different and I've had a lovely time."

Memorable occasion

Central Area Manager for the County Music Service Jess Gray said: “It was a real privilege to welcome Julia Donaldson to our Centre for Music. To have so many schools taking part and learning the songs was fantastic, and I’m sure it wil be a day to remember for everyone involved.”

Oxfordshire’s Centre for Music is on Bayswater Road Headington, Oxford.

Find out more about the County Music Service

Singers, dancers and actors from Oxfordshire Youth Music Theatre (OYMT) are putting the finishing touches to their annual production, which will light up the stage this week.

Previous shows such as Hot Mikado, Crazy for You and The Sound of Music have gone down a storm with audiences, with many of the theatre group’s alumni going on to careers in the performing industry.

Tickets are still available for four evening shows from Wednesday, 18 April to Saturday, 21 April (7.30pm) at the Centre for Music on Bayswater Road. There will also be a matinee performance on the show’s last day at 2.30pm.

Nicola Trinder and James Gant are playing the lead roles of Maria and Tony in West Side Story

High reputation

Head of Oxfordshire County Music Service Angela Turton said: “The high reputation of the Oxfordshire Youth Music Theatre goes before it and the standard is incredibly good. Our young performers always pull out all the stops and put on a memorable show. I would urge everyone to come along to watch – you will not be disappointed.”

The OYMT is made up of students aged between 14 and 19, accompanied by a band made up of school-aged instrumentalists taken from Music Service ensembles.

Ex-students include Ed Campbell Bird, Joseph Prowen and Tom Wolstenholme who have all been involved in West End shows, in plays and on TV.

West Side Story is directed by Gary Lewin with musical direction by Debbie Rose.

Tickets from : www.wegottickets.com/west-side-story

Oxfordshire schools represented are:

Cheney School, Didcot Girls Schools, John Mason School, Matthew Arnold School. Gosford Hill School, Langtree School, The Cherwell School, The Henry Box School, The Marlborough Church of England School and Wood Green School.

The creator of The Gruffalo will be performing her popular live show alongside 900 youngsters from 28 different schools, with the children singing along to songs from her famous stories.

The youngsters will take part in three performances on 25 April, in front of packed-out audiences of family and friends. The shows feature musical numbers from the Julia Donaldson song book A Treasury of Songs.

Memorable occasion

Central Area Manager for the County Music Service Jess Gray said: “It’s a real privilege to welcome Julia Donaldson to our Centre for Music. To have so many schools taking part and learning the songs is fantastic, and I’m sure it will be a memorable day for everyone involved.”

Oxfordshire’s Centre for Music is on Bayswater Road Headington, Oxford.

Find out more about the County Music Service

Photo: A Treasury of Songs (c) Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, Macmillan Children's Books 2016

The Oxfordshire County Music Service Schools’ Concert 2018 featured young musicians from the County Youth Orchestra performing a mix of traditional classical pieces and music from Beauty and the Beast – complete with a live dramatisation of the story.

Around 1,700 pupils from more 34 different schools attended – including the classmates of many of the performers.

Getting involved

Head of the Oxfordshire County Music Service Angela Turton said: “Many of the children attending won’t have experienced a live concert like this before, and it’s great for our young musicians to be able to show off their talents to their peers.

“We stage this event every year as a way of encouraging more children to consider taking up an instrument and getting involved in music. We always have fantastic support from Oxfordshire schools and it was great to see so many represented in the audience.”

The concert took place on Friday 26 January.

Find out more about the Music service

Comments from schools

• “Thoroughly enjoyed the concert this morning. Never having seen a live orchestra before, they were not sure what to expect but the overall verdict at the end was "It was a lot better than I thought it was going to be!" - St Andrew's CE School

• “Thank you very much for a wonderfully inspiring concert. We all really enjoyed it.” - St Barnabas

• “We have just returned from the schools' concert at the Sheldonian and wanted to share with you the buzz that has been generated by the event. We would also like to send our thanks to Dr John Traill and the superb Oxfordshire County Youth Orchestra -they're playing was as good, if not better, than some of the professional orchestras I have heard at the Sheldonian!” - St Peters

The concerts, organised by Oxfordshire County Music Service in partnership with Oxfordshire schools and Christian Aid, raised a mighty £4,000 for the charity, bringing the total contribution over the last decade to more than £20,000.

In front of packed crowds of family and friends, each school not only rehearsed a song of their own to perform, but also united to sing together. As ever, the audience got in on the act singing along to popular carols.

Popular concerts

The concerts have grown in popularity since 2008, and the large number of schools taking part this year meant the event had to be stretched over four performances for the first time. Also included this year for the first time was a rock band to accompany the schools.

Angela Turton, Head of the Oxfordshire County Music Service and musical director of the concerts, said: “Schools are to be congratulated on the dedicated work they have put into these performances. We enjoyed four nights of uplifting singing and hopefully these concerts look set to continue for another 10 years.”

Percussionist Jo Sancio, 18, recently joined her fellow Oxfordshire County Youth Orchestra musicians at London’s Royal Albert Hall, for a special concert marking the climax of a national competition.

But just a few years ago, after coming into care as a 14-year-old low on confidence, this would have seemed an unlikely proposition.

As Jo explains: “I was so shy when I was younger – I wouldn’t have even picked up the phone to you, and the first few months after coming into care were very difficult. But my foster carer has been amazing. She kind of pushed me a bit, and has given me the confidence to pursue the things that interest me.

"She took me to see my first ever concert - an orchestra performing at Dorchester Abbey. I loved it and that’s what got me into classical music – and percussion in particular.”

The County Youth Orchestra performing at the Albert Hall 

Favourite instrument

“I love the variety of different instruments involved in playing percussion, but if I had to choose my favourite, it would have to be the timpani. I’ve just really enjoyed the way they’ve featured in a lot of the pieces I’ve played recently”, she says.

Jo’s journey to the Royal Albert Hall as part of one of the nation’s best youth orchestras is all the more remarkable because she only started with the County Music Service three-and-a-half years ago. The realisation that she was performing at the same standard as all the other percussionists at the concert – all of whom had been playing for longer – was certainly a proud moment.

The performance didn’t go entirely without a hitch though, with the conductor for one of the pieces asking the percussionists to play an entirely new part on the night, having initially given them the wrong score.

“He just came up and asked us if we had any tambourines or shakers because he hadn’t given us the correct parts. There was a whole section no one had played before so we just had to improvise, which was pretty funny. But the best bit was definitely the finale of our orchestra’s performance – to hear the ringing of silence around the hall after the final note.”

Children in care Council

When she’s not making music, Jo bangs the drum for looked-after children as the recently-appointed Chair of Oxfordshire’s Children in Care Council – ensuring the voices of looked-after children are heard, and that improvements to local services can be driven with the needs of children and young people at the forefront of planning. She’s currently working with young colleagues on safeguarding issues to help inform local services.

She is also preparing to sit her A-Levels this year and has ambitions to study a Fine Art degree at university. Will there will still be time to keep the music going? – “possibly in a local band”, she says.

Let’s hope so…

The packed venue heard the 135 players of the orchestra - aged 13 to 20 - perform the tumultuous finale of the Pines of Rome by Respighi, conducted by Dr.John Traill.

The orchestra was also centre stage as all 1,000 of the prom’s young musicians took part to perform Shine the Light Bright by Pete Letanka to a rapturous audience.

Strong praise

Head of the Oxfordshire County Music Service Angela Turton said: “The orchestra’s playing drew strong praise from many of those watching and the players themselves really rose to the occasion and thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to play at one of the world’s leading concert venues."

The Gala Awards, which take place on Saturday 23 September, will feature more than 50 categories recognising the talent, creativity and leadership of students, teachers and music partners. Solo performers will add a touch of class to the proceedings, which will be followed by a buffet supper and dancing to the sounds of the Oxfordshire Youth Big Band.

All the awards have received sponsorship from local businesses, music organisations, staff and supporters – and the trophies for Saturday’s inaugural event will be reused in future years, as the Music service establishes the ceremony as an annual prize-giving.

Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Cultural Service Lorraine Lindsay-Gale said: “This is a wonderful new idea and another great way to mark our 75^th anniversary. The talent and dedication of our young musicians, tutors and volunteers within the Music Service never cease to amaze, and I look forward to this becoming an annual event where everyone comes together to celebrate their success.”

A few tickets for the event may still be available:

Oxfordshire County Music Service Gala Awards, 6.30pm Saturday, 23 September, Centre for Music, Bayswater Road, Headington. OX3 9FF

Awards ceremony (free to award winners and sponsors) £5Awards ceremony, buffet, big band and dance - £15Awards ceremony, buffet, big band and dance (under 11s) £10Dress code: black tie or smart formal wear.

Contact Sharon.smith@oxfordshire.gov.uk or call 01865 816990

Photo:

Solo violinist Leo Appel, who will be performing at the ceremony. He is a pupil at Matthew Arnold School and co-leader of the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain.

The theatre group, part of Oxfordshire County Music Service, is staging Hot Mikado this evening (Wednesday 26 April), an hilarious and ‘hot’ reworking of the Gilbert and Sullivan classic.

It is directed by Paul Ansdell with musical direction by Debbie Rose. OYMT works with students aged between 14 and 19, and Debbie’s band is largely made up of school-aged instrumentalists taken from Music Service ensembles.

The production runs for four evening shows from Wednesday 26 April to Saturday 29 April (7.30pm, except on Friday 28 April when the show starts at 8pm). A matinee will also be performed on the show's last day at 2.30pm.

Tickets are available online or by calling Oxford Playhouse on 01865 305305.

Past success

Oxfordshire Youth Music Theatre has previously scored great successes with musicals including Crazy for You, The Sound of Music, The Wizard of Oz and Miss Saigon, and many ex-OYMT cast members go on to have careers in the performing industry. Recent alumni include Ed Campbell Bird, Joseph Prowen and Tom Wolstenholme who have all recently been involved in West End shows, in plays and on TV

Head of Oxfordshire County Music Service Angela Turton said: “The high reputation of the Oxfordshire Youth Music Theatre goes before it., and the standard is incredibly high. I am really looking forward to seeing them perform in a full show for the first time since taking up my post last September. Please come along to watch – you will not be disappointed.”

Schools represented are:

• Cheney School
• Didcot Girls Schools
• John Mason School
• Matthew Arnold School
• The Cherwell School
• The Henry Box School
• The Marlborough Church of England School
• Wood Green School

About Hot Mikado

Hot Mikado is an hilarious and ‘hot’ updating of Gilbert and Sullivan's perennial classic, The Mikado, in which different cultures glide and collide.

Nanki-Poo is looking for the beautiful Yum Yum. He arrives in the town of Titipu, masquerading as a second trumpet player. After bribing various officials he learns that she is still going to be marrying a former tailor-turned-Lord-High-executioner, Koko.

Meanwhile, the Mikado demands that Ko-Ko execute one person within the next month. Nanki-Poo agrees to be executed as long as he can spend a month as Yum-Yum’s husband.

Needless to say the plan goes awry when the Mikado makes a surprise visit to Titipu and brings with him Katisha, an older woman who is pursuing Nanki Poo.

Get tickets

Tickets are available online or by calling Oxford Playhouse on 01865 305305.

The theatre group, part of Oxfordshire County Music Service, is staging Hot Mikado, an hilarious and ‘hot’ reworking of the Gilbert and Sullivan classic, at Oxford Playhouse.

It is directed by Paul Ansdell with musical direction by Debbie Rose. OYMT works with students aged between 14 and 19, and Debbie’s band is largely made up of school-aged instrumentalists taken from Music Service ensembles.

The production runs for four evening shows from Wednesday 26 April to Saturday 29 April (7.30pm, except on Friday 28 April when the show starts at 8pm). A matinee will also be performed on the show's last day at 2.30pm.

Tickets from oxfordplayhouse.com 01865 305305.

Past success

Oxfordshire Youth Music Theatre has previously scored great successes with musicals including Crazy for You, The Sound of Music, The Wizard of Oz and Miss Saigon, and many ex-OYMT cast members go on to have careers in the performing industry. Recent alumni include Ed Campbell Bird, Joseph Prowen and Tom Wolstenholme who have all recently been involved in West End shows, in plays and on TV

Head of Oxfordshire County Music Service Angela Turton said: “The high reputation of the Oxfordshire Youth Music Theatre goes before it., and the standard is incredibly high. I am really looking forward to seeing them perform in a full show for the first time since taking up my post last September. Please come along to watch – you will not be disappointed.”

Schools represented are:

• Cheney School
• Didcot Girls Schools
• John Mason School
• Matthew Arnold School
• The Cherwell School
• The Henry Box School
• The Marlborough Church of England School
• Wood Green School

About Hot Mikado

Hot Mikado is an hilarious and ‘hot’ updating of Gilbert and Sullivan's perennial classic, The Mikado, in which different cultures glide and collide.

Nanki-Poo is looking for the beautiful Yum Yum. He arrives in the town of Titipu, masquerading as a second trumpet player. After bribing various officials he learns that she is still going to be marrying a former tailor-turned-Lord-High-executioner, Koko.

Meanwhile, the Mikado demands that Ko-Ko execute one person within the next month. Nanki-Poo agrees to be executed as long as he can spend a month as Yum-Yum’s husband.

Needless to say the plan goes awry when the Mikado makes a surprise visit to Titipu and brings with him Katisha, an older woman who is pursuing Nanki Poo.

Get tickets

Tickets from oxfordplayhouse.com 01865 305305.

A wide range of fantastic instrumental and vocal performances wowed a packed audience on Saturday (25 March) as various bands, orchestras and choirs took to the stage having honed their skills with the music service.

At one point a massed choir made up of children from Oxfordshire primary and secondary schools performed alongside singers from established Music Service vocal groups.

“Commitment and skill”

Head of the Oxfordshire County Music Service Angela Turton said: “This was a fantastic performance and experience for all staff and students involved. Oxfordshire County Music Service has changed a great deal since the first service was set up in 1942, but one thing that has remained a constant is the commitment and skill of its tutors and other staff, and the talent that generations of the county’s children have brought to the stage.

She added: “The service has a very bright future, and this was truly evident in the high standard and wide range of performances given. By encouraging diversity and embracing technology, we hope to expand the service and ensure that quality, the hallmark of our service, is maintained.”

The concert featured performances from:

• Oxfordshire Schools Symphony Orchestra
• Oxfordshire County Youth Choir
• Oxfordshire Youth Percussion Ensemble
• Oxfordshire Youth Wind Band
• Oxfordshire Massed Big Band
• Oxfordshire Youth Music theatre
• Oxfordshire County Youth Orchestra

There were pre-concert 'foyer performances' from the Dixieland, Function and Brass Bands, String Quartet, Boy’s A Cappella Singers and Harpist. A staff performance also went down well with the audience.

Massed choirs featured children from:

Caldecott Primary School; Dorchester St Birinus; Marcham Primary School; St Andrew’s, Headington; St Edmunds Catholic, Abingdon; St Mary’s,Banbury: West Oxford Community Primary School; Windmill Primary School, Headington; Wootton St Peter’s Primary School; Bartholomew school, Eynsham; Fitzharrys School, Abingdon; Matthew Arnold School, Oxford; Magdalen College School.

Joining the schools were the Oxfordshire County Youth Choir, Oxfordshire Young Singers, South Oxfordshire Young Singers and Oxfordshire Youth Music Theatre.

Comments from those present:

• “The parents, extended families and the particularly the participating children will remember this as a very special occasion in their lives and one which, I am sure for some, will be a key factor in what they choose to do for the future.” Richard Hallam – Music Education Council
• “The event was a tremendous success and enjoyed by everyone I've spoken to. Many thanks to everyone at the Music Service for the hard work and time they put into organising it. A great occasion for the Music Service and one which all the young musicians will all remember with pleasure.” Clare Saunders - Parent
• “What a fantastic concert on Saturday evening! We would like to say a huge thank you for the opportunity to sing an amazing piece of music, in such a fabulous concert hall with that number of children and young people. We felt very privileged to be part of it. These experiences are very special and memories will last a lifetime. I know!” Katherine Johnson - Marcham Primary School
• “I thought it was inspiring concert and one that everyone who took part will remember for a very long time so thank you for bringing it all together.” Lynn Knapp – Headteacher, Windmill Primary School
• “A great night and it was a privilege to announce Apollo’s Lyre – a great piece!” Claire Toogood – Arts Council England

Please see website or social media for the next events:

www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/music

Facebook: facebook.com/oxonmusicservice

Twitter: @MusicOxon

The ‘Big Christmas Sing’, in support of Christian Aid, will run for three consecutive nights at Oxford Town hall, starting at 6.30pm today (Tuesday 29 November), followed by performances at the same time tomorrow and Thursday.

More than 800 children from 31 primary and special schools from across Oxfordshire will perform their favourite Christmas songs and carols, before they all come together on stage  for a massed choir finale singing two songs - ‘Tree of Light’ and ‘Good Time Christmas’. There will also be carols for the audience to sing.

The event will be watched by parents, family and friends who have purchased tickets, with funds raised going to Christian Aid’s work overseas.

Tickets

There are a few tickets still available for members of the public. Contact Oxfordshire County Music Service on 01865 816978 for tickets or buy them on the door (adults £4.50; child/concession £2.50)

Successful partnership

The music will be co-ordinated by Liz Stock for the Oxfordshire County Music Service, joined by Anwen Homes and Phil Evans from Christian Aid to help compere the event.

Liz said: “This is the ninth year we have worked in partnership with Christian Aid to promote this event. The Oxford Town Hall is a lovely venue, and places are always in great demand, so an extra night was planned for this year.

"Last year over £2,000 was raised. We are hoping that over £20,000 will have been raised over the nine years by the end of this year’s events."

Anwen Holmes, Christian Aid Regional Coordinator, said: “The Big Christmas Sing is a great occasion for all the family, and we’re very excited to be running it over three nights this year. With all the hard work the children have put in, we are sure they will be fantastic festive concerts, and of course it will also raise money for a very worthy cause."

The following schools will be taking part:

Tuesday Schools: Windmill Primary School, Headington; Beckley CE Primary School; Ewelme CE Primary School; Eynsham Primary School; SS Mary & John CE Primary School, Oxford; St Peter's CE Primary School, Cassington; William Fletcher Primary School, Yarnton; Buckland CE Primary School; Chesterton Primary School; Longfields Primary School, Bicester

Wednesday Schools: North Leigh CE Primary School; Hill View Primary School, Banbury; Tackley CE Primary School; Botley School; Sandhills CP School; St John the Evangelist CE Primary School, Carterton; St Andrews CE School, Headington; St Blaise Primary School; Long Wittenham Primary School; South Stoke Primary School

Thursday Schools: South Moreton Primary School; Fir Tree Junior School, Wallingford; Gateway Primary School, Carterton; Stanford-in-the-Vale CE Primary School; St Francis CE Primary School, Oxford; Brookside Primary School, Bicester; Garsington Primary School; Middle Barton School; Watlington Primary School; Blackbird Academy Trust; Kingfisher School, Abingdon.

An audience of thousands was treated to the dizzying sounds of TopSop – a dynamic combo taking their place at the Youth Proms of the National Festival of Music for Youth, having competed against 40,000 entrants from around the country.

The ensemble, featuring Zoe Reed-Sanderson on piano, drummer James Graham, bassist Reuben Reed-Sanderson and soprano saxophonist Will Paget, are all former members of the Oxfordshire Youth Big Band run by the County Music Service.

In a programme rich with original composition, they performed their stand-out piece, ‘Another New Day’, written by Zoe herself.

Outside the venue (l to r) Music Service tutor Jan Morter, Will Paget, James Graham, and tutors Chuck Lloyd and Nick Wright

“Incredible opportunity”

Angela Turton, Head of Oxfordshire County Music Service, said: “Every year, an incredible opportunity to play in the Royal Albert Hall is offered to top young musicians, and we were so proud to see Oxfordshire represented to such an amazingly high standard through TopSop. This dynamic quartet demonstrated exemplary skills as they executed instrumental wizardry, sensitive dynamic control and superb quality of sound.”

The council’s Cabinet Member for Cultural Services, Lorraine Lindsay-Gale said: “This is a fantastic achievement by some very talented young people, and one which they will be able to look back on with great pride for many years. They are absolutely an inspiration for other young musicians in Oxfordshire, and a great advert for our County Music Service.”

Any young persons’ ensemble wishing to take part in next year’s festival should contact Sandra.Yeomans@oxfordshire.gov.uk by 3 December. Regional rounds take place at the Music Service Centre for Music in March 2016, with final rounds taking place in the Birmingham Symphony Hall in July followed by invitation to the Royal Albert Hall in November.

The newly installed JamPod Academy features electric drumkits, keyboards, guitar effects and microphones arranged into five bands and connected to a digital mixing system.

Up to 30 headphone-wearing musicians can rehearse in one room – all with access to their teacher and sound engineer. The equipment was funded through an Arts Council grant, following a successful bid by the Music Service.

New possibilities

Music Development Leader for the County Music Service Nick Wright said: “It’s completely transformed the way we operate and opened up new possibilities for young people – both in terms of ways of working and what they can achieve musically.

“As you can imagine, trying to rehearse with multiple bands in one room – even the same building – has its limitations, but our JamPod Academy enables many more young people to take part and develop their skills while experiencing the thrill of making their own music with friends.”

The council's Cabinet Member for Cultural and Community Services Lorraine Lindsay-Gale said: “This is a really exciting development and a great example of the innovative work going on at our County Music Service. Clearly the Rock School is going from strength to strength and the young people have really taken to the new technology.”

Rock School sessions

There are regular JamPod Academy sessions offering the chance for musicians of all ages and abilities to get together in bands to write, record and perform their own music:

• Junior Rockschool for musicians aged 9-13, Tuesdays 5pm-6:30pm
• Senior Rockschool for musicians aged 11-18, Tuesdays 7:30pm-9pm

All activities take place at Oxfordshire County Music Service, Centre for Music, Bayswater Road, Oxford, OX3 9FF.

For more details about JamPod Academyvisit www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/jampod

Organised by the Oxfordshire County Music Service and Christian Aid, the concerts will feature a host of festive songs performed by the young singers and a rousing massed choir finale. There will also be carols for family and friends in the audience to sing along.

Liz Stock of the Music Service said:  “This promises to be a fantastic event to get families in the Christmas spirit, as well as raise some money for a very worthy cause. The show just gets better each year and Oxford Town Hall is a lovely venue for it.”

Partnership

It is the eighth year the Music Service has worked in partnership with Christian Aid to stage the Big Sing, with more than £14,000 having been raised for the charity since the first event was held in 2008.

Anwen Holmes, Christian Aid Regional Coordinator in Oxford, said: “The Big Christmas Sing is a great occasion for all the family, and we’re very excited to be running it over two nights again this year. With all the hard work the children have put in, we are sure it will be a fantastic festive concert.”

Concert details and tickets

Dates: Tuesday 1st December and Wednesday 2nd December 2015, 6.30pm, at Oxford Town Hall.

Tickets: There are limited spaces remaining for members of the public. Contact Oxfordshire County Music Service on 01865 816978 for tickets or buy them on the door (adults £4.50; child/concession £2.50).

The music on the evening will be co-ordinated by Liz Stock of Oxfordshire County Music Service, and Phil Evans and Jessica Hall from Christian Aid will compere.

Money from ticket sales will go to Christian Aid’s work overseas and the UK Government has pledged to match every pound donated.

Schools taking part:

Tuesday Schools: Beckley C of E Primary School; Botley Primary; Buckland C of E Primary School; Hill View Primary, Banbury; Longfields Primary School, Bicester; North Leigh;  S.S Mary and John Primary, Oxford; Shellingford C of E Primary School; Springfield School, Witney; St Peter’s C of E Primary School, Cassington; William Fletcher Primary School, Yarnton.

Wednesday Schools: Chesterton Primary School; Fir Tree Junior School, Wallingford; Gateway Primary, Carterton; Long Wittenham Primary; Sandhills Community Primary School; South Moreton School; Stanford in the vale; Watlington Primary; Windmill Primary School, Oxford.

Orla, Imogen and Elizabeth from St Andrews School play the viola, Skye from St Michaels school plays the violin, and also has lessons with the County Music School. All four play together in the Oxfordshire Schools Orchestra, and several of them play at the Oxford Area Music School on Saturday mornings. 

Earlier in the summer they took part in ‘Baroque Rock’, a workshop created by the Music Centre and Oxford Music Partnership, along with around 80 students from schools across Oxfordshire.

The workshop used pieces like Pachelbel’s Canon and Vivaldi’s the Four Seasons, adding bass and drums to create a blend of classical and rock. 

Having several pieces of music to play over the course of the day is a great way to build up confidence, and get to grips with several different pieces of music. It also helps budding musicians improve their technique. Most importantly it’s really fun.

Oxfordshire Music Service’s workshops are a great activity for young musicians of all different genres. As well as classical music the service also give aspiring rock or pop artists the chance to get to grips with PA systems, soundchecking and rehearsals.

Some of the youngsters will perform to audiences at Birmingham Town Hall and Birmingham Conservatoire during the festival, which runs from Tuesday 7 July to Saturday 11 July.

The council's Cabinet Member for Cultural and Community Services Lorraine Lindsay-Gale said: “Congratulations to all the young musicians chosen to take part in this prestigious event. It’s good to know there will be an array of Oxfordshire talent hitting the national stage and I’d like to wish them all the very best of luck.”

Anyone wishing to attend the festival can obtain day passes from the Birmingham Symphony Hall Box Office on 0121 780 3333 or by visiting www.thsh.co.uk

The groups from Oxfordshire County Music Service are performing on the following days:

• Tuesday 7 July

Oxfordshire Youth Chamber Choir- Birmingham Town Hall

• Wednesday 8^th July

Oxfordshire Youth Flute Ensemble – Adrian Boult Hall, Birmingham Conservatoire

Witney Youth Choir – Symphony Hall, Birmingham

• Thursday 9 July

Vuillaume Quartet - Birmingham Conservatoire Recital hall

• Saturday 11 July

Oxfordshire County Youth Orchestra – Birmingham Symphony Hall.