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Over seventy delegates arrived at the Dunkenhalgh Hotel, Accrington on a particularly hot Saturday to embark on a full day of discussions and workshop activities. Keynote speaker Janet Mills (HMI) opened the conference with Anice Paterson (Chair of NAME) giving the closing address. Delegates were met with much needed refreshments and a vast display of instruments, resources and music for perusal courtesy of Edwina Sharpe and LMS Music Supplies. It is a shame that the ‘utters’ were not available for general use! (Page 75 in the latest LMS catalogue). After a warm welcome from Anthony Briggs (NAME Treasurer) the conference was underway.
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Janet Mills
All too often schools are quoted in DfEE documentation as example of good practice without the opportunity for us to see what is happening and how. Some of the impact is lost in the description as well as musical examples not being available. This issue has now been addressed and real examples can been seen and heard at ”The Arts Inspected” website. The website has been extended and demonstrates the examples given in “The Arts Inspected” and is well worth a visit. As well as demonstrating the website Janet Mills elaborated on examples of good (and bad) practice seen by OFSTED and HMI. The session I am sure gave everyone in the room food for thought and possible ideas for implementation. I am sure most of us left the room feeling slightly guilty, determined to mend our ways and have the ‘perfect’ department soon (or at least by our next inspection).
It was announced that Janet Mills would no longer be the HMI for Music. Her dedication and hard work has been much appreciated and she will be sadly missed.
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Katherine Zeserson
Picture thirty professionals lying on their backs with legs and arms waving frantically in the air whilst singing. No, I could not either, but a great photo opportunity was missed with this workshop.
Again, this was a thoroughly practical session with fantastic ideas to use in the classroom and with choirs. The key phrase used that summed up Katherine Zeserson’s views on singing was allowing students to regain “their right to sing”. The session focussed upon singing as a physical activity, therefore warming up the voice and the body. Exercises and tips were very forthcoming on breathing, vocal sounds and stance. Particular attention was paid to repertoire, with a suggestion that teachers used material that was not known to the students. Examples of folk music were suggested and sung in four parts (what a talented bunch!). This was a session and a half with much laughter involved. The earth did not move, but I believe the chandelier in the Sonic Arts room below did!
The conference closed with Katherine teaching the massed delegates a rousing spiritual to send us on our way. Parts were built up and added to, creating a wonderful sound in a matter of minutes. The NAME North West choir is now available for summer seasons, weddings and funerals.
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Eddie Harvey
Improvisation is a much neglected art form particularly with classically trained teachers. Eddie Harvey ensured that each member of his workshops left with inhibitions removed. He explained in practical detail the most complex of scales and modes and showed all how to implement them in any classroom. The wealth of experience demonstrated by Eddie soon had even the most hesitant jamming away. This was a really useful session for all involved. The information and practical advice given ensured that real tips could easily be put into practice. This session could have gone on much longer as people began to get into the music.
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Anice Paterson
With the imminent changes to National Curriculum and ‘non-statutory’ guidance available only via the DfEE website, discussion and clarification was much appreciated and welcomed. Anice gave a quick, but thorough look at key areas and changes in the document, highlighting areas for development. The main change that departments and teachers have to get to grips with is that of assessment and levels. A practical session of applying the criteria helped delegates, but also fuelled a few fires.
Generally the conference was happy that music was now seen as a ‘lifelong’ learning opportunity, although some felt strongly at the use of the word “amateur” in the document. Music has survived the latest onslaught, being the least changed of all the curriculum areas. Caution was given that despite the schemes of work being ‘non-statutory’ OFSTED may wish to know why departments had not adopted them. A distinct cry of “we’ve been here before” was heard through the room. Yet another challenge for us as music educators to overcome.
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The conference addressed many key areas and contentious issues facing music education at this moment in time. Despite the seriousness of these issues the atmosphere at the conference was light-hearted and very productive. The conference provided a good mix of people from a variety of musical backgrounds and disciplines. This type of contact is vital in a subject, which is frequently very isolated.
A big thank you goes to Anthony Briggs and all those who helped organise such an informative and fun conference. This was definitely not one to miss!
Report by Elaine Atkinson (Head of Music, Joseph Eastham High School, Salford)
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