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Music for Life: A Marvellous Party!
by Judy Hildesley (from BKA Summer 2004 Newsletter)

On the 3rd of March I was privileged to spend the day at the Barbican Centre. My hosts were the DfES, DCMS, Ofsted, Youth Music and QCA who provided me with lunch, refreshments and a pack of goodies welcoming me to Music for Life. Richard Stilgoe guided me and a few hundred others as we listened to performances by more than 600 young musicians representing 12 Music Services that had been taking part in the Wider Opportunities for All pilot programmes for the last two to three years. There was an amazing array of talent on display and while expertise did not always match the enthusiasm, it was the enthusiasm that carried the day and made it such an inspiration. I am only sorry that more full-time teachers were not able to experience this wonderful day first-hand. They have not been forgotten however, and a DVD has been promised to all the Heads of Primary Schools throughout the country. Perhaps you have already received your copy!

As a footnote, members may be interested in my observation that the best Musicianship skills belonged to those groups who had been using sol-fa in their pre-instrumental programmes. A variety of other schemes were apparent but none so effective in securing good intonation!
 

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