Choral Workshop

www.music-for-everyone.org | 0115 9589312

10 Goose Gate | Hockley | NG1 1FF

https://youtu.be/vsut8hlCrcg?si=w8IAUk7OlGuukK8p

#MfEMonday – 12th May 2025

12th May 2025 Music for Everyone

On Sunday, the Nottingham Chamber Singers gathered at Nottingham University for a special ‘Meet the Composer’ workshop with composer Libby Croad. They were joined by fellow singers from Music for Everyone, talented string players, and young musicians from the East Midlands Youth String Orchestra. Libby, who has been commissioned to compose a brand-new work ‘The Nightingale’ for NCS’s 40th Anniversary Concert this June, shared fascinating insights into her creative process. From the first spark of an idea to the shaping of musical phrases, attendees were given a rare behind-the-scenes glimpse into the journey of a composition in the making.

There was plenty of opportunity for discussion too — singers and players were invited to ask questions, offer feedback, and even influence the work itself. It was a unique opportunity to be part of a very special historic moment for the NCS

Don’t miss the chance to hear the final piece come to life at the anniversary concert on 21st June. Tickets are available online here or by calling the office on 0115 958 9312.

On Saturday 28th June, we have the Singing workshop day ‘Choral Inspirations’ with BBC Symphony Chorus Director Neil Ferris. Sign up to take part here: https://www.music-for-everyone.org/event/neilferris/

We are excited to welcome Neil Ferris to our next singing workshop day at St Martin’s Church in Sherwood. Neil recently spoke with Rachel over Zoom about all things choral music, here’s a snippet introducing himself to you!

Keep an eye out for the full interview coming soon!

—————————————

As our singing workshop in June is all about ‘inspiration’ we’ve discovered some quotes about music from composers – some inspiring and some downright strange for musing on a Monday!

Leonard Bernstein – “To achieve great things, two things are needed; a plan, and not quite enough time.”

Benjamin Britten – “The old idea of a composer suddenly having a terrific idea and sitting up all night to write it is nonsense. Night time is for sleeping.”

Richard Wagner – “Imagination creates reality.”

Do you shop online? If you do, you can support MfE further at no extra cost to you through Easy Fundraising! It is free to set up an account, choose your charity to support (Music for Everyone!) and visit your online shops through their website to generate donations straight from the brands you shop with. Information is anonymous so we can’t tell where you’ve been shopping for peace of mind! Find out how and set it up today here: https://www.easyfundraising.org.uk/causes/musicforeveryone

Music For Everyone Fundraising | Easyfundraising

Raise free funds for Music For Everyone today by shopping online via Easyfundraising. Click now to shop at no extra cost and raise free donations.

www.easyfundraising.org.uk



There is a free drum workshop taking place on Thursday 15th May at NTU.

Details can be found here: https://www.ntu.ac.uk/about-us/events/events/2025/4/slow-hands,-fast-ears-drumkit-worshop?fbclid=IwY2xjawJ1qcBleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBicmlkETFycjlRZ3lvVGM5em5FRnpSAR7s55DOVB0UjwpSc1s-Mx_M9p1ZUxIZtsaOvG0wUa5fo4I9kMX2Zryo5xuuIg_aem_LcT-9mdI7hAyZi1EzDDkfQ
Free SING! Workshops for Y5-8 from the National Youth Choir. These will be on 18th May, 13th September and 18th October in Newark and Mansfield. Each workshop day is led by a friendly team of vocal leaders from National Youth Choir. Young singers in school years 5-8 will learn exciting new songs, make new friends and develop their musical skills. Sign up now to join them at their next free event https://www.nationalyouthchoir.org.uk/sing-nottinghamshire

Have a great week!

Your friends at MfE

12/05/2025

www.music-for-everyone.org | 0115 9589312

10 Goose Gate | Hockley | NG1 1FF

Choral Inspirations: Singing workshop day with Neil Ferris, Saturday 28 ^th June, 10am-5.30pm

#MfEMonday – 7th April 2025

7th April 2025 Music for Everyone

Well done to all our amazing youth groups for their ‘Spirit of Spring’ concert on Saturday at Sherwood Methodist Church. From Vivaldi and Mozart to ‘Music in the Dark’ by Danny Elfman performed in streaming sunlight (as it was a lovely afternoon!) there was a varied programme for all to enjoy! Here are a few photos of them in action!

Limited places available – don’t miss out!

We are excited to welcome Neil who is Chorus Director of the BBC Symphony Chorus so you may have seen him at the Proms! He is conductor of the professional chamber choir ‘Sonoro’ who will be joining us at the Summer School and has worked with some of the finest choirs in the UK. We can’t wait to see what he has in store.

The workshop day will include choral favourites from Bach, Brahms, Franck and Elgar which will be paired with new works with fresh re-imaginings of the same texts such as the two versions of Panis Angelicus below:

César Franck – Panis Angelicus (https://youtu.be/_j7-XOmlob8?si=wXBTttKW5jGgtCPn)
Rebecca Dale – Panis Angelicus ‘Reimagined’ (https://youtu.be/ezfbwdMCNsE?si=WTjCy_tlbVnlfIjR)

Don’t miss this incredible experience! click here to book online or call the MfE office on 0115 958 9312.

Summer School is also booking up fast – Clarinets and oboes now fully booked and last few places left for flutes! Please email anne@music-for-everyone.org if you would like to join a waiting list.

Plenty of places left for all voice parts. To book your place please click here or call the MfE office on 0115 958 9312.

You might have seen King Charles playing twinkle twinkle little star on the carrot last week. Did you know that London has it’s own Vegetable Orchestra seen here on Saturday Night Takeaway with Gary Barlow!

With the School Easter Holidays just starting, why not see what edible instruments you can make?

Here’s something to get you started: How To Turn A Carrot Into A Recorder

MfE Music Amnesty! – Please return any sheet music you can find belonging to MfE. There will be a box on the mezzanine at Nottingham Bookwise or music can be posted to the office.
An upcoming concert that may interest you: Sleaford Choral Society Concert – Saturday 12th April in St Denys, Sleaford, 7.30pm.

Tickets online and at door, details on poster attached.

Have a great week!

Your friends at MfE

07/04/2025

www.music-for-everyone.org | 0115 9589312

10 Goose Gate | Hockley | NG1 1FF

#MfEMonday – 10th March 2025

10th March 2025 Music for Everyone

This weekend has seen over 130 young instrumentalists attend the twice-annual Bandwise and Stringwise workshop days at South Nottinghamshire Academy. Lots of music-making and fun was had, we can’t wait to hear all the groups in their concert at the Albert Hall next Sunday!

Places are now full for the From West End to Broadway workshop day this coming Saturday 15^th March, but why not come and support the choir in their early evening concert!

Tickets available to buy in advance here: https://www.music-for-everyone.org/event/from-west-end-to-broadway/ or buy on the door, subject to availability.

The bar will be open from 4.30pm to grab a drink before the concert at 5pm.

It was International Women’s Day on Saturday 8^th March, so we’d like to take a moment to recognise all the incredible women in music, from composers, performers and conductors taking over the world, to the strong women of MfE!

One woman who has recently gained attention is the first full-time female musician in the New York Philharmonic, Orin O’Brien. A double bass player, she was hired under the baton of Leonard Bernstein and a documentary telling her story won an Oscar for Best Documentary Short Film at the recent 2025 Awards. ‘The Only Girl in the Orchestra’ is available to watch on Netflix and you can read more of her story here: https://www.classicfm.com/artists/new-york-philharmonic/orin-obrien-first-woman-orchestra-interview/

The Nottingham University and Chamber Choirs invite MfE members to their next concert on Saturday 22^nd March 7.30pm in the Great Hall, Trent Building. Featuring Will Todd’s Mass in Blue with singer Lorna James and guest jazz trio Sharp Little Bones. The programme is a gorgeous mix of French, jazz-inspired and Lenten music. Both choirs are conducted by MfE’s wonderful Rachel Parkes – come and support the next choral generation! Tickets and more information can be found here: https://www.lakesidearts.org.uk/event/university-choir-chamber-choir-2/
Teak 1970s piano is available, in great condition – pictures below. If you, or anyone you know, community groups or individuals, are interested, please email us and we will put you in touch with the owner.
PIANO STOOL WITH MUSIC COMPARTMENT. If you need a stool to go with the piano, we also have one of those on offer too! Contact the office for more details.

Have a great week!

Your friends at MfE

10/03/2025

www.music-for-everyone.org | 0115 9589312

10 Goose Gate | Hockley | NG1 1FF

#MfEMonday – 3rd March 2025

3rd March 2025 Music for Everyone

The new MfE brochure has landed!

Chock-full of exciting music-making opportunities and wonderful concerts to attend from March to August. Click this link to view, and look out for it at your next rehearsal.

Upcoming Events:

From West End to Broadway concert – 15 March, John Godber Centre, Hucknall.

Come and enjoy an enchanting cabaret performance featuring songs from Wicked, Les Misérables and Fiddler on the Roof, with guest appearances from acclaimed baritone, Simon Theobald, and our joyful Open Voices choir. Unwind with a drink from the bar as you soak in the magic of a live performance. Tickets cost just £8 and can be purchased online here or by calling the office on 0115 958 9312.

Singing workshop with Neil Ferris – 28 June, St Martin’s Church, Sherwood.

Places are still available for this workshop. Please note, the workshop will take place at St Martin’s Church, Sherwood and not Nottingham Trent University. Click here to book or call us at 0115 958 9312.

Did you know that more than 1,000 musicians have recorded a silent album to protest plans to let AI use their music. The album titled Is This What We Want? has 12 tracks of ‘almost silence’ from over 1000 artists including Hans Zimmer and John Rutter. Follow this link to the full article to find out more: More than 1,000 musicians record ‘silent album’ to protest plans to let AI use… – Classic FM

Three upcoming community events which may interest you:

Brass through the ages Concert – 7^th March, 7.30pm, University Hall NTU – showcasing the historical development of brass instruments and classical music from Renaissance to the contempory of today! Tickets now available and can be purchased here: Brass Through The Ages Tickets. See attached flyer for further details.
Carlton Male Voice Choir Concert – 8^th March, 7pm The Boat and Horses, 137 Trent Road, Beeston NG9 1LP – A concert supporting Forces in the Community – a local chariable organisation dedicated to help the ex-military community. Tickets are available here for £5 plus booking fee. See attached flyer for further details.
Let’s Make a Soundtrack Youth Event – 22^nd-23^rd March – an incredible opportunity for musicians of any age and ability to join players from the BBC Concert Orchestra and create a brand-new soundtrack to a BBC video clip. Follow this link for further details: Theatre Royal & Royal Concert Hall

Have a great week!

Your friends at MfE

03/03/2025

<![if !vml]><![endif]>Like us on Facebook

www.music-for-everyone.org | 0115 9589312

10 Goose Gate | Hockley | NG1 1FF

<![if !vml]><![endif]>Follow us on Twitter

<![if !vml]><![endif]>Follow us on Instagram

<![if !vml]><![endif]>*Support us with easyfundraiser*

#MfEMonday – 10th February 2025

10th February 2025 Music for Everyone

We’re having a quieter February at MfE so here’s a reminder of what’s coming up in March – it’s going to be a busy one!

Bandwise & Stringwise is still open for bookings. If you know a young musician, please encourage them to sign up to receive their music pack! Workshops take place over the weekend 8^th & 9^th March, followed by a joint concert on Sunday 16^th March at Nottingham’s Albert Hall!

To sign up for Bandwise, click here: BYME – Bandwise 2025

To sign up for Stringwise, click here: BYME – Stringwise 2025

From West End to Broadway – Musicals workshop day on Saturday 15^th March.

At the John Godber Centre in Hucknall, the day is lead by Rachel Parkes with guest compere Simon Theobald. With songs from Wicked, Les Miserables and Fiddler on the Roof.

Easter Images – a concert by the Nottingham Chamber Singers on Saturday 29^th March, 7.30pm.

St Peter’s Church, Ruddington.

A rich sequence of outstanding choral and instrumental pieces, linked by readings will take you on a reflective yet joyful Easter journey.

Book tickets here: NCS concert: Easter Images

We have recently started to create some short videos about the many wonderful music opportunities we have at Music for Everyone, here’s our first 2 videos (created and edited by Nathan Duffy) featuring West Bridgford Daytime Voices: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=snN1lXlHzCI and West Bridgford Open Voices: https://youtu.be/M3e_t5IgGXU

Please share far and wide, more videos coming soon!

Hearing Words in a sea of noise

Student Akshaya Jeyasri from NTU is recruiting individuals aged above 18 years, who learn/practice MUSIC: singing (with less than 2 years of formal music training) for a research study as part of her PhD, which investigates how people understand speech in noisy situations and if practising a skill for 2 hrs a week benefit this.

Why is this study important?

Hearing in noisy situations is a skill which is found impaired in people even with normal hearing and it also declines with age. Engaging ourselves in learning a skill can help us manage with the decline. This study will help us to find out the factors which affects the normal processing and see how the short course could benefit this.

What does the study involve?

You will attend 2 lab visits at NTU City Campus

Visit 1 (~3 hours) Could be split between 2 sessions if required. Each visit involves completing several tasks, including one that measures your brain activity.

Visit 2 (~3 hours): after 8 weeks/sessions of your course. In which you will complete similar tasks as the first visit.

Interested or have questions? Follow this link https://forms.office.com/e/xm1RXzsmic to participate and gain a chance to win £50 prize voucher.

Please reach out for more information. Email: akshaya.kannan2023@my.ntu.ac.uk

Have a great week!

Your friends at MfE

10/02/2025

www.music-for-everyone.org | 0115 9589312

10 Goose Gate | Hockley | NG1 1FF

#MfEMondays are Music for Everyone’s weekly emails designed to keep you up to date with MfE events & to circulate interesting finds, special features, and musical musings for your Mondays! We are aiming to send out something new each week.

#MfEMonday – 27th January 2025

27th January 2025 Music for Everyone

NFC had a great rehearsal weekend with Rachel and Alex, they all invite you to book tickets to listen to their performance NEXT SATURDAY 1st February at Nottingham’s Albert Hall!

Book tickets here: https://www.music-for-everyone.org/event/the-singing-bride-concert/

Here’s a sneak peek and a message from Alex of what’s to come – https://youtu.be/IRb9tv2iRD4

The Daytime Voices and Orchestras all started their spring term last week, but the Nottingham orchestra strings couldn’t wait for last week! They had a get together earlier in January for a catch up, biscuits and a play through of some music. They are also looking forward to planning another theatre trip outing later this year! We love that playing in the Daytime Orchestra has brought these players together and look forward to seeing what other trips and excursions they get up to in the future!

You’ve heard of sight-seeing but what about sound-hearing? It’s so important to listen to the world around us and so many places sound even better than they look. Here are 14 of the most incredible sound destinations on earth, featuring some weird and wonderful acoustics: https://www.classical-music.com/features/science-of-music/weird-acoustics?utm_campaign=Classical%20Music_newsletter_21.01&utm_content=Astonishing%20acoustics&utm_term=&utm_medium=email&utm_source=Adestra

The Choir of St Peter’s Church, Nottingham are trialling a new routine and are looking for new members! If you are interested in joining the choir, see the attached flyer for more details.

Have a great week!

Your friends at MfE

27/01/2025

www.music-for-everyone.org | 0115 9589312

10 Goose Gate | Hockley | NG1 1FF

https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/whats-on/nottingham/university-hall/brass-through-the-ages/2025-03-07/19:30/t-xmlledm?direct-booking&fbclid=IwY2xjawHH3LZleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHfuNg6WUazZSo8BDCBQoiszLBzahVwu9HSX_zgS9ANrR5uhJmOBdFUs-Cg_aem_J0nx72KPPiGeDG-8klJlJw

#MfEMonday – 6th January 2025

6th January 2025 Music for Everyone

Happy New Year! We hope you all had the chance for some rest and relaxation over the break.

Coming up this term there is plenty to look forward to 🙂

Blow the Dust off your Instrument – Saturday 11^th January, Albert Hall Nottingham

NFC Singing course and concert: Mozart Mass in C minor – 25/26 January & 1 February

Concert: The Singing Bride – Nottingham Festival Chorus and Concert Orchestra – Saturday 1^st February, Albert Hall Nottingham

Click the links above for more information or call our office team on 0115 958 9312.

Our regular groups will be resuming on the following dates:

Open Voices: West Bridgford – 7^th January, Beeston – 14th January, Sherwood & Mansfield – 17th January

Flute Choir & Big Band: 12th January

East Midlands Youth Band, Nottingham Strictly Strings and East Midlands Youth String Orchestra: 12^th January

Lunchtime Voices: 16^th January

Nottingham Youth Band: 16^th January

Daytime Voices & Daytime Orchestras: w/c 20^th January

If you would like to join any of our regular groups please get in touch and we can arrange a taster session.

Did you watch the New Year’s Day concert from Vienna? Arguably one of the most famous concerts in the world, broadcast to 50 million viewers in more than 90 countries. This year maestro Riccardo Muti conducted the Vienna Philharmonic in the lavish Golden Hall of the Musikverein. With waltzes and Polkas aplenty, the programme features music of the Strauss family and their contemporaries. This year especially Johann Strauss II as 2025 marks his 200th birthday!

Getting a ticket for the event is incredibly difficult due to the high demand and also requires a lot of luck as names are drawn from a ballot. The next chance to enter is between 1^st – 28^th February: https://www.wienerphilharmoniker.at/en/newyearsconcert

But don’t worry, you can always catch it on the iPlayer: https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episodes/b00glnh8/new-years-day-concert

An upcoming concert that you may be interested in: Brass Through The Ages concert on 7 March 2025 at University Hall

Have a great week!

Your friends at MfE

06/01/2025

<![if !vml]><![endif]>Like us on Facebook

www.music-for-everyone.org | 0115 9589312

10 Goose Gate | Hockley | NG1 1FF

<![if !vml]><![endif]>Follow us on Twitter

<![if !vml]><![endif]>Follow us on Instagram

<![if !vml]><![endif]>*Support us with easyfundraiser*

#MfEMonday – 16th December 2024

16th December 2024 Music for Everyone

It was “All Aboard” the Polar Express and other festive favourites in yesterdays annual MfE Christmas is Coming concert! With over 200 performers and a full house in the audience, it was a joyous occasion – a huge WELL DONE to our youth Vocals choir, the Nottingham Community Voices and Nottingham Chamber Singers for all their hard work.

Congratulations to the Nottingham Daytime Orchestra for their end of term concert last Thursday, a great way to finish a busy term!

MfE do Carol singing at the Test Match Pub in West Bridgford on Wednesday 18th December from 6pm – come and join us! All welcome, carol books are provided.

The office will be closed from Monday 23^rd December – Thursday 2^nd January, reopening on Friday 3^rd Jan. Bookwise is still open (normal opening times) apart from bank holiday days. For details of MfE events and groups in 2025, check the website: https://www.music-for-everyone.org/

In a letter from Buckingham Palace, King Charles has conveyed “his warmest good wishes” to Music for Everyone and his “sincere thanks” for our invitation to His Majesty to attend our “In the King’s Company” concert in October. The King says he is most grateful for thinking of him, but was unable to accept our offer to attend due to the volume of requests he receives.

In the letter to our chair of trustees John Hess, the King says he was “most interested to learn a bit about Music for Everyone and our work in Nottingham.”

Devised by our artistic director Alex Robinson, “In the King’s Company” was a celebration of the baroque music and song from the royal courts of England and France.

King Charles also says he hopes the occasion was “enjoyable for all involved”, and thanks us for our “thoughtful “letter and “truly generous “invitation.

As this is our final MfEMonday of 2024, we’d like to take this opportunity to look back on a year of music-making and wish you and your families a very Merry Christmas and a joyful New Year – here’s to an even more musical 2025!

One of our members, David, has been getting creative to raise funds for Open Voices. He has turned one of his paintings into a Christmas card which has been purchased by singers at Beeston, Wollaton, and West Bridgford Daytime Voices and raised £150. Thank you so much David!

An uplifting video sent in by one of our members, OrchLab take on a Space Adventure with a project inspired by The Planets by Gustav Holst: https://orchlab.org/orchlab-film-2024-a-space-adventure/

Have a great week!

Your friends at MfE

16/12/2024

www.music-for-everyone.org | 0115 9589312

10 Goose Gate | Hockley | NG1 1FF

#MfEMonday – 21st October 2024

21st October 202421st October 2024 Music for Everyone

Christmas is Coming!

Is it too early to talk about Christmas? We don’t think so! Santa is already polishing his boots in preparation for our festive family concert at the Albert Hall on 15 December. Join us for a magical afternoon of traditional carols and seasonal songs!

Do you know any young singers who’d love to be part of the fun? Our Vocals youth choir welcomes young singers of primary school age. Find out more here.

For adults, there’s also the chance to sing with the massed Community Voices. Interested? Learn more here.

Tickets are selling fast, so don’t wait—book yours today! Tickets can be purchased online here or by calling the office on 0115 958 9312.

Lullaby Bank

We’re incredibly proud of our Assistant Artistic Director, Rachel Parkes, who devised and launched the innovative Lullaby Bank project—special music sessions for mums and their babies in local libraries. The first group in Beeston was a huge success, and now the project has expanded, in partnership with Inspire, to seven other libraries in Nottinghamshire.

Read about Councillor Kate Foale’s recent visit to a session in West Bridgford here

As we gear up for our next Nottingham Festival Chorus workshop and concert, The Singing Bride, we’ve got Mozart on our minds! Think you know your Mozart? Try our fun Mozart or No-zart quiz and see if you can beat our office score of 18/20.

If you would like to take part in the next NFC course, details are on our website here.

Nottingham Trent University’s Culture Team is on the lookout for an experienced freelance choral conductor to lead both their University Choir and award-winning Chamber Choir. Please forward this information to anyone you know who may be interested https://www.ntu.ac.uk/about-us/news/news-articles/2024/10/ntu-arts-seeks-choral-conductor

Have a great week!

Your friends at MfE

21/10/2024

www.music-for-everyone.org | 0115 9589312

10 Goose Gate | Hockley | NG1 1FF