Aaaaaahhhhhnd…. Relax! We made it to half-term everyone, and the days are already getting longer. We hope you all have a lovely week off whilst our regular groups take a break. It’s already been such a busy start to the year, and there is still so much more to come.

So – here’s a run-down of what bookings are open, and what is on the horizon, so that you can mark your calendars and reserve your place…

Spring Term:

March 9th -10th – Vocals at the movies – Drop the kids off for a fun filled weekend of singing and crafts, rounded off with a spectacular concert in the Albert Hall 122 kids and counting….There’s still room for more!

Sign-Up Here: https://www.music-for-everyone.org/event/vocals-mar-24/

March 16th – Nottingham Chamber Singers Concert – Our programme of Angels, Dreams and Flying Machines got a mention on BBC Radio 3 last week, the concert is 7.30pm at St Mary’s Clifton, book early to avoid missing out.

Book Here: https://www.music-for-everyone.org/event/ncs-concert

March 23rd – NCM Musicals course and cabaret with guest performances by Simon Theobald and Open Voices – Bookings open to anyone, bring a friend who loves a good showtune, informal performance with wine open to friends and family.

Sign-Up Here: https://www.music-for-everyone.org/event/ncm-come-and-sing/

Summer Term:

April 20th & 28th – Bandwise

Come and experience the joy of wind band playing at the Big Youth Music Experience for young woodwind, brass and percussion players.

Sign-Up Here: https://www.music-for-everyone.org/event/byme-bandwise-apr24/

April 21st & 28th – Stringwise

Come and experience the joy of string playing at the Big Youth Music Experience for young violin, viola, cello and double bass players.

Sign- Up Here: https://www.music-for-everyone.org/event/byme-stringwise-apr24/

June 8th – Nottingham Chamber Singers Concert – Bunny Church 7.30pm 

Booking Available Soon

June 9th – Family fun festival day – Join in a Family Sing, performances from SAM and youth groups, face-painting, cake-sale workshops and more – details to come!

Booking Available Soon

June 15th – Blow the Dust 

Sign-~Up Here: https://www.music-for-everyone.org/event/blow-the-dust-off-your-instrument-jan/

July 6th – NFC Come and Sing Josef Haydn’s Harmoniemesse – MfE Artistic Director Alex Robinson will lead a come and sing day with full concert on Saturday 6th July, with a rehearsal the night before. Venue and further details to come.

Booking Available Soon

August 5th-7th – MfE Summer School

Sign-Up Here: https://www.music-for-everyone.org/event/summer-school-2024/


Have you been celebrating Chinese New Year over the weekend? 

This year is the year of the Dragon, so here is a round-up of some musical dragons you may or may not have come across…

 

1. Wagner’s Siegfried

Though he’s actually a giant rather than a fire-breathing serpent, Fafner only appears in his scales in Siegfried the third opera of Wagner’s Ring cycle. Since the last time he appeared on stage in Das Rheingold, the power-hungry character has transformed himself, with the help of the magical tarnhelm. Unfortunately, the titular hero proves to be a superior fighter to Fafner, even in his reptilian form. Siegfried slays Fafner, collects his magical ring and the ability to understand woodland creatures through tasting Fafner’s blood.

2. Mozart’s The Magic Flute

As Mozart’s The Magic Flute opens, Prince Tamino is being chased a fearsome fire-breathing serpent. Perhaps this prince isn’t the bravest, since he faints and three harmonious ladies kill the dragon instead.

3. Tan Dun’s score for Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon

Composer Tan Dun’s Oscar-winning score to Ang Lee’s kung fu ballet Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon, is a metaphorical expression of the Asian dragon, which is mentioned in the heroine’s name. Tan Dun later adapted the music into a 45 minute solo piece for cello. Lee later set a visual montage from the movie.

4. Goldenthal and Taymor’s Grendel

Composer Elliot Goldenthal Julie Taymor and J.D. McClatchy set out to tell the monster’s side of the Beowolf story in the opera Grendel, based on John Gardner’s 1971 novel. The opera premiered in 2006 at the L.A. Opera with Eric Owens in the title role and Denyce Graves as the sage Dragon, from whom Grendel seeks advice on, of course, being a more fearsome monster.

5. Puff the Magic Dragon

Of course we couldn’t leave out “Puff, the Magic Dragon” (or just “Puff”) is a song written by Peter Yarrow from a poem by Leonard Lipton. It was made popular by Peter, Paul and Mary in a 1962 recording released in January 1963. The lyrics tell a story of the ageless dragon and his playmate, Jackie Paper, a little boy who grows up and moves on from the imaginary adventures of childhood, leaving a disheartened Puff on his own. The song’s story takes place “by the sea” in the fictional land of “Honah Lee”.


 

· Bookwise need your help! They are planning some furniture moving around this week and would appreciate any help if anyone can come in any time this week to help. There will be heavy lifting involved so please bear this in mind! For more info, contact the MfE office and leave a message for Gary. Many thanks!


 

Have a great week!

Your friends at MfE.

19/02/2024

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We are looking forward to a ‘glorious’ start to our 2024 concert season with the Nottingham Festival Chorus on 27/28 Jan and 3 Feb. Beat those January blues by joining us for the singing course and concert! If you sign up this week, you can collect your music before or at the sectional rehearsals on Wednesday (Tenors/Basses) or Friday (Sopranos/Altos).

The workshop weekend will be led by our wonderful Assistant Artistic Director Rachel Parkes, accompanied by Angela Foan.

Watch Rachel discussing the benefits of singing in this short video: https://youtu.be/WKHrusQMEWU

Click here for more information about the course and to sign up, click here.

The ‘Gloria!’ concert on Saturday 3 February marks a new a new chapter for MfE as our new Artistic Director, the young and dynamic Alex Robinson, makes his debut with the Nottingham Festival Chorus. Click here for a whistle-stop guide to the concert from Alex!

Tickets and info available on our website here


Our Spring 2024 term starts this week, with all the youth groups and Sunday Afternoon Big Band and Flute Choir. Daytime & Lunchtime Voices and Daytime Orchestras start again from week commencing 15th January.

Free taster sessions are available for all our groups for new singers and players – if you know a young musician or someone with a New Years resolution to start playing again, let them know! Details of groups and contacts below.

Nottingham Youth Band: Thursday 11th January at Beeston Methodist Church, 5.30pm – 7pm

Nottingham Strictly Strings, East Midlands Youth String Orchestra and East Midlands Youth Band: Sunday 14th January at NTU Clifton Campus, 2pm – 5pm (4pm finish for Strictly Strings)

Sunday Afternoon Big Band and Flute Choir: Sunday 14th January at NTU Clifton Campus, 2.30pm – 5pm

For more info about the youth groups, contact Kirstie (kirstie@music-for-everyone.org) and for SAM groups, contact Anne (anne@music-for-everyone.org)


A very Happy New Year from the whole MfE team, we’re looking forward to sharing a musical 2024 with you!

We’ve found the musical equivalent of a glass of something bubbly to welcome the start of a new year with Strauss’ Champagne Polka – subtitled ‘A musical joke’, this was written to imitate the sound of a champagne bottle being uncorked. We think that makes an interesting challenge to pop the cork at the right time!

Listen to it here and see how many ‘cork pops’ you can hear: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AabK4l4pX98


BOOK DONATIONS WANTED! Bookwise are after new donations, in particular paperback contemporary fiction, paperback classics and CDs. If you’re having a clear out/spring clean to start the new year, small donations (a bag or 2) can be dropped in to any of our shops during opening hours, or for larger donations, please contact the shop to discuss: info@bookwiseshops.co.uk or 0115 9589312.


Have a great week!

Your friends at MfE.

08/01/2024

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Huge congratulations to all our fabulous youth groups for their magnificent performances in Wollaton yesterday. The standard of playing was fantastic from all the bands and string groups.  A particular highlight was the audience participation in The Twelve Days of Christmas which gave everyone a real workout!

You all deserve a rest, and we look forward to seeing you in 2024. New members always welcome – click here for more information.

Next Sunday 17th December over 200 performers will take to the stage for our final concert of the year: Christmas is Coming!  A festive afternoon concert for all the family to enjoy starring our Vocals youth choir, Nottingham Community Voices, Nottingham Chamber Singers and a visit from a special someone!

Tickets available to book online (click here) or call 0115 958 9312.


 

As it’s that time of year when many of us are treated to a school nativity we couldn’t resist sharing this gem. A young choral enthusiast, her school nativity play, and some very enthusiastic singing! 

https://www.classicfm.com/music-news/videos/nativity-girl-singing-loud-village-church/


 

  • Nottingham Symphonic Winds have their family concert “Memorable Moments” at the Albert Hall Nottingham, 11am on Saturday 16 December. It’s a family-friendly concert with a fun quiz for the whole family to enjoy. You will hear classic movie soundtracks from Jurassic Park to Frozen and lots of festive favourites too. Tickets available to book online at: https://nsw.org.uk/nswo_concerts/memorable-moments/

 

Have a great week!

Your friends at MfE.

11/12/2023

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Greetings! What a beautiful, if slightly freezing weekend we have had, we hope you wrapped up warm and enjoyed the snow!

NCS Concert

Nottingham Chamber Singers and Classical Players brought their own sparkle to the weekend with a sumptuous feast of Baroque Advent and Christmas music on Saturday night. We thank the audience for coming out in ‘minus-something’ conditions, but trust that they were warmed with mulled wine, mince pies and the beautiful, joyous strains of Bach, Buxtehude and Handel. Angela Kay led a glittering tour of some of the best bits from Wachet Auf, the Christmas Oratorio and Messiah, and the chorales rang out from St John’s church in Carrington clear and high. One thing’s for sure, we performers were kept warm by the sheer volume of notes sung and played…

…but the fun doesn’t stop there!

Season’s Greeting’s Youth Concert

This weekend it’s time for the MfE youth instrumental groups to present their seasonal end of term concert at Kingswood Methodist Chuch in Wollaton.

Including:

East Midlands Youth String Orchestra

East Midlands Youth Band

Nottingham Youth Band

Nottingham Strictly Strings

Tickets are available here, and we hope to see you there!

Christmas is Coming

This week sees our Daytime Voices community come together to start rehearsals for the big Christmas is Coming! bonanza on Sunday 17th December. There is still space to sign up if you haven’t done so already. Our adults and children will be performing joyful carols and holiday songs along with our orchestra and the Nottingham Chamber Singers, and there will be a visit from a certain special someone. Our Sunday Afternoon Big Band is also making an appearance, so make sure you turn up early for that!

Tickets are available here, so please do bring your family and friends.


The Joyful Jukebox has won Rushcliffe Borough Council and Eon’s Celebrating Rushcliffe Health and Wellbeing Award 2023.  The category was sponsored by Step Up Rehab.

There were a record number, over 350, of nominations received this year and we are very proud that Helen Tooth, who leads our Open Voices Beeston group and is an important member of our singing for health team, for getting shortlisted. She said “winning is just amazing”. The ceremony was held at the Rushcliffe Arena, hosted by Andrew James, and the award was presented by the Mayor of Rushcliffe following a sparkling drinks reception and buffet.

We’re so pleased that Helen received the recognition she deserved for all that she does to support people with Dementia through singing. We are extremely grateful to all of our Open Voices leaders, pianists and volunteers, and to everyone who helps us to raise money so that they can continue to run.


  • This Saturday (9th December), the MfE combined voices will be singing carols in Market Square. Join us in spreading some festive cheer! We will be gathering outside the council house at 09:45.

Have a great week!

Your friends at MfE.

04/12/2023

admin@music-for-everyone.org

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Hello Everyone,

Bandwise and Stringwise were off to a great start this weekend, working on an exciting programme to perform in a Big Youth Experience Concert next weekend at the Albert Hall.


If you’re looking for an uplifting festive concert our chamber choir, the Nottingham Chamber Singers, are performing a joyful selection of Sparkling Baroque music on Saturday 2nd December at St John’s Church, Carrington. Angela Kay is conducting the concert and here she is to tell you a bit more about it!  https://youtu.be/AZo4466aMsQ

To book tickets call the office on 0115 958 9312 or follow this link: https://www.music-for-everyone.org/ncs-sparkling-baroque-booking/

Looking ahead to next year, places are booking up for our next Blow the Dust off your Instrument event (20th Jan) and the ‘Gloria’ Singing Weekend and Concert (27th-28th Jan and 3rd Feb).

There’s time to book if you haven’t already!


Here are a selection of reflective classical works to mark this weekend’s Remembrance Day:

https://www.classicfm.com/discover-music/reflective-classical-music-remembrance-day/


Have a great week!

Your friends at MfE.

13/11/2023

admin@music-for-everyone.org

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Greetings MfE members!

We hope you’ve all kept safe and dry in the recent storms, and that everyone in our regularly rehearsing groups is looking forward to coming back together after the half-term break.

We’ll be excited to hear the fruits of this term’s labours in a couple of weeks at plenty of informal daytime concerts, and hoping that many of you are signing up for our Christmas is Coming! extravaganza.

You can sign-up here or by ringing the office.


This weekend and next, it’s the turn of brilliant young instrumentalists from beginner to advanced, as they will be busy rehearsing for their Big Youth Music Experience, which will be culminating in a grand showcase on Sunday 19th November.

To sign-up for Bandwise click here, and Stringwise click here.


We are pleased to announce the appointment of Phil Houghton, who will be leading MfE’s two Daytime Orchestras in Loughborough and Nottingham from November.

Phil is a freelance conductor, violist and violinist, and received his initial musical training in Leicestershire. After graduating from Trinity College of Music, London, he has had a varied career of playing, teaching and conducting in many styles and genres. He currently conducts LSU Classical in Loughborough, and the Bedworth Symphony Orchestra, and regularly works with other orchestras including The Stratford upon Avon Symphony Orchestra and The Charnwood Orchestra. He was also previously the conductor of the Leicestershire Schools Concert Orchestra.

Phil had his first conducting lessons as a teenager with Robert Mandell, in return for managing the library of his Melachrino Strings Orchestra! He has also had tuition from Peter Stark, who is Professor of Conducting at The Royal College of Music. Phil lives in South Leicestershire with his wife Rebecca and their 3 children.


You’ve likely seen a lot of fireworks around this weekend. If you’d like to add some musical fireworks to this sunny Monday, follow this link for a firework and bonfire themed playlist: Classical music inspired by fire – Classic FM.

It even features the brilliant Chariots of Fire which Bandwise and Stringwise will be performing in their concert on the 19th of November!


  • If you’re free on Saturday 18th November – Charnwood Voices have a fantastic concert lined up for you. With professional soloists performing, it promises to be an inspiring event. See flyer below for more details, and they hope to see you there.

Have a great week!

Your friends at MfE.

06/11/2023

admin@music-for-everyone.org

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Farewell from MfE Director – Moving on to new management roles in the arts

I would like to inform you that I will be moving on from Music for Everyone in the New Year.

I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with the charity, working with such dedicated staff, musicians, volunteers and trustees. I have been blown away with the artistic quality and commitment. I hope I have been able to add a valuable contribution since my appointment last May, and official start in September 2022. I feel we have made a lot of progress in the strategic direction, building partnerships, attracting funding, enjoying a successful season to celebrate the 40th anniversary.

I have secured a new management position at Arts Council England part time, and I have commenced a Development Director role at Kinetika part time.  I look forward to progressing my silk painting practice, with international plans as an artist for 2024 and beyond.

My last day at MfE is 22nd December. I will be working 2 days a week until then.

I wish you all the best for the coming season and into the future.  I hope to see you at one of the weekly sessions or festive concerts very soon.  Thank you once again for welcoming me into this musical family. 

Kind regards

Donna


Christmas Vocals for school years 1 – 8 is open for booking! Bring your young singers along for a festive workshop afternoon on Saturday 16th December at NTU Clifton with songs from Roald Dahl’s musical rendition of Jack and the Beanstalk, and sing under twinkling lights with hits from Disney and Take That.

Book online and find out more information here: https://www.music-for-everyone.org/event/vocals-christmas-is-coming/


 

It’s Halloween tomorrow, so… We’ve come up with our favourite Halloween themed music in an extra-special MfE Halloween playlist! There’s a great variety in here, so you’re bound to find something you enjoy! https://www.music-for-everyone.org/news/mfe-halloween-playlist/


  • Calling flute players! WINDBLOWERS are offering a Pearl Experience Day on Tuesday 7th November here in Nottingham with Liz Walker as Guest Artist and the Pearl resident technician, Rene Tempel, both on site.

More details are available on Windblowers Facebook page, or by contacting Windblowers through the website – www.windblowers.com


Have a great week!

Your friends at MfE.

30/10/2023

admin@music-for-everyone.org

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With the colder weather and the darker nights drawing in this Autumn, why not turn your attention to the “winter warmers” we have in store for you at MfE?  We can all look forward to a festive concert to brighten our spirits.

FESTIVE CONCERTS…

On Sunday 2nd December the Nottingham Chamber Singers and Classical Players will bring you SPARKLING BAROQUE! A concert of joyful and uplifting music for Advent and Christmas, from the ‘Baroque’ period (1600-1750) – with seasonal motets and festive extracts from Bach’s Christmas Oratorio and Handel’s Messiah. Conducted by Angela Kay. 

Tickets: Full £14, Concessions £13, Child/Student £5.

Available online: www.bit.ly/SpBaroque or from the MfE Office.

Season’s Greetings! Join us on Sunday 10th December from 3.30pm at Kingswood Methodist Church, Wollaton for a varied programme, where MfE’s youth groups present their end of term concert, featuring the Nottingham and East Midlands Youth Bands, Nottingham Strictly Strings and the East Midlands Youth String Orchestra. Conducted by Claire Franklin, Tamaki Higashi and Mike Shaw.  

Tickets: Full £9, Concessions £8, Child/Student £5.

Available online: Season’s Greetings Concert (music-for-everyone.org) or from the MfE Office.

For a traditional afternoon Christmas concert for all ages, perhaps Christmas is Coming! is the concert for you, on Sunday 17th December from 3.30pm at the Albert Hall in Nottingham. With well known carols and seasonal songs performed by the Children’s Vocals choir and Nottingham Community Voices, there is something for everyone. Even a special appearance from Father Christmas.

Tickets: Full £15, £12, £10. Concession £14, £11, £9. Child/Student £5.

Available online: Music For Everyone (savoysystems.co.uk) or from the MfE Office.


 

On Saturday our World Drumming group performed to a packed audience at the Middle Street Resource centre as part of the Oxjam festival. Don’t worry if you missed them, they will be performing again at Beeston’s Light Night on 04 November.  More information to follow.


Don’t forget to book for “Blow the Dust off your Instrument” Orchestral Playing Day on Saturday 20th January 2024 at the Albert Hall, Nottingham from 10.00am to 5.30pm. Tickets are selling fast!

Sign-Up online here: Music For Everyone (savoysystems.co.uk) or contact the MfE Office on 01159589312.


  • A Bradford Primary school wants the world to know how they have improved school results by adding…no…not extra maths lessons…but extra music lessons!

Read the full article in the Guardian here: Improve school results with extra music sessions – The Guardian article


Have a great week!

Your friends at MfE.

16/10/2023

admin@music-for-everyone.org

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It’s going to be a busy week for MfE, with not one, not two, but EIGHT Daytime groups starting their new term. Plus there is the beautiful Chamber Singers concert to look forward to on Saturday evening at St Barnabas Cathedral, 8pm start – tickets on the door!

For more information see the attached flyer, or click here: https://www.music-for-everyone.org/event/ncs-concert/

The youth groups, all Open Voices groups, Sunday Afternoon Big Band and Flute Choir and Nottingham Chamber Singers have all started their new seasons, with the World Drumming starting next week (26th Sept). See a full weekly schedule below.

To find out more about any of these groups and how to join, please contact the office.

The next BANDWISE & STRINGWISE workshop is open for young musicians to join! We’re so excited to see many young wind, brass, percussion and string players taking part this November. Over the last few years the combined concert has been a magnificent affair with more than 150 young players all coming together to share the music making.

Bandwise: 11 & 19 November, young wind, brass and percussion grade 2+

https://www.music-for-everyone.org/event/byme-bandwise-2023/

Stringwise: 12 & 19 November, young string players from beginners


 

We’ve been ‘musing’ on the fantastic music chosen for the NFC workshop day in October with Sam Evans. Interesting fact about the operetta by Franz Lehár The Merry Widow – did you know Lehár was not the first choice to compose the music? Richard Heuberger was asked first, but his draft was deemed ‘unsatisfactory’ and he left the project.

The Vilja Song is one of the most well-known pieces from the score, if you’re not familiar, take a listen here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4366WDO3jhU


 


 

Have a great week!

Your friends at MfE.

18/09/2023

admin@music-for-everyone.org

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New term

At MfE, we are looking forward to a new Autumn term full of concerts, courses and of course, our weekly groups.

Information about all our Adult groups is now listed on the website, including first rehearsal dates in September.

Sign-up for any of our groups by clicking here

NCS Concert

Nottingham Chamber Singers have a fantastic concert coming up on the 23rd September at St Barnabas Cathedral, Nottingham. Including a great variety from Franck’s grand and sparkling Psalm 150, to the brooding pre-war angst of Lili Boulanger’s Pie Jesu and Elgar’s achingly beautiful Sospiri, we aim to give you a flavour of the styles and sensibilities of some of the greatest Romantics of the 19th and 20th Centuries.

Relax into Faure’s well-known and beloved cantique de Jean Racine, and lose yourself in the ancient chants that expand and unfurl in Maurice Duruflé’s uplifting Quatre Motets. The second half of the concert will be devoted to Duruflé’s profoundly moving and deeply consoling Requiem, a work you will be guaranteed to fall in love with as the melodies linger long afterwards in your memory.

Tickets are available to book online here or by calling the office on 0115 9589312.


 

Today, 21st August, is Lili Boulanger’s birthday – one of the composers featured in the NCS concert on 23rd September. A French composer and the first female winner of the Prix de Rome composition prize for her cantata Faust et Hélène, NCS will be performing her work Pie Jesu, which she completed towards the end of her life and is scored for high voice, string quartet, harp and organ.

You’ll have to wait until September to hear Pie Jesu, but have a listen to the ‘prize winning’ composition Faust et Hélène here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3BQgfSfMG4E


 

  • Did you know about the operatic origins of Old MacDonalds’ nursery rhyme, where the cows go boo instead of moo? Click the link below and rethink everything you know about Old Macdonald!

What are the lyrics to ‘Old MacDonald Had a Farm’, the beloved nursery rhyme with… – Classic FM


 

Have a great week!

Your friends at MfE.

21/08/2023

admin@music-for-everyone.org

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