Summer School 2024 – Calling trumpet and bassoon players! We still have a few places left for these instruments on this years Summer School, 5th – 7th August at Trent College, Long Eaton. Places for other instruments and singers are filling up fast, but do get in touch if you are interested to go on the waiting list in case of cancellations: https://www.music-for-everyone.org/event/summer-school-2024/

Events for our next season are open for booking! The next BANDWISE and STRINGWISE workshops are on 9th & 10th November, open to all young woodwind, brass, percussion and string players. The joint concert on 17th November takes place at Nottingham’s Albert Hall. Find out more via the links below.

Bandwise: https://www.music-for-everyone.org/event/byme-bandwise-nov24/

Stringwise: https://www.music-for-everyone.org/event/byme-stringwise-nov24/


On Friday our Open Voices Sherwood singers treated a packed St Martin’s to a semi-staged performance of Oliver!  With costumes, staging, drama and excellent singing, it was quite the spectacular.

Well done to Cliff, Vic, and all the volunteers, members and carers.


 

Did you catch the First Night of the Proms on Friday? You may have seen Director of BBC Symphony Chorus Neil Ferris take a bow as chorus master of the thrilling performance, including Handel’s Music for Royal Fireworks. If you missed it, you can catch up on all the proms through BBC iPlayer: https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m00216m5/bbc-proms-2024-first-night-of-the-proms

We are delighted to announce that Neil Ferris will be joining us for a choral workshop day at NTU Clifton on 28th June 2025, a date for your diary – not to be missed!


 

Nottingham Lunchtime Voices dates for the Autumn term have now been published on our website and booking is open if you would like to reserve your place for the coming term. Find all the info here: https://www.music-for-everyone.org/whats-on/adult-music/workers-lunchtime-choir/


Have a great week!

Your friends at MfE

22/07/2024

admin@music-for-everyone.org

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

10 Goose Gate | Hockley | NG1 1FF

Like us on Facebook

Follow us on Twitter

Follow us on Instagram

*Support us with easyfundraiser*

What a fun-packed musical weekend!

On Saturday evening the Nottingham Chamber Singers and Angela Kay brought a floral bouquet of music to St Mary’s Church in Bunny with their entertaining programme of evocative part songs, colourful folk-songs and foot tapping swing numbers. Accompanied by the wonderful Angela Foan and joined by violinists Isobel Bounford, Sarah Trevers and flautist Dave Hatherly it was perfect for a sunny summer’s evening.

There was a great buzz in Beeston on Sunday at our first Family Festival. Lots of you got involved with so much going on including drumming workshops, lullaby bank, Open Voices and Family Sing sessions. The sun made an appearance and the beautiful garden at Middle Street Resource Centre was filled with a great variety of stalls and performances from folk bands to ‘a cappella’ group the Ooh La La’s. A special thanks to our Youth Bands, Daytime Voices and the many volunteers who made the day such a success. For those of you who missed it, here are a few photos to give you a flavour!


Following on from so much birdsong in the concert on Saturday and in the garden at our Family Festival yesterday it got us thinking about music inspired by our feathered friends.

We bet you can think of lots of suggestions but follow the link below if you’re stuck for ideas!

https://www.classicfm.com/discover-music/classical-music-inspired-by-birdsong/


What is your favourite birdsong? Perhaps a blackbird, song thrush, nightingale even?! If you’re a fan of Springwatch you might have seen the presenters get very excited the moment a nightjar interrupted the live broadcast: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p0j0xyrj

Or maybe you prefer this lockdown version of blackbird from our very own Rachel Parkes: https://youtu.be/FQpcXqzic6I?si=ScDAPRwC-aU8j04Z


Have a great week!

Your friends at MfE

10/06/2024

admin@music-for-everyone.org

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

10 Goose Gate | Hockley | NG1 1FF

A recent article from Chad online about our Open Voices Mansfield group:


A MANSFIELD-BASED group making a difference to people’s lives through the creativity and enjoyment of music is celebrating its first birthday.

Open Voices, whose weekly music sessions are particularly suitable for adults with learning disabilities, allows people to connect through singing or simply listening.

Singer and pianist Cliff McArdle, who leads the sociable sessions said: “It’s such a privilege to lead everyone in singing fun songs and occasionally watching someone visibly blossom as a massive smile crosses their face. You just know you’re seeing them achieve something new. It’s lovely to see them enjoying themselves”

Mansfield Open Voices is one of four groups across Nottinghamshire run by the charity Music for Everyone as part of its health and wellbeing programme.

Open to all, the group meets at Portland College on Fridays from 1.45pm to 3.15pm.

It would welcome more members, including volunteers. Volunteer helper Rosanne Richardson said: “I wasn’t at all sure what to expect at Mansfield Open Voices when I was first going to help out, but it didn’t take many minutes to realise what a happy fun group it is. Songs with actions are particularly popular.”

Among the guests at the first birthday celebrations were Mansfield mayor Andy Abrahams and trustees of Music for Everyone.

John Hess, chairman of the trustees, said: “It is quite astonishing what has and is still being achieved. Our numbers of participants and different groups are growing as people recognise the joy of music in their lives. We believe music participation should be on socail prescription.!

For more information about Mansfield Open Voices, email Andy at newstart@portland.ac.uk or call 01623 499111 or visit www.music-for-everyone.org

We are back! The MfE Summer Term has now started with our weekly groups restarting this week.

Bandwise and Stringwise

We had a fantastic 2 days of music with Bandwise and Stringwise at South Nottinghamshire Academy this weekend! Over 160 young musicians came together for the bands on Saturday and strings on Sunday to prepare for their concert next weekend at Nottingham’s Albert Hall – looking forward to hearing their performances!

Did you see any of the London Marathon yesterday? With the incredible sporting achievements of the runners and just under 100 days until the Paris Olympics, we’ve got sports on the brain! With our Summer School theme as Olympics this year, we can’t wait to continue ….. To find out more about our Summer School and to book, click here.


  • Open Voices Beeston are looking for people to help with their refreshment breaks. If you have a free hour on a Tuesday morning to help serve drinks, please get in touch with the office at admin@music-for-everyone.org

Have a great week!

Your friends at MfE

22/04/2024

admin@music-for-everyone.org

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

10 Goose Gate | Hockley | NG1 1FF

Like us on Facebook

Follow us on Twitter

Follow us on Instagram

*Support us with easyfundraiser*


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

admin@music-for-everyone.org

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

10 Goose Gate | Hockley | NG1 1FF

Like us on Facebook

Follow us on Twitter

Follow us on Instagram

*Support us with easyfundraiser*

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

admin@music-for-everyone.org

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

10 Goose Gate | Hockley | NG1 1FF

Like us on Facebook

Follow us on Twitter

Follow us on Instagram

*Support us with easyfundraiser*

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

admin@music-for-everyone.org

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

10 Goose Gate | Hockley | NG1 1FF

Like us on Facebook

Follow us on Twitter

Follow us on Instagram

*Support us with easyfundraiser*

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

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

10 Goose Gate | Hockley | NG1 1FF

Like us on Facebook

Follow us on Twitter

Follow us on Instagram

*Support us with easyfundraiser*

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

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

10 Goose Gate | Hockley | NG1 1FF

Like us on Facebook

Follow us on Twitter

Follow us on Instagram

*Support us with easyfundraiser*

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

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

10 Goose Gate | Hockley | NG1 1FF

Like us on Facebook

Follow us on Twitter

Follow us on Instagram

*Support us with easyfundraiser*