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

10 Goose Gate | Hockley | NG1 1FF

#MfEMonday – 17th July 2023

17th July 2023 Music for Everyone

Thank you for all your contributions to the Founder’s Artistic Development Fund and a gift for Angela Kay. The amounts raised were presented to Angela at Belton House this yesterday ahead of the Nottingham Chamber Singer’s performance.

We are happy to announce that the total amount raised so far for the Founder’s Fund is an incredible £11,591.25!

If you would like to donate, all the information can be found on this page: https://www.music-for-everyone.org/founders-fund/

Music for Everyone members and friends also collected £2,257.26 as a gift for Angela, thanking her for all her hard work over the years.

The presentation also included a guest book, signed by performers and audience members of the 40^th Celebration concerts earlier in July.

Sadly, due to the rain an outdoor concert wasn’t to be.

The singers still had a chance to enjoy the courtyard during the presentation before escaping the wet weather and preparing for their performances.

The concerts themselves took place in The Saloon – a grand room on the ground floor of the house where music has been performed since 1688!

Last week we also had two fantastic concerts from our Daytime Orchestras. Thank you as always to Josh for a wonderful concert!

Did you catch the first night of the proms? The programme included Sibelius’ Finlandia, which will also be included in our upcoming summer school programme too!

There’s still time to sign up by following the link below or calling the office: Course: Summer School 2023 (music-for-everyone.org)

We also have places for a special saxophone ensemble workshop on Monday 7th August at our Summer School.

Please follow the link for more details and booking info: https://www.music-for-everyone.org/event/saxophone-ensemble-workshop/

Google’s new game turns you into a cello-playing AI bird and it’s highly addictive. Have a go: www.classicfm.com/music-news/google-cello-ai-bird-game/

Have a great week!

Your friends at MfE.

17/07/2023

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

10 Goose Gate | Hockley | NG1 1FF

See: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/nottinghamshire-lincolnshire/belton-house

#MfEMonday – 10th July 2023

10th July 202310th July 2023 Music for Everyone

You might have thought the 40th celebration weekend ended the season, but no! The next MfE event is this coming Sunday, 16 July 2023, in the stunningly beautiful setting of Belton House, just north of Grantham, with two performances by the Nottingham Chamber Singers: 1.30pm and 3.00pm.

Each 45 minute programme will be light and varied – from madrigals to the Beatles! The location of the two performances is weather dependant, but both indoor and outdoor options have been arranged.

So why not have a day out and enjoy Belton’s wonderful and extensive gardens and grounds? Take a picnic or buy lunch there, have a go in the adventure playground (a favourite with children), spot the location of various scenes from the BBC’s adaptation of Pride and Prejudice and enjoy the music!

Fine weather locations:

1.30pm in the Courtyard where you’ll find shops and the Stables Cafe – grab lunch, a drink or an ice cream and enjoy the singing.

3.00pm on the REAR steps of the house itself, overlooking the beautiful garden. You’ll find a few deckchairs there and grass to sit on, or you might even get lucky and claim one of the hidden benches – look in the low hedging!

Wet weather locations: at either 1.30pm and or 3.00pm

The Saloon – a grand room on the ground floor of the house. Enter via the front door. While we hope it will be a sunny day, it would be quite something for choir and audience to gather in the room where music has been performed since 1688!

Belton belongs to the National Trust. Parking and entry is free to members showing their cards. Otherwise, tickets can be bought in advance or in the entry kiosk.

Belton House | Lincolnshire

National Trust’s Belton House, Lincolnshire, is a country estate with formal Italian and Dutch gardens, and historic deer park.

www.nationaltrust.org.uk

See you there!

There are still places left on our Summer School this August (7th – 9th at Trent College) and we also have a special saxophone ensemble workshop on Monday 7th August with Naomi Sullivan for any sax players who would like to take part.

Please follow the link for more details and booking info: https://www.music-for-everyone.org/event/saxophone-ensemble-workshop/

Saxophone Ensemble Workshop

With Naomi Sullivan

www.music-for-everyone.org

Come along and support the Daytime Orchestras in their free concerts this week!
- Loughborough: Tuesday 11^th July – 11.30am
- All Saints Church, Steeple Row, Loughborough LE11 1UX

- Nottingham: Thursday 13th July – 11.30am
- St Martin’s Church, Trevose Gardens, Sherwood NG5 3FU

If you’ve been getting into Wimbledon fever, check out these 10 links between tennis and classical music!

https://www.classical-music.com/features/articles/tennis-and-classical-music/

Have a great week!

Your friends at MfE.

10/07/2023

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

10 Goose Gate | Hockley | NG1 1FF

#MfEMonday – 4th July 2023

5th July 2023 Music for Everyone

Everyone at Music for Everyone is still on a high from this weekend’s magnificent 40th anniversary celebrations!

Nearly 1000 people descended on the Albert Hall to celebrate 40 years of music making, recounting many highs from the last four decades and looking forward to the next four.

On Saturday, we celebrated our youth programme, with hundreds of young people taking part in an impressive concert.

Earlier in the day, celebrated folk violinist and MfE alumnus Sam Sweeney led a workshop with our youth string players, the fruits of which raised the roof in the afternoon concert.

Also featured were our Youth Bands, Vocals choir, Strictly Strings training orchestra, and a wonderful line up of ‘big kids’ — alumni youth participants who returned as adult players to share in the day.

On Sunday, members of our Daytime Voices choirs, the Nottingham Chamber Singers, Nottingham and Loughborough Daytime Orchestras, Nottingham Concert Orchestra, Big Band and Flute Choir, were amassed to give a triumphant concert featuring excerpts from favoured programmes from the last 40 years.

This included works by Brahms, Handel, Freddie Mercury and, excitingly, the world premiere of a new fanfare by composer Libby Croad.

Sunday’s concert was rounded off with a performance of the Hallelujah Chorus, conducted by our incoming artistic director Alex Robinson.

We proceeded to finish this fantastic weekend with celebratory tea and cake, after a special moment on stage with Angela Kay.

Thank you and well done to everyone who participated and made the weekend so extremely special!

Did you see our Exhibition this weekend? Showcasing Music for Everyone’s history over the past four decades, it was great to see so many wonderful memories.
Thank you to Minder and everyone who helped make such a special display.

Have a great week!

Your friends at MfE.

04/07/2023

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

10 Goose Gate | Hockley | NG1 1FF

#MfEMonday – 5th June 2023

5th June 2023 Music for Everyone

We hope you have been enjoying the sunshine recently! It is a busy time for us all at MfE, as we gear up for an exciting summer of concerts, courses and workshops.

Don’t forget to book for the FAMILY SING, which is happening this Sunday 11 June from 2.00pm to 5.00pm at The Grange in Radcliffe on Trent. The whole family is invited to take part. It promises to be an uplifting experience, open to all keen singers aged 5+ (children must be accompanied by an adult). You will be singing favourites like ‘Celebration’ by Kool and the Gang and ‘Under the Sea’ from the Little Mermaid.

Special guests Pure Steel and our new Steel Pan ensemble will also be performing on the day. There will be an opportunity to ‘have a go’ at playing steel pan.

Full details and booking link here: https://www.music-for-everyone.org/event/family-sing-workshop/

NEW PROJECT CO-ORDINATOR – We are pleased to announce the appointment of Minder Kaur Athwal as our new Project Co-ordinator, supporting the 40^th Anniversary season. Minder is helping the team to deliver the 1^st and 2^nd July celebration events, as well as collating the exhibition for the Albert Hall. We would like to thank Arts Council England for enabling this appointment and we welcome Minder on board.

BLOW THE DUST OFF YOUR INSTRUMENT is on Saturday 17 June – places are still available and we particularly welcome applications from bassoon, viola and brass players. Items include Edward Elgar’s rousing Imperial March Op.32 and Queen’s iconic rock anthem We are the Champions. Find out full details and book online here: https://www.music-for-everyone.org/event/blow-the-dust-off-your-instrument-3/ or contact the office on 0115 9589312.

TONY KOFI will be leading a special workshop with the Sunday Afternoon Music group, for those who wish to attend. Tony is a jazz multi-instrumentalist born of Ghanaian parents, player of Alto, Baritone, Soprano, Tenor saxophones and flute. This closed workshop has been made possible through Arts Council England’s National Lottery Project Grants.

SUMMER SCHOOL – Monday 7^th to Wednesday 9^th August at Trent College, Long Eaton. Three days of shared music making with workshops for intermediate and advanced musicians aged 16+.

A MUSICAL CELEBRATION – 40^th Anniversary Weekend 1 – 2 July 2023. Come and be part of Music for Everyone’s 40^th birthday celebrations. Youth groups and invited alumni will perform on 1^st July at 3.30pm. The combined Daytime Voices, Daytime Orchestras, Festival Chorus and Concert Orchestra will perform on Sunday 2^nd July at 3.30pm at the Albert Hall

Book tickets for the concert now!

1^st July: Spotlight on Youth https://www.music-for-everyone.org/event/a-musical-celebration-spotlight-on-youth/

2^nd July: Musical Celebration https://www.music-for-everyone.org/event/a-musical-celebration-concert/

Have a go at this fun quiz! https://www.classicfm.com/lifestyle/quizzes/answer-only-music-notes/

Have a great week!

Your friends at MfE.

05/06/2023

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

10 Goose Gate | Hockley | NG1 1FF

#MfEMondays – Keeping in Touch

26th July 202126th July 2021 Music for Everyone

KEEPING IN TOUCH

Hello everyone,

In two weeks’ time, just over 100 singers and players will be gathering at Trent College, Long Eaton to enjoy our annual Summer School.

Our recitalists this year include international folk violinist super star Sam Sweeney, virtuoso clarinettist Chris Swann and accomplished pianist Richard Cox. Add to the mix guest conductors Hilary Campbell (https://www.hilarycampbell.com) and Robert Hodge (https://www.robert-hodge.com) and you have a great music-making recipe!

There are still a few places available – please visit our website for further details. https://www.music-for-everyone.org/event/summer-school-2021

Have a good week.

With all best wishes

Angela

We may have missed World Chocolate Day (how did that pass us by?!) on 7 July, but as a late celebration, see how the first playable flute constructed entirely from chocolate was made! https://www.classicfm.com/discover-music/instruments/flute/actual-playable-flute-made-of-chocolate/

Have a good week!

Your friends at MfE.

26/07/2021

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 motivational moments for your Mondays! We are aiming to send out something new each week.

#MfEMonday – Keeping in Touch

28th June 2021 Music for Everyone

Hello everyone

We were all so terribly sorry that we couldn’t go ahead with the planned Singing Workshop on Sunday because of possible Covid infection amongst the artistic staff. I’m sure you’ll be pleased to know that only one person has tested positive (and is only experiencing mild symptoms) and everyone else is fine. Thank you so much for your understanding – we will let you know ASAP if we are able to go ahead with the possible re-arranged date of 24^thJuly.

But music did take place on Sunday! Our Nottingham Youth Band entertained the shoppers at the Sunday Market held at The Garage, Chilwell (former home of Bartons Transport). Here are a few photos capturing the atmosphere of the occasion – as you can see, a good time was had by all!

JOB VACANCY

Some of you might already know that Gill Henshaw, our Principal Woodwind animateur and conductor of the Daytime Orchestras, Blow the Dust workshop and our Summer School wind band is leaving MfE to return to full time teaching. We will all be very sorry to see Gill go – but you’ll be pleased to know she is not waving ‘goodbye’ completely – hooray! She is hoping to be able to return to conduct some of our workshops and also play in our Concert Orchestra.

So we are looking for a replacement Principal Animateur – it could be a wind or string player (or ideally both). Attached is a PDF of the job advert. Please spread the word to anyone you know who might be interested. Details can be found on the attached PDF or from our websitehttps://www.music-for-everyone.org/about-us/vacancies

Have a good week

With all best wishes

Angela

Did you ever wonder what birdsong looks like written down? Music teacher Alexander Liebermann has been transcribing animal noises and uses it for ear training! (We like the penguins!)https://x.facebook.com/watch/?v=431755994630976&_rdr

Have a good week!

Your friends at MfE.

28/06/2021

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

10Goose Gate | Hockley | NG1 1FF

*Support us witheasyfundraiser*

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

If you can’t view this email properly or you would like to unsubscribe fromfuture #MfEMonday emails, please get in touch.

#MfEMonday – Keeping in Touch

15th March 2021 Music for Everyone

KEEPING IN TOUCH

Hello everyone

HOORAY – we have events happening at Nottingham’s Albert Hall!

For SINGERS – an exhilarating workshop day on Sunday 27th June. Click here for full details about the course and how to enrol.

https://www.music-for-everyone.org/event/summer-singing-workshop-day

For INSTRUMENTALISTS – an enjoyable playing workshop on Saturday 10th July. Full details on our website – just click here.

https://www.music-for-everyone.org/event/blow-the-dust-off-your-instrument-3

For FAMILIES – an afternoon of fun singing for all the family! Sunday 23rd May. Full details available next week.

These dates have been chosen to follow the Covid Regulations as outlined in the ‘Government’s COVID-19 Response – Spring 2021’ published on 22 February 2021. We will, of course, ensure that all events are Covid secure and should any workshop need to be postponed due to any extension of these regulations then full refunds will be given.

We are very much looking forward to welcoming you to an MfE event very soon.

With all best wishes

Angela

Former ballerina with Alzheimer’s hears Swan Lake. The power of music – uplifting and moving, get your tissues ready! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OT8AdwV0Vkw
We recently shared with you how shopping with Easyfundraising can support MfE, but did you know you can also shop on Amazon through Amazon Smile with the same effect! This link will take you straight to the Amazon homepage and you can check your selected charity from the menu items on the left side towards the top of the page – thank you to all those already supporting us! https://smile.amazon.co.uk/ch/1153412-0

Have a good week!

Your friends at MfE.

15/03/2021

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

10 Goose Gate | Hockley | NG1 1FF

#MfEMonday – National Anthems from around the World

23rd September 201923rd September 2019 Music for Everyone

With this week seeing the start of the 2019 Rugby World Cup (did you see England play yesterday?!) here are some interesting facts about some of the National Anthems you might come across!

National anthems are generally played on national holidays, but it was Wales who were the first country to start the close connection with sporting events, during a rugby game against New Zealand in 1905.

Mexico – in 1853, Mexico held a contest to see who could write the most inspiring poem to serve as the lyrics for their official national anthem. A poet’s girlfriend tried to get him to enter, but he wasn’t interested, so she locked him in a room filled with pictures of scenes from Mexican history until he came up with something. His ten verse poem went on to become the national anthem and the girlfriend went on to become the wife!

France – while lots of national anthems are about the glory of a nationhood or liberation, ‘La Marseillaise’ should come with a parental warning with gory references to blood soaked flags and soldiers slitting throats… nice.

Japan (hosts of the Rugby World Cup) – ‘Kimigayo’ is one of the oldest anthems in the world with lyrics dating back to (somewhere) around 800. A short and operatic anthem, this tune uses a pentatonic scale. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=29FFHC2D12Q

Switzerland – the ‘Swiss Psalm’ has different lyrics for each of the countries four official languages: French, German, Italian and Romansh.

What do you do during your lunch break? Not getting a proper break away from your desk? A SINGING break has a host of fabulous benefits, and could help you get through the rest of your afternoon too! The Nottingham Lunchtime Voices meets every Tuesday lunchtime at the Royal Concert Hall in Nottingham city centre, especially designed for workers who need a break! http://www.music-for-everyone.org/whats-on/adult-music/workers-lunchtime-choir/
Have you ever heard of a Hornucopian dronepipe? Or (my personal favourite) the Hyperbass Flute? Yes that’s right, they’re all instruments! Weird ones, but instruments none the less… click here to see the 13 weirdest musical instruments ever (electronic badger anyone?)

Have a good week!

Your friends at MfE.

23/09/2019

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

10 Goose Gate | Hockley | NG1 1FF

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

#MfEMonday – All things Strings!

16th September 201916th September 2019 Music for Everyone

Our new season is getting off to a great start with all of our regular rehearsing groups getting back together for the new season. This weekend saw three of our Youth Groups starting again – East Midlands Youth String Orchestra – conductor Richard Howarth, Strictly Strings – conductor Abi Smith and the East Midlands Youth Windband – conductor Phil Smith. All three groups met at NTU, Clifton at 2:00 yesterday afternoon and more information can be found on our website – https://www.music-for-everyone.org/whats-on/youth-music/

For those interested in stringed instruments, the first clear record of a
violin-like instrument comes from paintings by Gaudenzio Ferrrari. In his Madonna of the Orange Tree, painted 1530, a cherub is seen playing a bowed instrument which clearly has the hallmarks of violins. A few years later, on a fresco inside the cupola of the church of Madonna dei Miracoli in Saronno angels play three instruments of the violin family, corresponding to violin, viola and cello. The instruments Ferrari depicts have bulging front and back plates, strings which feed into peg-boxes with side pegs, and f-holes. They do not have frets. The only real difference between these instruments and the modern violin is that Ferrari’s have three strings, and a rather more extravagant curved shape.

Horsehair graces the bow for violins and cellos, and each bow has about 150 individual hairs. Horsehair has many small bumps that cannot be seen with the naked eye, and those bumps create the friction that produces the characteristic subtle weeping tone of the violin. The most popular horsehair, which is said to produce a good tone, is white horsehair from Mongolia.

Yet, this claim seems based mostly on the fact that horse breeding is a bustling industry in Mongolia, and their horses have relatively long, bushy tails for their height, making them a perfect source of horsehair. Yet, the horse sacrifices the hair of his tail for the sake of the tone of the violin, which is a bit sad. Who was it that said that when they play the violin they can hear the braying of a horse?

A double bass player arrived a few minutes late for the first rehearsal of the local choral society’s annual performance of Handel’s Messiah. He picked up his instrument and bow and turned his attention to the conductor. The conductor asked, “Would you like a moment to tune?” The bass player replied with some surprise, “Why? Isn’t it the same as last year?”

Have a good week!

Your friends at MfE.

16/09/2019

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

10 Goose Gate | Hockley | NG1 1FF