#MfEMonday - 22nd September 2025

September saw the start of an exciting new chapter for Music for Everyone with Rachel Parkes taking on the role of Artistic Director.

Many of you will already know Rachel who joined the MfE team just over 5 years ago. You may have seen her conducting one of our many groups, performing as soprano soloist, playing her French horn in various ensembles or serving refreshments at the summer school! We are delighted to have Rachel at the helm and excited about how she will shape the future of Music for Everyone.

Rachel Says: ‘I’m so thrilled to be carrying on the good work of Music for Everyone as Artistic Director, and I look forward to seeing you all at various groups, events and concerts over the coming months.’

Last Monday we celebrated our ‘Supporters’ and volunteers at a special evening at the University of Nottingham. MfE chairman Dave Hatherly interviewed our new Artistic Director, Rachel Parkes, about her musical journey, including insights into her experience as a founder member of Voces8.

During the evening Angela Kay paid tribute to ex-MfE chair and Bookwise founder and chair, Andrew James to whom Music for Everyone owes so much.

We were joined by mezzo-soprano Emily Hodkinson who gave a stunning performance accompanied by Angela Foan on piano. Emily is an alumni of our Youth Voices choir and is now enjoying a successful career as an opera singer – last year she made her Glyndebourne solo debut!

The event was our way of saying a heartfelt “thank you” to all who have dedicated their time and energy to supporting MfE over the past year. For information about how to become a Supporter please click here.

Our Youth groups have now had their first rehearsals back and sounding great already!

If you know any young musicians who might like to come and join a group send them the link to find out more: Youth Music Groups & Courses | Music for Everyone

Youth music workshops now booking:

Bandwise and Stringwise events – 8th/9th and 16^th November

Vocals Christmas singing event – 13^th and 14^th December

Bake Off fever has returned to the MfE office, with the hot topic of debate being the ‘missing raspberry’ from the title sequence of the show – where do you stand? The original theme to The Great British Bake Off, music composed by Tom Howe, feels delightfully familiar from the moment you hear it. It goes like this: https://youtu.be/VSVMcM9uA24?feature=shared

Here are some more pieces of music inspired to get you baking!

Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_W1F4YVmV8Y

‘Cakes and Ale’ from the Suite on English Folk Tunes (Britten): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZEAbV2-RJMY

Sweeney Todd (Worst Pies in London): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eVI6pGfHB2c

Do you play the Trombone, Viola, Cello or Double Bass? If so, the Boots Orchestra would love to hear from you! This friendly orchestra has been rehearsing and performing in Nottingham, since the 1950’s (initially started for Boots employees, but now open to all amateur musicians). Rehearsals take place every Tuesday (term time only) at the Boots complex in Beeston and they host 3 concerts a year for charity. You can come along for 3 rehearsals to see how you get on before committing to join and subs are very reasonable.

Find out more at https://bootsorchestra.co.uk/

Charnwood Orchestra ‘Chamber Miracles’ concert:

Saturday 27th September, Holy Trinity Church, LE12 8HP

https://www.charnwoodorchestra.org.uk/_images/2025-26/SEPT%202526%20JPEG%20FLYER.jpg

Have a great week!

Your friends at MfE

22/09/2025

admin@music-for-everyone.org

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

10 Goose Gate | Hockley | NG1 1FF

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