Festival of Music - Education Programme

Ipswich School's annual Festival of Music Education Programme encourages young people to make music, and not only improves their musical skills but also their imagination and creativity. 

This year, our Education Programme involved the British Army Band Colchester, Polly Gibbons & James Pearson, London Community Gospel Choir and The Alkyona Quartet. 

Background

The Education Programme - part of our Festival of Music is a unique and essential part of the festival. It gives children the chance to hear from some of the world's top musicians and to hear live music at its best. 

The Education Programme has involved over 6,000 children and young people since it started. They have taken part in workshops, listened to concerts, received valuable instruction in small masterclasses and been able to perform alongside world class acts in the festival concerts. 

We have a vibrant and lively Music Faculty at Ipswich School and we firmly believe that keeping music live has to be the best way to inspire young people to play instruments. 

Resources

The Education Programme this year took place at Ipswich School. Members of the school faculty were on hand throughout each of the days alongside the professional musicians and singers. 

Thursday 29 September - London Community Gospel Choir ran lively and enjoyable singing workshops for primary school children. 

Thursday 6 October - British Army Band Colchester performed a concert to 250 primary school children. 

Saturday 8 October - London Community Gospel Choir led a workshop for singers from the local Ipswich area. Those involved learnt about the heritage of Gospel singing, and prepared songs of which they performed in the evening concert. 

Monday 10 October - The Alkyona Quartet worked with young string players from Year 3 - 7, and then followed this with a short concert. 

Pupil Involvement

Pupils from Ipswich School and Ipswich Prep were involved in the Education Programme, from those in Year 4 up to Year 13. 

From our partner schools, the pupils were in Years 4 - 5. 

Frequency

The Festival of Music Education Programme takes place annual, every October.