Southampton Music Hub ensembles, Airplay and Fusion Brass, came together for a weekend of music and team building at Braeside in Wiltshire in the middle of May.

Zoe Hunting, Ensembles Manager at Southampton Music Hub, says:

“It is really lovely to see our ensembles working together and giving Southampton's young musicians such amazing opportunities outside their normal weekly rehearsals.”

Anna Robinson, Director of Airplay, says:

“It was great for Airplay and Fusion to have the opportunity to play together as a band and get to know one another socially. It was enjoyable for all involved, so much so we are now rebranding the joint band with the name F.A.B band (Fusion Airplay Band). I am sure this is going to be the first of many concerts and events Airplay and Fusion unite for.”

Some of the young musicians also shared their experiences:

“The balance between music and socializing was great and the facilities were great too!”

“The food was absolutely glorious and I loved the jacket potatoes.”

‘“It was an unmissable, musical experience.”

“The climbing wall was very fun (and scary!) I also enjoyed Bushcraft.”

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On Saturday 21 May, young musicians from the FolkActive Youth Ensemble (FAYE) wowed audiences in St. Lawrence's Church with two gigs as part of the Winchester MayFest. They performed the entire set from memory, which included some smaller group performances and step dancing, led by the wonderful Jo Harmer.

In between gigs the ensemble got to enjoy the sights and sounds of MayFest, where the streets of Winchester are alive with different types of morris dance, sword dancing, clog dancing and Appalachian dancing.

Ensemble director Chris Nichols says:

“FAYE performed superbly on Saturday. Their joy and enthusiasm in both sets was infectious, and they left both audiences smiling and wanting more. I can't wait to get stuck into our final two sessions in preparation for the showcase gig in July.”

On Sunday 22 May the newly formed Music Hub Festival Choir performed at MAST Mayflower Studios’ big birthday bash. The choir performed  'It's Our Jubilee' , the hubs newly commissioned song to celebrate the queen's jubilee. 

The choir was formed of community members and representatives from 14 schools across the city. 

Composer Jo Downs, who also sang in the choir says:

“It was wonderful to see my song coming to life. I loved the inclusion of signing in the performance and I was blown away by the standard of singing after two rehearsals.”

Akindu, one of the singers, says:

“It was really good fun to sing at the concert. I really liked the jubilee song.”

Southampton Music Hub was delighted to work with several schools and colleges across the city to welcome the judges to Southampton on both Friday 13 and Monday 16 May. Both performances were the culmination of hours of workshops with the schools and colleges and a fantastic example of collaboration and partnership, an important part of the City of Culture Bid.

On Friday we were joined by Bitterne Park Secondary and St Anne's Catholic School along with students from Richard Taunton's Sixth Form College and Southampton University at Southampton Airport in the Signature Hanger. As the head and deputy head judge disembarked from their plane, they were treated to a rousing rendition of 'Oh When The Saints' - a proper Southampton welcome!

Monday saw Mount Pleasant Junior School Choir welcome Lord Parksinson at Southampton Central Station, asking him to 'Come Along with Me to the City by the Sea' and told him all about our city through song. The children were thrilled to be representative of the young people in the city. When asked what being City of Culture meant to them, one young performer answered 'belonging' and another said ' we want to show everyone how wonderful and diverse our city is. It means so much.'

Kath Page, Manager of Southampton and Isle of Wight Music Hubs says:

“It's a real honour to have been able to do this for our city. The children and young people involved in both events are a shining example of the talent and potential our city has to offer. We really are a cultural city, and city of culture will give us the opportunity to really show what we can do. The young people were a credit to their schools and huge thanks to the teachers for collaborating to make these performances possible.”

Want to make, share and promote your own music? Our new Music Studio team have put together a set of tools to help.

The team have picked four common goals:

1. Making a Music Video

2. Making Digital Music

3. Recording Music

4. Creating Album Art and Promotional Material

If we’re missing something from our list, or you have ideas for making it better, let us know!

On Wednesday 6 April, Southampton Youth Concert Sinfonia (SYCS) performed a “Heroes and Villains” themed concert.

"Our Heroes and Villains concert was the grand finale of what had been the busiest term for SYCS. This was the sixth performance we had performed in this term so we wanted to finish on a real high. The orchestra really rose to the occasion and the choreographed light show that went with their performance. It was a spectacular show for performers and audience alike. Kevin and I are delighted with the orchestra's achievements this term and we really look forward to performing our Jubilee Spectacular next term to finish the season.' — Anna Robinson, Orchestra Conductor

"I had a wonderful and a fun time playing for SYCS’s end of Spring term concert “ Heroes and Villains”. It was such a fun experience playing in this special concert with additional lighting effects!!" — Katie, Orchestra Member

“As expected SYCS performed brilliantly at their end of term concert Heroes and Villains on 6 April. This event marked the culmination of a hard terms work which included 2 performances whilst on tour in the February half term and 2 children's concerts to inspire the next generation of music makers. The choreographed lighting effects added to an amazing atmosphere for a wonderful evening of music from the young people of Southampton” — Zoe Hunting, Ensembles Director

Southampton Youth Brass Band (SYBB) and Southampton Youth Wind Band (SYWB) joined forces at Bitterne Park School for their first concert together in over three years. The programme started with a rendition of the Ukrainian national anthem and the audience were entertained with band repertoire from Glenn Miller to film music from Gladiator, and a poignant moment was Prayer for Ukraine performed by SYWB.

“It's my first term in the wind band and it's been a great experience. I love the music we are doing, and I'm very excited to perform in front of a live audience".” - Josh

John Hanchett, Director of SYWB says:

“It's great to bring two of our top tier ensembles together and see them enjoying live performances again. I'm very proud and excited to share the bands progress and what will they accomplish in the future.”

On Saturday 2 April 2022, Southampton Music Hub welcomed Helen Sanderson to the city for a guitar workshop. Helen is an international performer, educator, arranger and composer as well as Head of Guitar Performance at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama.

Zoe Hunting, Music Service Manager, says:

“It was such a privilege to be able to welcome Helen to Southampton and an amazing opportunity for the young guitar players to work with her as well as hear her play. After taking the players through a range of warm up activities Helen carefully guided the players through 2 compositions before giving a final performance to family and friends.”

A young participant in the workshop adds:

"Helen's playing was so smooth and beautiful."

Award Success

Christiane Charlton, guitar teacher, says:

"The young guitarists of Twango and Los Twangolitos had a very exciting term with several opportunities to show off their skills: They played “The Mini Beasts Suite,” music especially written for them. The suite is made up of four dances, each dedicated to an endangered creature living in our gardens. The adjudicator, well known composer and guitarist Vincent Lindsey-Clark, liked the performance and gave the John Dowland Cup to Twango for this year.

Among the many wonderfully talented soloists performing on the day, one of Twango’s  guitarists, Andrei Golovatti, came first in his category!”

Andrei Golavatii with his reacher Christiane Charlton after winning his guitar class at the Southampton Festival of Music and Drama

Southampton Music Hub was delighted to partner with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra on the UEFA Women’s EURO 2022 Culture Programme. 

In partnership with the  Football Association, the Women’s EURO 2022 Culture Programme, will engage fans in a range of musical opportunities and public events celebrating the history, ethos and future of women’s football.  Southampton is one of ten local authorities across England that will host a vibrant arts programme as part of the UEFA Women’s EURO 2022 in England this summer – part of an exciting national cultural programme supported by £800,000 funding from Arts Council England, thanks to National Lottery players.

Eight workshops were held across Southampton with a local composer and RPO musicians to create a bespoke Southampton anthem celebrating our local area and women’s football heritage. Workshops took place with a wide range of residents, from a library rhyme time to intergenerational choirs and several schools pupils and their parents. Using musical activities and games, workshops drew out ideas, lyrics and musical themes that will culminate in a new song performed by and for local audiences in match day Fan Zones accompanied by RPO musicians.  In total over 500 people contributed their ideas and inspiration. Like the Women’s EURO 2022 Tournament Anthem, resources and recordings will be made available free source to all fans wishing to learn, perform or use these celebratory songs. 

Workshop participant Glenda said, ' We were thrilled that we were joined by a past member of Southampton's 1972 cup final winning team. The footballers won the respect of the whole room and the professional musicians’ skills inspired us all. You never know what surprises can come about from a collaboration between music and sport.’.

Lisa Rodio, Director of Community and Education with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra says:

“The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra are delighted to be working with Southampton Council and Southampton Music Hub on this exciting project, engaging so many Southampton residents with music and football. The new anthem for Southampton will be a celebration of the area made with and for local people, and we can’t wait for everyone to hear, learn and join us in performing it this summer when the UEFA Women’s EURO comes to town.”

More to come on this exciting project!

Fusion Brass and Brassroots performed at MAST Mayflower Studios on Wednesday 30 March 2022.

Kath Page, Hub Manager, says:

“It was wonderful to see the players so focused, engaged and enjoying their music making. The audience were thrilled to be a part of the performance and joined in enthusiastically when directed by Fusion Brass director Simon Farrendon. Brassroots performed fantastically - for some members this was their first concert!

James Gardener, director of Brass Roots says:

“I've ben proud of how hard Brassroots have worked this term, especially when they're such a young band. I think they really enjoyed the experience of playing live and I can't wait to see where we can take this band in the future.”

“I've really missed being able to perform. it makes me feel proud to perform to an audience - it was really weird being online because you couldn't hear anyone else. Making music with other people is really important and it sounds cool.” - Eleanor from Fusion Brass

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Thursday 31 March 2022 was a big evening for members of Boom and Airplay, performing at MAST Mayflower Studios. For many of these young performers it was their first concert in such a big venue.

“I was really excited to do my first concert with Airplay. I was a bit nervous but the nerves went away as soon as we performed our first piece.” - Poppy, a new member of Airplay

The ensembles joined forces for one number, the first time they had been able to play together and the concert finished with a rousing performance of Star Wars by Airplay.

Tom Gregory, director of Boom says:

“hey performed brilliantly, what a fantastic first performance. I'm really proud of them.”

‘Proud to B'e’ concert took place on Tuesday 29 March at MAST Mayflower Studios. This event raised the profile of Hip Hop and gave pupils the opportunity to meet live rappers and musicians from this genre,

Angus Reid, school teachers, says:

“The workshops left pupils excited by the experience of seeing live rappers and with a stronger knowledge of rap history and how it came to sound the way it does today.

Mary Williams, another teacher, adds:

“The performers were young, cool and represented our broad and diverse community in Southampton.”

Pupils were treated to an interactive workshop filled with live performances that charted the development of Hip Hiop. Also on stage was freestyle rapper Tenchoo who captivated the audience with his ability to create rap 'on the spot' and live DJing using vinyl decks.

Mckinley, pupil from Bassett Green, says:

"It was really good and it was very energetic and lots of people in the crowd liked it because you could hear them cheering. I learnt about all the old songs and how rap started and the culture of it."

Larry Kazingizi, producer of the event, says:

“I’m feeling thankful to be lucky enough to perform Proud to Be to over 200 children from seven different schools in Southampton. It was fantastic - thanks to all the performers.”

On Monday 28 March, Studio Two in MAST Mayflower Studios was treated to a fabulous diverse concert, featuring performances from Bella and Soton Voce, Twango, Los Twangolitos, and Jazz Workshop. The performance included a special arrangement of a Ukrainian Folk Song as performers stood united with Ukraine.

For many of the performers, this was their first concert experience and they played to a sold out audience of supportive friends and family.

Nia Collins, Director for Soton Voce, says:

“What a delight the evening was with such a fantastically eclectic programme which both participants and audience enjoyed!

Alex, a young musician on the night, says:

“It made me really proud to perform on stage. It was really good fun performing in front of people and the crowd went wild. I really enjoy it and love playing with other people. I love having friends outside school.”

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On Tuesday 8 March 2022, Southampton Youth Concert Sinfonia had the pleasure of performing to children of primary school ages, from across the city. The theme being Heroes and Villains, the programme consisted of film music from many well-known films such as Star Wars, Ghost Busters and Pirates of The Caribbean.

The children in the audience were encouraged to participate in unlocking sections of the orchestra and their instruments, to gain as much understanding and knowledge of musical features as possible. They worked with Kath and Mia to identify the evil characters and the good in every piece. In addition, the actions and clapping that were introduced to the children, allowed them to engage with the orchestra on another level. 

“I had a wonderful day and it was such a lovely experience which I am so glad to have been a part of. I hope to be able to do it again, next year.” - Laila Tabayashi, viola

The children were ecstatic which just made the orchestra members play with more enthusiasm. It was written on their faces that they had just as much fun as we did and we hope to have inspired them to take on a new instrument. 

“Loved the energy of the performance. Members of the orchestra were enjoying it as much as the children were. It was so good that they can learn about music in such a fun way. The funniest moment for me was when Anna walked on to conduct, and lots of the children shouted ‘Stop! Thief!’ as they were instructed to for the game” - Annabel CD

Report from a Young SYCS Player:

On the day of the Children’s Concert, it was a blustery and cold morning when the orchestra met in front of the Rose Garden fountain at Southampton Art Gallery. Thus assembled, we set off for MAST Mayflower Studios, only a short walk away, and to our dressing rooms before our initial rehearsal and soundcheck. Despite the threat of someone falling off the stage, which was quickly resolved, the rehearsal went smoothly. We were shuffled back into our dressing rooms for a break before the show, and then our audience was arriving.

Led by Nia Collins and Kath Page, it was clear that the children had an awesome time from their enthusiasm to join in the musical activities in pursuit of finding the heroes of each piece and banishing the villains. Particularly delightful were the cries of “Thief!” throughout the show as new musical clues were discovered in the chest by musicians alongside conductor Kevin Withell, though conductor Anna Robinson was mistakenly accused of thievery when in fact she was preparing to conduct the next piece. By the end of the concert, the children had assembled a “hero team” from each of the pieces, and learnt about ostinatos, dynamics, and the different sections of the orchestra, to name but a few.

After the first concert, it was lunchtime, and soon enough we were back onstage for our second concert of the day. This time, various new schools had come to assemble their “hero team,” and their energy brought a bout of enthusiasm to the lag of another concert (the fifth concert of six that SYCS planned for the Spring Term!), starting off, as before, with Bach’s Toccata before the musical learning began! The children had arrived ready to learn, and were an eager and passionate audience that joined in with brio as the concert went on, culminating in an epic finale with ‘Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End.’ This piece features several solos from members of the orchestra, including the leader, and the children joined in through thrilling pirate-related actions. A swashbuckling time was had by all during the piece, and at the end the orchestra stood to rip-roaring applause.

Special thanks must be given to Nia Collins and Kath Page, for their leadership during the concert and masterful methods of musical learning, making it genuinely enjoyable and educational at the same time; Anna Robinson and Kevin Withell, for their conduction of the orchestra (despite Kevin’s assurance that conducting is “just standing here and waving my arms around”) and lively spirit which buoyed us through the day; the adult players who joined the orchestra; and Zoe Hunting, alongside other members of the Southampton Music Hub, for organising the event. They, alongside the orchestra, were the true heroes of the day.

This month, young musicians from across Southampton have been taking centre stage at MAST Mayflower Studios as part of a month long programme celebrating the creativity of the city’s young people.

On Tuesday 8 March 2022, Pulse8 concert band and FolkActive Youth Ensemble gave their first live performance in over two years. The Folk Active Youth Ensemble is run by Hub partners Folk Active and led by Folk musician Chris Nichols of Threepenny Bit. This ensemble, comprised mainly of string players, has been running since 2019 and continued to thrive online during lockdown.

The audience were captivated by the ensemble, who played tunes taught in the traditional way by ear with plenty of interesting harmonies and variations added in for good measure! The dancing, led by Tom Gregory was a popular, if unplanned addition to the concert, but this music is, after all designed to be danced to.

Joining them on the bill was Pulse8, Southampton Music Hub's intermediate concert band which features percussion, brass and woodwind players of around grade 3-5 standard from across the city and beyond. Led by their Musical Director Kevin Withall, this talented group of young musicians played a wide range of repertoire from western classical musical and concert band classics to film soundtrack and popular music.

Chris Nichols, director of FAYE says:

“The MAST concert was FAYE’s first opportunity to perform together since before the pandemic. They have come such a long way in the last few years and delivered an infectiously joyous performance. They memorized not only all the music, but some complex arrangements which they themselves had put together. I am immensely proud of everything they have achieved so far and am excited to continue developing the ensemble further, with an expended selection of instruments and more participant led creativity.”

The programme continue this month, with the following upcoming shows:

Monday 28 March 2022 at 7pm: Los Twangolitos, Twango, Bella Voce, Soton Voce and Jazz Workshop

Southampton Music Hub is delighted to present a wonderfully eclectic programme which features our initial and senior classical guitar groups Los Twangolitos and Twango alongside our youth and community choirs Soton and Bella Voce and recently re-reformed Jazz Workshop.

Wednesday 30 March 2022 at 7pm: Brassroots and Fusion Brass

Southampton Music Hub is delighted to present our initial brass band Brass Roots and their mid tier contemporaries Fusion Brass showcasing Southampton’s young brass players and a mixture of traditional and popular repertoire. This performance includes the world premier of a piece written by the players from Fusion Brass and their assistant Andy Wareham.

Thursday 31 March 2022, at 7pm: Airplay and Boom

Southampton Music Hub is delighted to present Boom and Airplay Concert. This will be a fantastically wide ranging concert featuring our initial windband ensemble Airplay, alongside our newly formed percussion group Boom! Expect some wide ranging repertoire from world music rhythms to traditional and popular pieces.

Friday 1 April 2022, 7pm: Music Hub Award Holders Concert

Southampton Music Hub is delighted to present an inspiring evening with young gifted and talented musicians from across the city who are in receipt of a music hub award for their outstanding talents. The evening with showcase a variety of instruments and genres from Rock to Rachmaninoff!

On Saturday 12 February 2022, 37 young musicians from Southampton Youth Strings (SYS) and Southampton Youth Wind Band (SYWB) took part in a workshop day led by London Sinfonietta. Participants worked on a creative piece and another contemporary piece and it was a fantastic opportunity to work with some of the country's leading performers on a repertoire written by living composers.

John Hanchett, director of SYWB, says:

“its been a great day allowing the participants to explore a new style of music that gives them freedom away from the constraints of the written music.”

Patrick from London Sinfonietta says:

“All the performers made huge progress on two pieces, one about rhythm and one about sustaining a beautiful sound. They got used to extreme ideas quickly and embraced the challenge. They gave a musical performance to an enthusiastic audience.”

Sophie, a member of SYWB, says:

“Who knew you could play music without music!'

Ellen, a young musician from the day, added:

“It is different from anything I've ever done before. It was really nice to play something in a different genre, and it wasn't possible to get it wrong!”

On Saturday 12 February Southampton Music Hub will welcome composer, conductor and presenter Patrick Bailey and players from the London Sinfonietta to work with players from Southampton Youth Strings and Southampton Youth Wind Band.

During the day Southampton's young musicians will work on on two contemporary pieces: developing modern technical skills, being involved in the creative process of developing a new piece of music, as well as taking part in sectionals with players from London Sinfonietta.

The day will end with a free public performance, 3.30 - 4.00 at Woodlands Community College, Minstead Avenue, Southampton, SO18 5FW.

The 10 Minute Sign & Sing and Rhythm & Rhyme team are delighted to be supporting Children’s Mental health Awareness week with our content this week.  The theme for this year is ‘growing together’.  We have chosen some songs specifically as part of our weekly digital resource offer to schools which fit around this theme.

The Sign & Sing team have chosen the song Surface Pressure by Lin Manuel-Miranda from the recent Disney film Encanto focusing on the day to day pressure that students in Key Stage 2 and 3 experience regularly.  Our Rhythm and Rhyme song is What I Am by Will.i.am (and The Sesame Street Crew!) which has an excellent positive growth mindset message.

Both songs feature Makaton signs and body percussion which you can learn along with the video, just follow the links below to find these resources in our Everybody Sing Songbank.

Nia Collins, Music Hub Relationship Manager, says:

“The music hub is dedicated to supporting children’s mental health and wellbeing and this is very much at the core of everything that we do now, from planning our online content to offering support to individual pupils through musical activities, this is of vital importance.”

If you want more information about Children’s Mental Health Awareness week or find some more classroom or assembly resources to download then you can take a look by clicking the button below.

During Black History month in October 2021 the Music Hub launched our Proud To Be project which saw us working with local rapper Larry Kazingizi and children and young people in schools across the city of all ages.  During those workshops we were able to support and guide pupils to write and perform their own lyrics for a song (written by Jo Downs) covering a wide variety of themes such as; school, heritage, family, city, friends or achievements.

After working with 1000+ young people and collecting some incredible lyrics from them Larry put together a definitive version of the song using a portion of lyrics from all the schools we worked with to make a final version which is fun, inspiring and moving.

Excitingly, Unity 101 radio were so impressed by this they invited a group of pupils to come and perform this inspiring song at their annual awards ceremony on Friday 7th January 2022 which Hollybrook Junior School bravely stepped in to do at short notice.  Although the live in-person event was pulled due to Covid concerns a film crew organised by Unity 101 were able to come to Hollybrook during the week to record them and broadcasted this as part of their awards ceremony live stream on YouTube instead!

You can see their incredible performance (with very little rehearsal time given!) below plus the lyrics from the final version of our song and the resources that go with this in our songbank below.

This project will continue with the hub’s Proud To Be History of Hip Hop in Southampton schools event at MAST Mayflower Studio on Tuesday 29th March.

Nia Collins, Programmes and Events Manager for Southampton Music Hub, says:

“The complexity and depth of the lyrics that our young people have come up with as part of this project has been nothing short of incredible and we are so thrilled to be able to bring them all together into one track performed by young people.  The students at Hollybrook Junior worked so hard to get this recorded in time for the awards ceremony and we are delighted that they were able to be included in Unity 101’s event celebrating the city’s diversity and talent”

Proud To Be Lyrics

CHORUS

Proud to be, proud to be, everything that makes me me

Proud to be, proud to be, all that I aspire to be

Proud of the place I come from, Proud of the people I know

Those who came before me, and those who help me grow

Proud of the things I’m learning, proud of the strength in me

As I claim my story and my identity

Proud to be, proud to be, everything that makes me, me

Proud to be, proud to be, all that I aspire to be

Verse 1 

I’m proud of how I achieved my goals

Surrounded by love and support

Proud of how we play our sports

Cricket, football, give it our all

From a young age I was a brilliant baller,

Superstar sportsman I’m a serious scorer

proud of creating the best drawing ever

Me give up on my art, never!!

Proud of everything I learnt at school

Even though it wasn't always cool

I needed to keep pushing through

For all the things i would soon do

I want to finish school so i can sleep late

That’s what you get when you graduate

I’m proud of doing well in maths

And yes i really like wearing hats

Chorus

Proud to be, proud to be, everything that makes me, me

Proud to be, proud to be, all that I aspire to be

Verse 2

proud of all my diverse friends

different religions, countries, ends.

Mom and Dad we are so proud of ya

You came all the way from Somalia

To a place of better opportunities

people who care, and a good community

All the way from the war they came

Through the oceans and rain, the mud and flames

proud to be a Sikh, helping others

Happiness is key, show bright colours
I’M…Proud to speak Arabic

I’m proud of the colour of my skin

I am glad I have a good place of learning,

A future so bright it’s basically burning

Yes, basically burning

A future so bright it’s basically burning

CHORUS

Proud to be, proud to be, everything that makes me me

Proud to be, proud to be, all that I aspire to be

Proud of the place I come from, Proud of the people I know

Those who came before me, and those who help me grow

Proud of the things I’m learning, proud of the strength in me

As I claim my story and my identity

Proud to be, proud to be, everything that makes me, me

Proud to be, proud to be, all that I aspire to be

With the new Spring Term, Southampton Music Hub is offering all schools in the city the opportunity to be take part in a huge, diverse range of music workshops, performances and experiences.

Alongside exciting new offers from the Everybody Sing and Digital Native Artists (DNA) programmes, this term’s offer includes:

• Taking part in the hub’s MAST Theatre Residency

• A concert for Key Stage 1 with Southampton Youth Concert Sinfonia (SYCS)

• Proud to Be, History of Hip Hop

And loads more!