News: College to Host Young Nottingham Musicians

Budding young musicians from across the city are invited to enrol in Nottingham Music Service ensembles as the charity enters a new era at a new venue at Nottingham College.

Nottingham Music Service’s (NMS) popular Saturday Music School has relocated to the College’s Clarendon campus as part of their mission to find a more centrally accessible venue for their pupils.

Nottingham Music Service started in 2002 as part of the city council and, in 2014, became an independent registered charity. It provides a diverse range of ensembles for young people in Nottingham City, including its Music School on Saturday, which has relocated to the new venue after 6 years at Nottingham Academy.

The Music School includes Robin Hood Youth Orchestra (RHYO), RHYO Intermediate, which is a stepping stone to the full Robin Hood Youth Orchestra, and Band Factory, which provides guidance and rehearsal space for young instrumentalists interested in rock, pop and more.

Prior to the setting up of NMS in 2002, less than 15% of city schools offered children the chance to learn a musical instrument. In 2018, NMS runs or supports instrumental tuition programmes in 77% of city primaries.

The charity is also celebrating 10 years of its hugely popular two-day residential Music Camp this year, with its latest groups set to take the total number of participants (to date) to the 2,500 mark.

During the camp, pupils have instrumental lessons, explore the countryside of the Peak District, take part in team challenges, learn to read music and perform as part of a ‘monster’ band. It is all part of the charity’s mission to ‘make music make a difference’ for every child in Nottingham.

NMS Business and Operations Manager Michael Aspinall commented:

‘NMS believes that all children and young people in Nottingham should have the inspiring and rewarding experience of making music with others. After five fantastic years at Nottingham Academy, we are moving to Nottingham College. While we continue to have a great relationship with Nottingham Academy and are indebted to them for their support during the last years, our new venue is more central and accessible for city pupils.

‘There’s also more suited rehearsal studios at the new site, especially for Band Factory, which requires separate rooms for its various solo artists and bands. We’re thrilled to start Music School at our new venue and all our ensembles are looking for new members: We look forward to welcoming pupils old and new to our Saturday Music School.’

Faculty Area Manager for Music and Performing Arts Michelle Lloyd and Music, Media and Performing Arts Coordinator Andy Oakley commented:

“We are excited to be in partnership with Nottingham Music Service and hope that we can enhance their Saturday provision with our excellent facilities at the Clarendon campus. As we strengthen our partnership we are looking forward to developing more opportunities within music and music education that are accessible for young people across Nottingham, and push Nottingham as a vibrant place for new music.’

NMS Business and Operations Manager Michael Aspinall added:

‘As a registered charity, we rely on the support of the public to continue providing life-enhancing programmes for young people in the city and as a recipient of Catalyst: Evolve, a grant from Arts Council England, any sum donated will automatically be doubled and have twice the impact. I’d urge anyone who is as passionate about music as we are to get involved in supporting us and in encouraging the next generation of untapped musical talent in the city.’

To get involved in supporting the Music Camp and NMS, visit https://mydonate.bt.com/events/musiccamp

Enrolment for Saturday Music School starts on Sep 8, 2018. Young people can attend one of two sessions: the first session is from 10 am to 11 am, and the second from 11 am to 12 pm. Online enrolment forms will also be available on the charity website along with onsite enrolment at Nottingham College on the day.