Our mandate as a Music Hub extends to every school in the BCP conurbation. Since the Hub formed in 2012, we have worked with every SEN school on a variety of projects and programmes currently including an ongoing collaboration with Live Music Now and Open Up Music and a range of other experiential inputs including the annual SEN schools’ concert in collaboration with Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra and Victoria Education Centre.
We recognise that each school has its own unique challenges and needs and our member SEN schools therefore benefit from a tailored approach to ensure we can support every school in accordance with their needs. In addition, we offer opportunities for schools to work together and take part in collaborative projects.
In 25/26, we were delighted to offer our member schools the opportunity to take part in a multi-school composition/song writing project designed to develop vocal and instrumental musical skills and to provide an opportunity for participants to perform or record a new piece of music on a theme chosen by the school. Schools worked alongside Tamara Sullivan and Ed Lee (two specialist workshops leaders and recent BSO Young Associates) and the feedback has been fantastic.
In 24/25, member schools had the opportunity to take part in a creative music making project led by Sam Mason of Coda Music Trust. Each school taking part in the project learned and performed a new arrangement of the song “Don’t Worry, Be Happy” alongside a visiting trio of professional musicians. Students were also able to explore the theme of “Wellbeing” and create, compose, sing, sign and perform their own creations in response to the theme. Check out the project video below.
In 26/27, we are delighted to offer our member schools the opportunity to explore the instruments in our Accessible Instruments Library using them to compose a piece of music and record/perform the compositions. Schools will be working with our specialist practitioners Mike Whitlock and Ed Lee and we can’t wait to hear the music the pupils create!
Previous projects:
Inclusive practice
SoundStorm remains committed to championing inclusive practice and continues to build upon our programme of training across the BCP and Dorset area, targeting teachers in both SEN and mainstream schools and our local network of educators and Hub partners. As we take forward a number of key programme ambitions, our aim is to significantly widen participation by facilitating more pathways to musical progression for students with a range of different needs. 25/26 saw the launch of our new Accessible Instruments Library. Click HERE for further information.
Signing up for membership with SoundStorm unlocks a wide variety of benefits and opportunities for your school. To discuss membership, please contact Sarah Derwish at sarah.derwish@bcpcouncil.gov.uk.
