Careers and concerts: discover our schools programme!

Young music lovers are in for a Town Hall treat later this year with a feast of classical music. And teachers are being urged to snap up places at two inspiring events while they’re still available.

They’re part of a range of events being laid on by Town Hall-based music engagement programme Musinc.

Musinc provides opportunities for people in Middlesbrough to make music and connect with others, while offering a wide range of low-cost and free activities through its Tees Valley schools programme.

First up in October is the Set Works Concert for secondary school groups, which features live performances of classical works by Bach, Poulenc, Haydn, Debussy and more.

The pieces – which appear on the AQA and Eduqas GCSE and A Level syllabuses – will be performed by an orchestra of professional musicians, with live commentary and analysis by classical music enthusiast Stephen Waller.

Teachers can also submit requests in advance for pieces they would like to see.

Then in November students are invited to take part in a Music Careers Panel, offering them a unique insight into the vast range of musical occupations in the area, with the chance to put forward their own questions.

Panellists – drawn from the worlds of songwriting, events and publishing – will share their experiences and inspire young people to explore careers based around their strengths and interests.

This year’s line-up will be NARC Magazine editor Claire Dupree-Jeans, Middlesbrough Town Hall lighting and sound technician Holly Scarlett-Carr and Middlesbrough singer-songwriter Amelia Coburn, recently selected by TVCA as one of their Artists of the Year 2024. The event will be hosted by BBC Radio Tees presenter and rapper Shakk.

Comments from teachers who attended last year’s event:

Great panel, good chat and variety of topics with excellent stories and experiences

Very informative with clear explanations and very useful musical examples set at a good level for students

My students really enjoyed the concert this afternoon – they said it was really useful, almost all of the ones I brought had never seen an orchestra concert before so that was super cool! Would definitely come again if it was on!

Musinc Manager Samantha Spruce said:

“We’re delighted to be able to offer young people the opportunity to hear a live orchestra perform the works they’ve been studying, especially in a venue as beautiful as Middlesbrough Town Hall – it really brings the music to life.

“The creative industries are so often overlooked so it’s really special for us to be able to showcase different careers in the music industry, and to highlight the opportunities available for young people in the Tees Valley.”

Councillor Philippa Storey, Middlesbrough Deputy Mayor and Executive member for Culture & Education, said:

“Music is a gift that can be enjoyed by all, regardless of age or background,

“It’s an amazingly powerful art form that breaks down barriers, brings people together and provides enjoyment and inspiration in abundance.

“Musinc always set the bar high and these events are no exception – there’s still time to sign up so I hope as many schools as possible will take advantage of this unique opportunity.”

• Set Works Concert: Monday, October 14, 1.30pm – 2.45pm, £3 per student
• Music Careers Panel (BSL interpreted): Monday, November 18, 1pm – 3pm, FREE

For more information or to book places, email musinc@middlesbrough.gov.uk or visit our Schools page.

MY JOURNEY WITH MUSINC

My experience working as an intern with Musinc was enlightening and enjoyable. A flurry of innovation and activity welcomed me as soon as I entered the office, such as the Shine Festival, Open Orchestra, and several other incredible programmes.

Every day presented fresh obstacles and chances for learning, whether it was looking up information on other music organisations or programmes, creating documentation, or helping the kids get ready for practice.

Seeing personally how music affects people’s lives was one of the pleasures of my internship. I witnessed how music had the ability to bring people from different backgrounds together and inspire positive change, whether it was via live concerts or community outreach initiatives.

Working with the gifted and committed team at Musinc was one of my favourite aspects of my internship. They never ceased to excite me with their enthusiasm, originality, and dedication to using music to change the world.

As my internship came to an end, I thought back on the priceless lessons I had picked up and the deep relationships I had made. My time at Musinc not only gave me invaluable experiences and skills, but it also gave my professional goals a renewed sense of direction and purpose.

Looking back, I realise that my internship with musinc was more than simply a career chance; it was a life-changing experience that I will carry with me long after it ended.

Ebere

For April, Oliver is our Young Musician of the Month!

We’re celebrating the achievements of Middlesbrough Open Orchestra this Autism Awareness month, so we wanted to highlight one of our young Autistic musicians. Oliver attends the Orchestra each week, with sessions taking place at his school and Middlesbrough Town Hall. We’d also like to take the opportunity to congratulate him on achieving a Distinction in Grade 5 Piano after receiving a Distinction in Grade 3 last year!

The Middlesbrough Open Orchestra is a partnership between Musinc, Middlesbrough Town Hall, Beverley School and Priory Woods School. The programme offers SEND students from our partner schools to learn musical instruments, collaborate, compose songs and perform as an ensemble at various regional and national events.

Like many of his peers, Oliver enjoys playing multiple instruments such as piano, electric guitar and violin, allowing him to explore his musicality freely. The Orchestra is flexible in its format and whilst the students can stick to what they’re comfortable with, they’re encouraged to be creative and try new techniques. There is a lot of research evidence on how music making has positively impacted Autistic people in areas such as their communication skills, empowerment and self-expression.

Ben Hopkinson, music lead for Middlesbrough Open Orchestra said:

I can imagine that his Autism might make his day-to-day life more challenging, sometimes not recognising some typical social conventions, but when it comes to music his Autism almost seems like a superpower. He has perfect pitch and an incredible memory – he’s able to memorise music way way faster than any other person I’ve taught.

Oliver’s teacher, Neil Thomas added:

Oliver is an exceptional young musician whose Autism allows him to be super focused on his interests. His ability to learn and memorise new pieces is unbelievable. Oliver has just passed his Grade 5 Piano with Distinction and is already pushing to take another grade. Oliver is an integral part of Open Orchestra, switching between piano, guitar and violin depending on the piece. Oliver is also a brilliant composer who seems to compose almost instantaneously and needing little if any reworking. Autism can make our young people’s lives more difficult on a day -to-day basis but also offers unique skill sets that we can all benefit from.

Recently Open Orchestra has been preparing for a concert at Middlesbrough Town Hall, which will focus on an innovative research project called DigiScore. The Orchestra has co-created original music to accompany projected visuals in a collaboration with University of Nottingham and artist Layla Curtis.

We’re so proud of Oliver, and look forward to the orchestra’s performance on Friday 7th June 2024!

About Open Orchestras

Established in 2013, Open Orchestras is a national programme that was created to address a lack of ensemble musical provision in Special schools; to empower Music Hubs, arts organisations and Special schools across the UK to set up and run their own orchestra sustainably, just like mainstreams schools do. Find out more about Open Orchestras.

Oliver playing the keyboard at an Open Day at Middlesbrough Town Hall

Ebere has joined the Musinc team on an internship placement from Teesside University. Below is the first in a series of blogs that she’s writing on her journey so far…

Embracing Global Opportunities: My Internship journey as an international student

My name is Ebere Loveth Nwankwo, an international postgraduate student pursing a Master’s in applied education in Teesside University. Originally from Nigeria, my journey as an international student has been defined by a pursuit of knowledge, cultural immersion, and professional growth.

Stepping into the halls of Middlesbrough Town Hall for my internship at Musinc, I felt a rush of excitement and anticipation. As a passionate teacher and music enthusiast, I knew this experience would be pivotal in shaping my understanding of both music and teaching.

From the beginning, I was welcomed into a vibrant community of music instructors and learners who shared my passion for music and dedication to nurturing young talents. Collaborating with them, I delved into various community music projects such as Play On!, and music tuition such as Bandjam which consists of both Juniors and Seniors groups.

Musinc’s programme is aimed at creating opportunities for people of all ages, backgrounds and circumstances to make music, connect with others and explore their musical identity. Along with other activities going on weekly, it runs a school programme of events which has been designed to support the music curriculum.

One of my key accomplishments so far is having to work in a distinct educational field, I am also open to the experience I can gain in the duration of my internship which I hope will provide tangible results and reinforce my passion for the musical field.

A goodbye message from Musical Inclusion Manager Rebecca

We’re sad to say goodbye to Rebecca Johnson this month, who has been working with Musinc and Middlesbrough Town Hall for the past 12 years. All of the team at Musinc and the Town Hall will miss her very much!

Before her departure, Rebecca shared her thoughts with us:

“I am very sorry to be leaving my position at Musinc and Middlesbrough Town Hall in August. I have worked at MTH/Musinc for 12 years and been extremely happy here, and felt that I am ready to tackle the next challenge and chapter in my life. I know that Musinc will continue to develop and thrive and is in very safe hands with the remaining staff, and with 3 years of funding secured and the new Tees Valley Music Trust Charity set up to generate more funds into music education/engagement in the area, you can rest assured that Musinc is certainly not going anywhere!

I would like to take this opportunity to say a huge thank you to all of you who I’ve worked with over the years. It has been an absolute pleasure and you are all fantastic at what you do, and I couldn’t have asked for nicer people to work with. I’ve loved every minute of all of the amazing projects, events, meetings, trips to London, performances, training sessions – I loved it all and I am genuinely gutted to be moving on. I won’t be going far physically though – Tees Valley is my home and will always be. I love the area and I hope I’ll still see everyone about spreading your wonderful musical joy in Teesside.”

If you’re interested in joining the team, we have a few vacancies available on our Work With Us page.