‘During the absence of my HOD on her maternity leave, I became a one person department (with the only other member of staff being a geography teacher to cover music lessons I couldn’t fit on my timetable), I asked Emily to help me moderate some GCSE composition work to have another qualified teaching musician look at the coursework. I found this incredibly helpful being a one person department as it meant that I was able to bounce ideas back and fourth with Emily ensuring I was able to give constructive feedback back to the student and mark the coursework accurately.’

Lauren Shaw, Teacher of Music, Swanhurst School

“I just wanted to say a massive thank you for you work in creating two flash mobs at Washwood Heath Academy. One with the National Youth Orchestra and one of your own making. The response from the school was overwhelmingly positive, with students and staff alike commenting on what a positive, exciting and fun atmosphere it created. Since both of the flash mobs the interest in Asian Drumming has skyrocketed, especially with the girls in our school, something that previously hadn’t happened. Just wanted to say a massive thank you and I hope that we can continue with more performances at lunch time and breaktime over the next year!”

Nathan Spooner – Head of Music – Washwood Heath Academy

“A huge thank you for firstly organising our wonderful concert this afternoon and for coming to perform for the staff and children at Holy Family. It was brilliant! The children were enthralled by the whole experience and learned so much about the brass family and about enjoying a musical experience. My year 1 children loved it and were talking enthusiastically about the music and instruments. We are going to write and draw pictures tomorrow. A big thank you and your team for coming to delight our children and staff too. It was perfect and gave all our children a delightful, positive experience of music. I look forward to hearing about what else we can get involved in.”

Maria Aldred – Deputy Head Teacher – Holy Family Catholic Primary School

“A huge thank you for inviting us to the event on Thursday. The children had a fantastic time and they got so much from the whole day. They loved the drumming workshop and the campus tour (our tour guide was brilliant with the children). It was great for our children to see older children perform a wide range of instruments. An inspirational day all round. I had children saying ‘I want to learn the keyboard next’ and ‘I’m going to study here when I grow up’. What more could you ask for?!”

Sophie Fleming – Year 2 Music Co-Ordinator – Colmore Junior School

“I just want to say thank you for investing again to allow year 7 pupils in Birmingham to experience a performance from the CBSO. I took 115 girls on Monday from Bordesley Green, and have to say that the overwhelming response was incredibly positive, and many have been asking to listen to some of the pieces again in lessons. They were also inspired by Mirga, whose energy certainly makes her a role model in the classical world for girls to aspire to emulate. Thanks again, keep up the great work.”

Des Wilson – Head of Music – Bordesley Green Girls School

“The students at Baskerville Special School absolutely love their music sessions with Amy. They are going to perform their drumming composition in the next school concert!”

Matt O’Neill – Assistant Head – Baskerville School

“Our students do not easily collaborate so to work together, editing and improving to make music, has been a positive challenge and they are visibly learning and enjoying the experience. It’s the layering of their combined efforts which is lovely to witness.”

Debbie Poole – Class Teacher – Baskerville School