FBYM News

A note from the Head of Bedfordshire Music

Sat, 10 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Once again, the summer term concluded with our youth music courses, culminating in a hugely successful concert series showcasing an incredible example of the talent of the students in our youth music groups. As a perfect end to the summer and beginning to autumn, the Youth Opera's stunning performance of Die Fledermaus was a fantastic success: everyone who attended one of the performances commented on the delightful production, praising the superb singing, acting and musicianship throughout. A big well done and thank you to all involved for helping to make both the courses and concerts a fantastic musical experience for everyone!

In 2008, the Department for Children, Schools and Families, in partnership with Federation of Music Services, initiated a programme of self-evaluation for local authority music services. Over four days in July this year, Bedfordshire Music's own self-evaluation underwent a rigorous moderation audit. The process (like a school Ofsted inspection) examines all aspects of the music services' work, and concluded that:

The quality of teaching and learning provided by the service, and the achievement and standards reached by its pupils, was found to be good with some outstanding aspects, particularly in vocal and ensemble opportunities.
Bedfordshire Music has significantly broadened and increased its provision to encompass a wider variety of new musical opportunities in schools and communities such as: World Music; Samba, African & Indian drumming and Rock and Pop music.
Over the past four years, pupil participation levels have risen by over 100% seeing the service regularly working with over 11,000 children, young people and adults in schools and communities each year.
Outstanding leadership has ensured an effective self-evaluation with a strong focus upon continuous improvement.

Overall, Bedfordshire Music was judged to be a good Music Service with some outstanding features.

Looking to this academic year, we have launched a range of new after school music clubs at Micro Music Centres aimed at young musicians of all abilities. These include Junior Voices, African Drumming, and Guitar Clubs, as well as Rock and Pop and World Percussion. For more information visit www.bedfordshiremusic.com

So once again, the autumn term 2009 begins on a high note!

Richard Hart,
Head of Bedfordshire Music

Youth band anniversary reprise

Wed, 27 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Former members of Luton Youth Concert Band are invited to take part in a reunion concert to celebrate the ensemble's 10th anniversary.

The band will perform a selection of pieces, including film music such as James Bond and Indiana Jones, to mark the milestone at Stopsley Baptist Church, St Thomas's Road, Luton, on Saturday, July 18. Band director Simon Router is trying to contact any former band members to invite them to take part.

If you were a Luton Youth Concert Band musician and would like to play in the show, there will be rehearsals from 2pm until 3.30pm and 4.30pm until 6pm on the day of the concert, at the venue.

Wear whichever uniform you wore during your time with the band and if you are in any doubt, wear black and white.

Let Simon know by Friday, July 3, if you wish to take part by calling 01582 538224 or emailing luton.music.service@luton.gov.uk.

Anyone is welcome to attend the concert, which will start at 7.30pm. Tickets cost £5 on the door.

A note from the Head of Bedfordshire Music

Wed, 06 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

This time last year we were not sure how the changes in Local Government would affect our activities but I am delighted to say that Bedfordshire Music is looking forward to a bright future, with renewed commitments from both Bedford Borough Council and from Central Bedfordshire Council, who are hosting the Service from 1 April 2009. Already we have had a fantastic Spring concert series and Young Artists showcase that displayed once again that all of the children and young people involved were a real credit to their teachers and to Bedfordshire Music service.

We are trying hard to reach all parts of the County with a host of new and exciting projects to develop singing and our work in special schools, music IT and community music. Our activities in schools are expanding, taking advantage of Government funds which are aimed at giving every young person the chance to play a musical instrument. All of this is in addition to our Music Centres and courses. Across all these projects we are already teaching nearly 11,000 children to play an instrument and reaching over 40,000 young people with our performances.

Our events this term, which include Guitar Festivals in May and Celebration Concerts in June and July, are just a small glimpse into the services we provide and the summer term will see our usual range of Fiddle Fiestas and numerous concerts and events taking place across Bedfordshire. The new academic year will open with what promises to be an uplifting performance of Die Fledermaus given by the County Youth Opera over five evenings in early September.

Richard Hart,
Head of Bedfordshire Music

Fiddle Fiestas - Date change

Tue, 05 May 2009 13:00:25 GMT

There are two changes to the dates of the upcoming Fiddle Fiestas:

Samuel Whitbread Fiddle Fiesta - date change to Wednesday, 15 July
Kings Houghton Fiddle Fiesta - date change to Thursday, 25 June

The complete list of the 2009 Fiddle Fiesta concerts (all starting at 6.30pm) is now:

Thursday 21 May	Brooklands Middle School
Mon 15 June	Manshead Upper School
Tues 23 June	Goldington Middle School
Weds 24 June	Wotton Upper School
Thursday 25 June	Kings Houghton Middle School
Mon 29 June	Sandy Upper School
Wed 1 July	Redbourne Upper School
Mon 6 July	Cedars Upper School
Wed 8 July	Harlington Upper School
Mon 13 July	Stratton Upper School
Tues 14 July	Sharnbrook Upper School
Wednesday 15 July	Samuel Whitbread Upper School

For more information, contact Cathy McCague, Operations Coordinator, Bedfordshire Music, Telephone: 01234 276383

Tenforu - Royal Albert Hall

Thu, 15 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The road to the Royal Albert Hall was a long and eventful one!

Those of us in Tenforu met once a week at Beds Saturday Morning Music School and under the watchful eye of Mrs John formed a group of five wind players and five strings to play decets together.

We entered the Music for Youth competition and took part in the first round at Wooton Upper School; after that we got through to play in Birmingham where unfortunately we suffered with some misbehaving instruments! After not receiving any prizes we assumed it was the last time we would all play together as Tenforu.

However we all received a phone call over the holidays informing us that we had in fact got through to play at the Royal Albert Hall. We were all ecstatic but realised it was going to be hard work as some of us were leaving to go to university and another was moving to Thailand for a year! In the autumn we managed to organise rehearsals when people could travel home and we managed to get a very talented viola player who stepped in last minute and performed like he had been with us from the beginning.

At last it was the 12th of November and we all met outside the Albert Hall, the day was exciting but busy with what seemed like thousands of musicians running to and fro practising and organising sound checks. Finally it was time to change and we were all excited and happy as we donned our smart black regalia with red scarves or bow ties. After being called we lined up outside and had a little panic when a chin rest was mislaid but after this had been fixed we all laughed and were ready to perform.

Standing on the stage waiting for the group before us to finish was intense. We were excited and apprehensive at the same time and looking around the group we were all smiling, waiting for the last chance to show what we could really do. After what seemed an age we had our cue and began. We played, I think, the best we've ever played it and enjoyed playing it too which made the occasion all the more special. After the applause we left the stage laughing and elated and either joined parents or promenaded for the rest of the concert.

Playing at the Albert Hall was one thing, but playing with so many talented other people was brilliant. You could really see how much music meant to everyone and could identify with them as their story was similar to ours. It was a night to remember and many thanks go to all those who helped us get there.

-- Tenforu

Post Of Organist & Director Of Music

Sat, 10 Jan 2009 23:43:16 GMT

The Parish Of Eaton Bray With Edlesborough
(Diocese Of Saint Albans)
Post Of Organist & Director Of Music

Vacancy

The vacancy arises through the retirement of Mr David Radwell, who has held the post for the past twelve and a half years.

Context

The parish comprises the sizeable villages of Eaton Bray (in south-west Bedfordshire) and Edlesborough (in the Aylesbury Vale District of Buckinghamshire), situated between Dunstable, Leighton Buzzard and Hemel Hempstead. The parish of Eaton Bray includes the hamlet of Wellhead, and that of Edlesborough includes the villages of Dagnall and Northall. The total population is in excess of 6,000.

The Parish Church of St Mary the Virgin dates from the early 13th century, and is of considerable architectural significance. It was extensively remodeled at the end of the 15th century, and restored over many years at the end of the 19th and in the early 20th centuries. The former parish church of Edlesborough, also dedicated to St Mary the Virgin, was declared redundant in 1975, and is vested in the Churches Conservation Trust. It too is a 13th century building with very fine 15th century furnishings. Occasional services are held here (currently at Christmas, Easter and Harvest-time).

There is also a Chapel of Ease in the village of Dagnall, a church which is shared by the Church of England and Methodist congregations. All Saints', Dagnall, has its own volunteer organists.

Services

There is one choral service in St Mary's each Sunday, a Sung Eucharist at 10.00am, using Common Worship, Order One. The service is sung to a congregational setting (several are in current use), and the choir contributes a motet at the end of the administration of Communion.

On one Sunday a month this service follows a more informal style (it is called "Worship for Everyone"), often including young people in leading parts of the service, and using the talents of a group of young instrumentalists in accompanying some of the hymns. Most of the instrumentalists are also members of the choir. While some administration in connection with this group is undertaken by volunteers it remains under the overall control of the Director of Music.

Additional choral services are held at Christmas and during Holy Week, and on Ash Wednesday, Ascension Day and All Souls' Day. The Parish is part of the North Chilterns Group Ministry and is an integral part of the local Churches Together group - occasional services are held in connection with these.

The retiring Organist has created an excellent partnership between choir and congregation, and good congregational participation in the music of worship is central to the musical ethos of St Mary's, alongside an appreciation of the additional contribution to worship which can be made by well-prepared choral items.

Choir

The choir consists of over 20 members, including 12 juniors (boys as well as girls), and adults on all four parts. Like many choirs today it could do with more men.

The choir is affiliated to the Royal School of Church Music, and junior choristers follow its training scheme.

In September 2008 two choristers were entered for the Bishop's Chorister Award and two for the Dean's Chorister, and in each category one gained a distinction and one a merit. 2 choristers have recently been awarded their yellow ribbons. Choristers have taken part in RSCM Summer Courses. The arrangement and direction of such training will be the responsibility of the Director of Music.

A weekly practice is held on Friday evenings, with occasional additional meetings for the juniors for training or for learning new music. Practices are not held immediately before services because the only space available for practice is in church.

The Director of Music purchases music for the use of the choir within a budget set by the P.C.C., and is responsible for the safe custody and care of all music belonging to the church.

The choir has sung occasional concerts, and participated in other musical activities locally.

Organ

A new 2-manual pipe organ was built by Peter Collins in 1991, and is regularly maintained. It is located in a gallery in the (west) tower.

Specification: Great - Open Diapason 8', Stopt Diapason 8', Trumpet 8', Principal 4', Twelfth, Fifteenth 2', Tierce, Mixture III; Swell - Faggot 16'; Chimney Flute 8', Bass Flute 8', Principal 8', Gamba 8', Cremona 8', Open Flute 4', Octave 4', Fifteenth 2', Tremulant; Couplers: Swell to Pedal, Great to Pedal, Swell to Great.

The Director of Music arranges for the regular tuning and maintenance of the organ, and advises the P.C.C. about the condition of the organ and any significant works which may become necessary.

Other Musical Activities

Occasional concerts, recitals, etc., are staged at St Mary's, and the PCC is keen to develop this aspect of church life. The church has recently been re-seated to make it more comfortable and adaptable for such ventures, and it is hoped to upgrade the heating system in 2009.

The Director of Music would be expected to work with others in arranging and publicizing such ventures. The Friends of St Mary's (recently established) has worked with South Bedfordshire District Council in promoting musical events.

Schools

Because the parish lies in two counties, working with schools is more than usually complicated. Bedfordshire has a 3-tier comprehensive system, and Buckinghamshire a 2-tier selective system. There are no church schools in the parish. Eaton Bray has a Lower School (Years 1-4; roll just over 100), from which pupils move to Middle Schools in Dunstable or Leighton Buzzard, and thence to Upper Schools. Edlesborough has a Combined Primary School (Years 1-6; roll just over 250), from which pupils move to Grammar Schools in Aylesbury or the Community School in Wing. Pupils occasionally move from the village to school in Tring.

Occasional Offices

There is a small number of weddings each year in church. It is hoped that the new Regulations will make it possible for this to increase, because the church has had to decline many enquiries about weddings at St Mary's because the couple are unable to fulfil the legal residence requirements.

The number of funerals in church varies between 12 and 20 in any given year.

The Director of Music will have the right to play at these, and also the responsibility of finding a deputy if unable to fulfil the commitment on any occaison. St Mary's has two other competent organists associated with it, one of whom is retired, and they are willing to deputize for holidays, occasional offices and other absences. The Director of Music will be expected to help couples intending to marry in St Mary's to choose the music for their service when requested.

Salary

The post of Organist and Director of Music is offered at a salary (reviewed annually) of £3,000 per annum, payable quarterly in arrears.

A contract will be offered, setting out detailed requirements of the post.

Appointment

The appointment will be made by the Vicar and Churchwardens with the consent of the P.C.C., and will be subject to enhanced CRB clearance. It is held in accordance with the Canons of the Church of England. The Director of Music will observe at all times the Child Protection Policy of the P.C.C. and the Diocese of St Albans.

How To Apply

Please see the Organist Application Form which should be filled in and returned to the vicar as explained at the end of the form by 23 February 2009.

-- MALCOLM E. GRANT (Vicar, on behalf of the P.C.C.)

Your Committee needs YOU

Tue, 07 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

At FBYM, we have become rather a static group of committee members who have a common interest in Bedfordshire Music, and are seeking "new blood".

If you would like to consider joining the Committee of the "Friends", particularly if you have children in the 3rd or 4th Orchestras, Junior Strings or 3rd Band would you like to come along to our AGM at Wootton Upper School on Tuesday 11th November at 7.30pm and observe what we do.

Please contact any Committee member if you would like to attend. No obligations! Normally, meetings are twice a term to support the work of Bedfordshire Music.

Tenforu Performing in The Schools Prom at The Royal Albert Hall

Mon, 22 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Following Tenforu's success firstly in Pro Corda's Chamber Music Festival for Schools in February 2008, they then reached the finals of The National Music Festival for Youth in Birmingham in July 2008. They were then selected to perform at The Schools Prom at The Royal Albert Hall in November 2008.

Tenforu - Hover over each member for more information

Tenforu is one of the chamber music groups that rehearse at Bedford Music Centre every Saturday morning during term time.

This is a wonderful achievement, well done to all those involved and especially to their tutor Mrs. Carol John.

-- Catherine McCague - Centre Head - Bedford Music Centre

Anglo Italian Music Society Winter Concert

Sun, 14 Sep 2008 12:26:50 GMT

7.30pm - Thursday 13th November 2008
John Bunyan Free Church, Mill Street, Bedford.
Tickets £6, £5 concessions, £3 students

Winter concert performed by young Italian and Bedfordshire musicians playing and experiencing music together.

In partnership with Beds County Council Music Department with orchestral courses and musical exchanges with Arezzo, Italy.

For more information contact
Franca Garrick 01234 360941

Bedfordshire Youth Opera proudly presents... Carmen by Bizet

Sun, 17 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Carmen will transport you to a world of Spanish gypsies, soldiers, bullfighters and smugglers and is one of the most famous operas of all time. A tragic love story with an outspoken, brash female lead, it is filled with musical highlights, including the famous Habanera and Toreador songs.

Read full article...

FBYM hits Facebook

Wed, 30 Jul 2008 14:36:45 GMT

In addition to this website, you can now keep up to date with news and other information on our very own Facebook Page: FBYM - The Friends of Bedfordshire Music.

So "Become a Fan" of FBYM and spread the word!

Review Verdi Requiem Corn Exchange Bedford April 2008

Wed, 30 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

by Dr Roy Tipping: "A REAL 5-STAR BEDFORDSHIRE COUNTY MUSIC EVENT ~ IT WILL BE A LONG TIME BEFORE BEDFORD HEARS ITS EQUAL AGAIN!"

One of the masterpieces of Western Art Music was given two outstanding performances at the Bedford Corn Exchange on successive evenings as the climax of the Bedfordshire Music Service's Easter Concert Series. The performers were the County Youth Orchestra, Bedford Sinfonia, Bedford Choral Society, Concord Singers, Danesborough Chorus, and Kempston Musical Society under the baton of Michael Rose... Continue reading the full review.

FBYM News

A note from the Head of Bedfordshire Music

Youth band anniversary reprise

A note from the Head of Bedfordshire Music

Fiddle Fiestas - Date change

Tenforu - Royal Albert Hall

Post Of Organist & Director Of Music

The Parish Of Eaton Bray With Edlesborough (Diocese Of Saint Albans) Post Of Organist & Director Of Music

Vacancy

Context

Services

Choir

Organ

Other Musical Activities

Schools

Occasional Offices

Salary

Appointment

How To Apply

Your Committee needs YOU

Tenforu Performing in The Schools Prom at The Royal Albert Hall

Anglo Italian Music Society Winter Concert

Bedfordshire Youth Opera proudly presents... Carmen by Bizet

FBYM hits Facebook

Review Verdi Requiem Corn Exchange Bedford April 2008

The Parish Of Eaton Bray With Edlesborough
(Diocese Of Saint Albans)
Post Of Organist & Director Of Music