There is a huge range of outreach activities, workshops, partnerships, concerts and performances carried out by Music and Dance Scheme (MDS) schools, Centres for Advanced Training and by choir schools. The Department is continuing to encourage these by providing additional funding to develop and sustain such initiatives. The principal aims of outreach are to focus on the identification of talented children and help set them on suitable pathways of high-quality vocational training, and to provide experiences and opportunities for those who would not otherwise have those things. Outreach and associated partnership activity also promotes specialist teachers’ continuing professional development and helps raise schools’ aspirations throughout the system.
Performances, music workshops and concerts
MDS schools mount numerous concerts and performances throughout the year and some, like Chetham’s School of Music, have a full touring symphony orchestra. Workshops of one kind or another, and masterclasses, are also regular features for all MDS schools. Wells Cathedral School’s Music College provides a good example of the opportunities on offer. The school also provides world music workshops for local schools free of charge on Gamelan, Steel Pans, African Drums and Indian/South Asian instruments. The Yehudi Menuhin School in Surrey continues to provide in-service training for peripatetic string teachers and the Purcell School mounts a Summer Chamber Music course among many other activities.
Choir Schools
Choir Schools have always played a significant role in their local communities. Such schools and their foundations are now taking a key role in the National Singing Programme - Sing Up! - by providing enhanced outreach and partnership activities across the country. More information is available from the Choir Schools website.
