Newsletters
Scroll down to read our latest news from this half term, or follow the buttons below to view our previous newsletters from last year.
St. Teresa's Primary School will represent Trafford in an exciting new initiative to breathe fresh life into the recorder, as part of a major pilot project that gives hundreds of music novices just two terms to prepare for a gala concert at Chetham’s School of Music, one of Britain’s most prestigious music schools.
The Big Recorder Project aims to remind the nation of the recorder’s power to inspire a lifelong passion for music. Targeting schools across Greater Manchester and Blackburn with Darwen, the project will provide recorders, books, resources, and teacher development opportunities.
Teachers will also benefit from support and training led by educationalist, composer, and performer Paul Harris. Partnering with music education charity ABRSM, Chetham’s School of Music, and the Greater Manchester and Blackburn with Darwen Music Hub, the project seeks to reinvigorate interest in the recorder.
Despite a 47% decline in recorder players, as noted in ABRSM’s 2021 Making Music survey, the project's partners believe the instrument remains highly accessible for learners of all levels. By focusing on this collaboration, they aim to positively impact musical achievement in schools.
The Big Recorder Project
Youth Voices
Youth Voices is a new ensemble created for secondary-age students or those transitioning from Junior Voices, aimed at fostering a love of singing. The group will explore a wide and exciting range of genres, including Pop, West African, Part Songs, Musical Theatre, Classical, Soul, Traditional Folk, and even Beat Boxing—offering a rich, challenging repertoire to nurture their developing voices.
We’re thrilled to announce that Youth Voices will be performing at the prestigious Bridgewater Hall in early 2025 as part of the Wind in the Willows concert! There are still spots available to join, with rehearsals held on Monday evenings. Visit our Ensembles page for more details.
Ensembles
We're thrilled to announce that our ensemble numbers have grown once again, with some now reaching full capacity. We will regularly review our waiting lists and move students as soon as they're ready to progress. We're also excited to share that Rock School has formed a new young group, and we're eagerly looking forward to their debut performance on Sunday, 1st December!
Nursery Rhyme Days
This year, we're expanding our nursery rhyme events to reach even more schools! Instead of hosting at just two venues, we’ve partnered with local schools to act as hosts. Reception classes from nearby schools will be invited to join, making it accessible for those within walking distance.
This initiative is part of our big push to promote the learning of nursery rhymes for all nursery and reception pupils across Trafford. To support this, we have nursery rhymes, backing tracks, and signing videos available on our website.
We’re thrilled about this new format and can’t wait to see its impact!
To find an event close to your school, check the table.
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Springfield Primary
Tuesday 20th May, AM
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St Mary's Davyhulme
Tuesday 20th May, PM
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Heyes Lane
Thursday 22nd May, AM
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St Hilda's
Thursday 22nd May, PM
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School TBD
Thursday 12th June, AM
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Seymour Park
Thursday 12th June, PM
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Moss Park
Tuesday 1st July, AM
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Worthington
Tuesday 1st July, PM
Singing Festivals
The Trafford Singing Festivals are back for 2025, offering students the exciting opportunity to perform in professional venues. Our outstanding singing coach, Jill Henderson-Wild, will be visiting schools across Trafford to help classes prepare for their upcoming concerts at Waterside Arts Centre in Sale and Altrincham Garrick Playhouse.
Schools can reserve spots for their classes below, while parents will have the opportunity to purchase tickets closer to the event dates.
Battle of the Bands
Following last year’s record-breaking Battle of the Bands competition in Trafford, we're gearing up for another epic event this year! The first-round heats will take place on Saturday 1st February at the Claremont Centre, with the winners advancing to represent Trafford at the prestigious Band on the Wall in March 2025. For full details on entry requirements and how to apply, head to our online form.
This year, we're also introducing a brand-new songwriting competition, with a second stage at Band on the Wall dedicated to its finals. More details on the songwriting competition will be announced soon!
We have been shortlisted for Digital Project of the Year!
This award aims to share and celebrate some of the most exciting projects and activities taking place around the UK, that have digital and technology as a key component of their success.
Trafford Music Service launched Music Production sessions for KS2 and KS3 students in 2023/24, addressing a gap in our digital and technology offerings. These weekly one-hour sessions introduce students to music technology through exciting modules like music for games, film, and podcasting, training them to become multidisciplinarians. This programme is designed for children who might not typically engage with music, providing them with an accessible, creative outlet. Our goal is to increase access to music and creativity while demonstrating the positive impact of technology and screen time.
To join the waiting list for our next cohort of music production students, register here.
We are offering CPD twilight sessions in music technology for school staff. Priced at £150 for a 1.5-hour session, these workshops provide an interactive, hands-on introduction to music production—no prior experience needed! All equipment is provided.
To book a session, simply email our music technology lead, Adam Robinson.
A total of 61 classes across 29 schools in Trafford will be learning a musical instrument for the first time together this term - that’s an astounding 1800 children!
Lessons are based on the ‘wider opportunies’ programme (sometimes known as first access) and include singing, experiencing music through movement, and of course instrumental skills from a specialist.
Whole Class Projects
Partnership with Chetham’s
Trafford Music Service has been working with Chetham’s School of Music as part of their outreach program, offering our students incredible free opportunities to play and rehearse alongside Chetham’s established ensembles. Building on previous bespoke outreach projects, the 2023/24 program has expanded these valuable experiences.
In May 2024, our wind and brass students from Trafford Intermediate Wind Band and Saturday Sinfonietta had the chance to rehearse at Chetham’s with their Wind Band. Each student sat alongside a Chetham’s musician, experiencing the joy of making music together while benefiting from peer support. The challenging repertoire was also adapted to suit various ability levels, creating a rewarding experience for all.
This collaboration has had a noticeable impact on our students’ aspirations, self-esteem, and awareness of the broader opportunities available through music.
RNCM Young Projects
The RNCM Young Projects offer exciting opportunities for school-age musicians (ages 5–18) to develop their creative, musical, and technical skills. These projects cater to all levels, from beginners to more experienced players, with no selection process required. There are specialized programs for various instruments, including strings, basses, violas, harps, brass, percussion, recorders, and more, all designed to nurture young talent. For more information, visit the RNCM Young Projects page.
Christmas Presents
We know it’s early to bring up Christmas, but it’ll be here before we know it! If you're already considering getting your budding musician their own instrument this year, now is a great time to start planning.
Feel free to reach out to your child's teacher for advice on where to find a good quality instrument. We've seen many instruments purchased from places like eBay that, unfortunately, are nearly unplayable and can actually hold back your child's progress. Let us help you make the right choice! We have strong relationships with reputable musical instrument shops like Forsyths.
Assisted Purchase Scheme
Did you know that if your child attends a Trafford school, or comes to our centre for lessons or ensembles, you can buy an instrument for them via the HMRC Assisted Instrument Purchase Scheme? This allows us to purchases musical instruments and accessories VAT free, passing savings on to you as a customer. Purchases are subject to terms and conditions; we apply the greater of a £5 or 5% admin fee to all orders. Click here for more information and to place a request.
Upcoming Events
Early Years Network Meeting
Broomwood Primary School
Thursday 14 November 2024
16:00 - 17:00
Winter Concerts 2024
Stoller Hall
Sunday 1 December 2024
Wind in the Willows
Bridgewater Hall
Sunday 16 February 2025