MUSiK – Music in Kirklees – Education Launch
Education professionals have been learning more about how they can get involved in Kirklees Year of Music 2023- a year-long festival of music led by ourselves, in partnership with musical organisations from across the district.
What happened at the festival?
Headteachers, arts coordinators and music teachers were invited to get involved in shaping the festival at an event at Greenhead College, Huddersfield on Thursday 21 November.
Music was provided by the college’s Jazz Ensemble, and a packed programme of presentations from music specialists showcased the way music education is being developed and delivered in schools.
There were talks on everything from how to engage boys in music, to using apps to deliver music to children with special educational needs; as well as though provoking presentations on sound archaeology and rhythm cards.
Kathy Coates-Mohammed Headteacher at Pentland Infant & Nursery School in Dewsbury said:
“We are thoroughly looking forward to Kirklees Year of Music in 2023 at Pentland Infant and Nursery; what a fantastic creative opportunity for our children and young people! The power of music is so far-reaching; it supports learning and development across the whole curriculum, but more than that it has such a positive impact on our children’s mental health and well-being. It gives children a voice for their emotions and for many children is an alternative form of expression that allows their thoughts and imaginations to flow. We will be taking every opportunity to be involved in as many ways as possible”.
The event was opened by Cllr Walker, who has responsibility for the Year of Music as part of his Culture and Environment cabinet portfolio at Kirklees Council who said:
“ I am delighted to be launching the year of music to education professionals, for this event to be a success we need everyone to be involved, especially children. MUSiK is a collaborative project, we can’t deliver it on our own. Schools and colleges are essential to both developing a diverse programme of events, and sharing the message that Kirklees is a place where we celebrate our musical past and present, and make sure it plays a part in everyone’s future.”