Last week (January 21-22), the Concorde Conference centre in Manchester played host to the fourth Sing Up National Gathering. A 300-strong selection of the Sing Up workforce from across the country came together to engage in a busy two-day programme of seminars, discussion sessions and workshops addressing the programme's extensive and vibrant activity.
The conference kicked off with a key note speech delivered by Sing Up programme director Baz Chapman. Speaking in the main Concorde Hall, which still houses the flagship Concorde aircraft, Baz presented his congratulations and thanks to the workforce for their achievements to date and shared the Sing Up Consortium's vision for the future of the programme.
Although the current term of government funding is due to end in March 2011, delegates were assured that every effort would be made to ensure continuation of a programme which has become an integral and valued aspect of primary school education in England.
The programme that followed addressed a wide range of singing-related subjects. Stuart Barr presented a guide to the importance and successful maintenance of good vocal health. Richard Jones of the Specialist Schools and Academies Trust and Steve Cook from Formby High School led an inspirational session on how singing had been used to aid the transition between primary and secondary school education in the Sefton area. Dr Paul Robertson presented an insight into his work on Music, Mind and the Brain whilst John Witchell and Nick Beach discussed the relationship between singing and instrumental music tuition.
The Gathering also offered an opportunity to strengthen relationships within the Sing Up workforce. Ed Milner, Sing Up workforce development director commented that "the National Gathering is a chance to get 300 really diverse and interesting people into one room where they can discuss important issues, kick back, relax and get to make those human connections that will really help the programme."
Day two opened with a panel discussion tackling the future of music education. With a general election imminent, Kathryn Deane (Director of Sound Sense) chaired a lively session of discussion and debate, during which delegates were able to raise key issues with a panel of leaders both within and outside of the music education world.
The conference concluded with a key note speech delivered by the National Singing Ambassador Howard Goodall. He highlighted the diverse collection of bodies that are united in a common purpose, and identified that the strength of Sing Up lay in this unique network of partnerships.
Howard expressed his conviction that "the job is not yet done" and emphasised the need to extend the benefits of singing to secondary school level and early years education, as well as further developing Sing Up's groundbreaking activity with children outside of mainstream education.
National Sing Up Day (February 24) is fast approaching, aiming to drive awareness of the programme, as well encouraging registered schools to take their singing further, and to 'Spread a little Singing.'
Safe in the knowledge that singing has become an integral aspect of primary school education, and is regarded within the national mindset as a key aspect of a child's learning and development, the Sing Up workforce looks sets to lift off into the future, full throttle.