15/11/2007
The Music Manifesto Partnership and Advocacy Group (MMPAG) met for the first time last week and kicked off proceedings by quizzing Schools Minister Andrew Adonis.
The group's Chair, Darren Henley, welcomed Lord Adonis to the meeting and invited him to outline his views on the campaign's achievements and his plans for music education.
The Minister said that government announcements are on the horizon that will have a positive impact on funding and resources, as a further response to the Manifesto's recommendations.
He also stressed the important role that both government and the campaign should play in "stimulating activity" in education and the wider community to create a sustainable legacy.
In answer to questions from group members, Andrew Adonis made it clear that he looked forward to as much dialogue as possible with the MMPAG, and asked to be invited to future meetings.
Music Manifesto Development Director, Marc Jaffrey, updated the group on all aspects of campaign news before introducing Baz Chapman, Programme Director for the Manifesto's National Singing Programme, Sing Up.
Baz reported on the imminent launch of the superb new Sing Up magazine and online resource for primary schools. Make sure any primary teachers and heads you know have registered for the magazine at www.singup.org/registration
The group then worked on defining future priorities for the MMPAG, as well as expressing their personal aspirations for its achievements. John Stephens, Deputy Director of Children's Services in Salford, said he believes that much of the success he has had in life has resulted from the opportunities that music gave him as a child.
Head of sales and marketing for Sibelius music software, Justin Baron, echoed the sentiment of many in the group when he said that he looked forward to a time, promoted by the MMPAG, when "every child could call themselves a musician".
Full minutes from the meeting will be published here soon. The MMPAG will hold its second meeting in December or early January. If you have any comments or queries that you would like to put to any member of the group, please email them to us at: info@musicmanifesto.co.uk
Pictured, back row l-r: Justin Baron, Sibelius; Paul Wilson, Wren Music; Darren Henley (Chair), Classic FM; Kathryn Deane, Sound Sense; Graeme Smith, Croydon Music Service; Nick Howdle, Sound Connections, Marc Jaffrey, MM. Front row, l-r: John Stephens, Salford Children's Services; Katherine Zeserson, Sage Gateshead; Aimee Gardner, Gallions Primary School; Leonora Davies, education consultant; Dick Hallam, Oxfordshire Music Service; Nii Sackey, Bigga Fish; Grace Walter, administrator.