17/09/2007
Classic FM managing director Darren Henley has been announced as Chair of the new Music Manifesto Partnership and Advocacy Group - the body established to inspire and drive the activities of the Manifesto's 1500 signatories and act as a watchdog on Government progress.
Darren's appointment marks the start of the second phase of the Music Manifesto campaign, focused on securing the delivery of a new package of measures aimed at improving music education across the board.
Darren Henley said: "The challenge for music education is crystal clear - to build on the foundations that the Music Manifesto, under Marc Jaffrey, has put in place to engage young people, educators, musicians and industry in a new strategic framework for delivery in music education. I am delighted to work in partnership with the 1500 signatories who bring so much to the table, with all the potential for long-term sustained development that entails".
Schools Minister, Andrew Adonis said: "The Music Manifesto is clear in its aim that all young people, whatever their background or abilities, have access to a rich and diverse range of musical experiences. I am delighted that Darren Henley will be chairing this new advocacy group, bringing together a team of expert stakeholders to give independent leadership and strategic vision to the Music Manifesto's drive to improve music education in this country.
Culture Minister, Margaret Hodge said: "Making music - whether singing or playing an instrument - is one of life's joys. It is fulfilling and fun. Music Manifesto is doing a great job promoting it and, with Government investment, is starting to make a real difference. Darren's expertise and enthusiasm combined with his experience at Classic FM is certainly an exciting asset to the partnership."
Marc Jaffrey, the former Music Manifesto champion who is now the organisation's Development Director, said: "Darren Henley brings fantastic energy and dynamism to our campaign. He has shown over many years that he is an innovator both in broadcasting and in engaging people of all ages in music learning.
"The Music Manifesto has achieved an enormous amount so far in its short life; awareness of the need for music education is out of all proportion to just three years ago. The challenge now for Darren, and for us all, lies in building on that success to take our campaign onto the next stage".