Schools are back… and so is music!

Sunderland secondary schools are alive with the sound of music again after a great event across secondary schools in the city which aimed to help relaunch music.

Music Week 2021, organised and funded by Sunderland Music Hub, took place in September 2021 in order to inspire young people just starting secondary school to take up an instrument, learn to sing and get involved in other music activities in their new school.

Run by individual music departments in secondary schools across Sunderland in the first week of the new academic year, Music Week events ranged from performances by the school’s music teachers, to student demonstrations and opportunities for Year 7 students to try out different instruments.

The events were aimed at re-introducing music to students who will have missed out on the usual music-making transition activities due to covid-19 restrictions.

Chris Smith, Head of Music at Kepier School said:

​​“The Music Week event was a highlight of the first week back. Our music tutors and departmental staff put on a gig, performing together for the first time hits like Valerie and Happy. Our new year 7 pupils loved listening and joining in, and were given a real buzz at the end of what must have been a stressful week for them all. We will definitely run assemblies like this in the future.”

Ben Thornley, Head of Music at Oxclose Academy said:

“Music Week at Oxclose has not only raised the profile of instrumental teaching, and enthused students whose access to instrumental teaching has been stifled due to Covid, it has also given them a sense of excitement about their curriculum music lessons. The overall effect has been a really positive start to the year, and a great platform to build on.”

Lizzie Nixon, Music Hub Manager, Sunderland Music Hub said:

“I’m delighted that we supported this event taking place in thirteen secondary schools across the city. Music plays such a crucial role in the lives of children and young people. Studies show that singing or learning an instrument has positive impacts on children’s confidence, wellbeing and ability to form friendships and after such a challenging period, we want to help children and young people to access the range of brilliant musical opportunities their schools have on offer. Sunderland is such a talented musical city and we want to make sure that all children and young people have the opportunity to experience the joy of music.

Music teachers have been relishing the opportunity to enthuse students to learn an instrument or to sing, while also giving out information about extra-curricular music in their school and other Sunderland-wide music ensembles.”

Events and activities included:

• Trying a new instrument
• Watching a performance
• Learning about new instruments
• Finding out which instrumental and singing lessons take place in school