BEDFORD MUSIC CENTRE - Bedfordshire County Council

BEDFORD MUSIC CENTREHead of Centre: Catherine McCagueWelcome to Bedford Music Centre. We meet every Saturday during term time at MarkRutherford School, Wentworth Drive, Bedford. Activities take place between 9.15 am and12.30 pm, providing a variety of ensemble work for Bedfordshire school pupils aged from7-18. We also offer Hullabaloo classes for children from 2 -7+ and encourage parents tojoin in with other groups where appropriate. We give a Concert, and also have an OpenMorning, each term to which parents and friends are most welcome to attend.Pupils are encouraged to participate in a full morning’s activities as far as the timetableallows. Regular and committed attendance is essential if our ensembles are going todevelop and perform to their full potential. Pupils are expected to attend all concerts inwhich they are required to perform. The dates for all of this year’s concerts arepublished in this handbook; they are also displayed on the main notice board at theMusic Centre. Any pupil’s absence from concerts must be cleared with the appropriatetutor well in advance. All students should bring a clearly labelled music stand eachweek.Fees for the Music Centre are currently £49.00 per pupil per term - £32.00 if onlyattending half-hour Mini Music class. There is a reduction for students paying for thewhole academic year in September, £141.00 per annum for non-mini music studentsand £89.00 per annum for mini music students attending just one session.During the 2007-2008 academic year, all new students registering at a Music Centre willreceive their first half-term free of charge on receipt of a voucher from a BedfordshireMusic planner book.All fees are payable on registration.Parents/Guardians must complete a registration form and return it to the Head of Centrewhen they join so that accurate records of pupil movement can be maintained.Attendance at the Music Centre is of course voluntary; every one here has chosen toattend. We have a code of sensible conduct, which helps the Centre to run smoothlyand safely and ensures that every one can work together to the benefit of our musicmaking. The foyer area outside the Drama Hall and Activities Hall is the central‘meeting place’ for students and parents. The Tuck Shop, which is run by a marvellousteam of parents, is open from 9.45 am and is situated here. Pupils with free time atany stage in the morning should wait in this area occupying them quietly andsensibly.UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES SHOULD ANY PUPIL LEAVE OR WANDER ROUNDTHE SITE ONCE THEY HAVE ARRIVED FOR THE MORNING’S ACTIVITIESFor further details of all our activities, why not come along to the Music Centre to seeand listen for yourself. Catherine McCague can be contacted atBedfordshire Music, County Hall, Cauldwell Street, Bedford MK42 9AP.Tel: 01234 276383

BEDFORD MUSIC CENTRESTAFF LIST 2007/2008Catherine McCague Centre HeadSenior StringsBrant TildsFiona BennettPaul EdwardsCarol JohnPaul NashDrew SheffieldPaul WilliamsPeter WrightMelissa VranasSimon BainCentre Deputy HeadJazz Theory / Snr. Jazz Band / Latin AmericanPercussionBeginner GuitarSenior Choir / Theory/ Junior ChoirChamber Wind / Chamber OrchestraOrchestra / Percussion / Junior StringsRock Band / GuitarWind Band /Jnr. Jazz Band / TheoryKeyboards / CompositionRecorders / HullabalooAdministration

BEDFORD MUSIC CENTREWHICH GROUP COULD I BE IN?OrchestraGrade 4 + Strings, Grade 5+ WindChamber Orchestra By invitation only, see tutorChamber Music Grade 7 +Junior Strings Year 1 of learning – Grade 3Senior Strings Grade 4 +Wind Band Year 1 of learning +Junior Jazz Band Grade 1 - 4Senior Jazz Band Grade 5+Rock BandSee tutorJunior Choir Age 6 - 12Senior ChoirAge 12 + (And Adults!)Beginner Recorder No previous experience (age 7 + )Intermediate Recorder Year 1 of learning – Grade 3Senior Recorder Grade 4 +Beginner Percussion No previous experience (age 7 + )Intermediate Percussion Year 1 of learning – Grade 3Latin American Percussion See tutorJazz TheorySee tutorCompositionAn understanding of Grade 1 + theoryTheory No previous experience (age 7 +)Keyboard No previous experience (age 7 + )Beginner Guitar No previous experience (age 7 + )Intermediate Guitar Year 1 of learning – Grade 3Senior Guitar Grade 4 +HullabalooNo previous experience (age 4 - 7yrs)GRADES ARE ONLY A GUIDE TO STANDARDSAND BY NO MEANS COMPULSORY

BEDFORD MUSIC CENTREDETAILS OF CLASSESJUNIOR STRINGSPaul NashThis is a fun, light-hearted String Orchestra, playing a selection of pop, classics and film music.It is not suitable for the total beginner; however as soon as the open strings can be played from printedmusic, you are most welcome to join in!SENIOR STRINGSCathy McCagueSenior Strings is open to all string players that are of Grade 4 + standard. We look forward to studying awide range of repertoire and developing sight reading and technical skills.LATIN AMERICAN PERCUSSIONBrant TildsThis is a new and exciting chance to play and perform Latin American music – Notting Hill Carnival comes toBedford! Suitable for musicians with at least three years’ experience.JUNIOR JAZZPaul WilliamsThis group will provide the opportunity for pupils to play in a full jazz group. A popular way of developingbasic jazz and improvisation skills.SENIOR JAZZBrant TildsThis more advanced ensemble gives students the chance to expand on their improvisational skills, resultingin some dynamic performances.BEGINNER / INTERMEDIATE PERCUSSIONPaul NashThese classes are for students of up to Grade 3 standard. It will involve both whole class and small groupwork. Come and learn the various elements of music through playing a variety of percussion instruments.WIND BANDPaul WilliamsThe aim of this class is to provide the first experience of playing in a Wind Band and to develop thenecessary skills in a progressive and fun way.ORCHESTRAPaul NashOn attaining a standard of Grade 4 (Strings and Percussion) or Grade 5 (Wind and Brass), students will beinvited to join the Orchestra. Places may be by audition if a section is over-subscribed. Music performed willinclude traditional, more popular and film.

CHAMBER MUSICCarol JohnBoth String and Wind Chamber Music are for the more advanced player, with students of approx. gradeupwards looking to improve their musical and technical abilities. Places in these groups are subject toavailability.CHAMBER ORCHESTRACarol JohnThis group is for the most advanced students to perform Chamber Music to a high level. Due to the specificrequirements of the ensemble, entry to this group is by invitation only. Please talk to the tutors if you wouldlike further information.JUNIOR CHOIRPaul EdwardsJunior Choir is for 6 -12 year olds. Students will learn music of different styles in various parts andlanguages. Teaching will be aimed at developing vocal skills and just enjoying singing with various warmups/ games mixed in with the repertoire.SENIOR CHOIRPaul EdwardsThis is a full SATB choir, which welcomes students and parents to join in. Senior Choir aims to explore awide repertoire of choral music whilst developing vocal techniques, aural and sight singing skills.BEGINNER / INTERMEDIATE RECORDERSMelissa VranasThese classes are aimed at beginner recorders up to Grade 3 standard. Depending on the range of levels,students may be divided into groups within the session: Beginner classes will cover basic fingering, notationand rhythm; Intermediate will be for those who have mastered the initial skills and are ready to attempt someeasy ensemble music.THEORYPaul EdwardsTheory classes are to give students the opportunity to reinforce their music reading and writing skills. Thissession is aimed at the more able student, who is comfortable working at their own pace. One-to-one tuitionis provided as required.KEYBOARDSPeter WrightFour half hour beginner keyboard sessions suitable for absolute beginners to intermediate. No knowledge ofpiano or keyboard is necessary.Composition, Synthesised Sound and performance workshop. Intermediate players of all instrumentswelcome. An enthusiasm for composition is essential.

GUITARSDrew SheffieldFiona BennettBeginnersIf you’ve never played the guitar before and you’d like to pick it up this is the class for you. No previousexperience required. Adults welcome too!Intermediate GuitarsLast year’s beginners are this year’s intermediates. If you’ve played for a year or so, know some notes, andcan read TAB, then this is the class for you.Senior GuitarsIf you know basic major and minor chords and are comfortable strumming through chord progressions, thisgroup is aimed at you.ROCK BANDDrew SheffieldLearn how to play in a band set-up focusing on grooves, arrangement, dynamics, cover tunes and originalmaterial. This class is suitable for guitarists, bassists, drummers and vocalists.HULLABALOOMelissa VranasThis session is for children aged 2 - 7 years. Children will develop their singing skills, with use of percussioninstruments and musical games. Basic music elements are introduced in an exciting and practical way.Parents are encouraged to stay and join in with the activities. Come and have some fun!All classes are suitable for adult students unless specific age range is stated.

FRIENDS OF BEDFORD MUSIC CENTREThe Friends is a charity that was formed in June 1995 to provide support for the Music Centre andto raise money that buys sheet music, musical instruments and related equipment. Thesepurchases, typically between £500 and £1000 a year, help the school budget go a lot further and asa result all the children benefit.The committee is formed each year from among the parents. They meet each term to plan fundraising activities at concerts and open days that include cake sales and raffles. Parents also workwith the Music School secretary to help with administration, answer queries from other parents, andhelp at concerts.In the past couple of years very few parents have been prepared to provide this active support forthe Music Centre. Put simply, if a few more parents are not willing to give a small amount of theirtime, then the additional source of money for the Music Centre provided by the Friends will end.To help make the most of your child’s time at the Music School, contact the Friends by leaving yourname and telephone number on the Notice Board at the Music School reception.“TREBLE CLEF”The Music Centre shop has been in operation for some years. It is run by parents and providesready access to the necessary bits and pieces that the students need in some classes at the MusicCentre.The shop offers a wide range of stock that includes theory and course books, past theoryexamination papers, manuscript papers, pens, pencils, and recorders. There are music stands,stand bags and music bags, music books, and CD’s / tapes for students to play along to. Also, itcan order additional items used by the students at the Music School and in their Music Classes attheir day school.THE TUCK SHOPIs run by a team of parents and is open from about 9.15 - 11.45am each week for the sale of tea,coffee, soft drinks and various items of confectionery. All the money that is raised from this goesback in to the school to help with purchasing music and equipment.__________________________________________________________________CONCERTSThere will be a concert on the last Saturday of each term. These will normally take place at MarkRutherford. There will normally be no lessons on these days.8 December, 15 March, 5 JulyThere is also an end of year senior concert at St Andrews Church during the summer term.Dress for children in concerts is formal and smart. Black trousers/skirts, white shirts/blouses, blackshoes (no trainers); for boys - black coloured ties/bow ties

UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES SHOULD ANY PUPIL LEAVE OR WANDER ROUND THE SITEONCE THEY HAVE ARRIVED FOR THE MORNINGS ACTIVITIESMusic Centre Code of ConductMembership of an Area Music Centre brings with it enormous benefits,both musically and socially, for every student, provided that everyoneunderstand and accept their responsibility towards one another, and worktogether as a team.As a member of an Area Music Centre all students are expected to: Be punctual and attend regularly each week Where ever possible inform the Head of Centre in advance of anynecessary absence Be sensible and show respect for people, property and the school at alltimes Take good care of any music or equipment loaned to them Always speak politely and truthfully and sort out problems peacefully Not use language that will offend others Follow all instructions given by staff Walk at all times in the building Try to do their best in everything they do Never leave the buildings during the morning without permission fromthe Head of Centre Complete the appropriate forms and return them to the Head of Centrebefore ceasing Music Centre Membership Understand that a member of staff’s decision is final on any matter