22 June 2023
Lincolnshire’s most successful school music departments, teachers and students were celebrated at the Lincolnshire Music Education Awards, held at the Lincolnshire Show on Thursday 22 June
Held for the first time since 2019, the awards recognize the county’s rich musical talent, with many brilliant young students supported by dedicated teachers and families,
Comments from Cllr Mrs Patricia Bradwell (Deputy Lead and Executive Cllr for Children’s Services) who says, “I’m delighted to be presenting the awards which represent the ‘tip of the iceberg’ of the many musical achievements across Lincolnshire during this academic year. I’ve been lucky to attend many Lincolnshire Music Service events over the years, the most recent at Lincoln Cathedral in April, which was truly inspiring. Well done to everyone who takes part. “
Nominations were made via the Lincolnshire Music Service website, with final decisions made by the Lincolnshire Music Education Hub Board. The Young Music Maker award result was decided through an online poll which was verified and approved by the Board.
Lincolnshire Music Education award results for 2023
Music Department of the Year (Primary) winner - Sir Francis Hill Primary school
This school has engaged with Whole Class Instrumental Teaching and Music Membership for many years. Over the last couple of years, the school has offered small group instrumental lessons to all children and covered the costs within their budget. They recognise the importance of music and the impact it has on the wider curriculum, tracking pupils’ progress in all subjects and noted that those receiving music tuition tend to achieve higher than predicted progress generally.
Music Department of the Year (Special) winner - Eresby Special School
Eresby Special School has a dedicated music room with a huge variety of instruments for pupils to use and explore. Music follows the National Curriculum with different activities to meet the needs of all pupils. Teaching and support staff are very supportive and the school has actively engaged with Lincolnshire Music Service through the Together Through Music programme to extend musical opportunities for pupils.
The Highly Commended award in this category goes to Aiger Community School in Gainsborough
The school supports musical learning and progression throughout Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4 for all learners and abilities. This year, through Lincolnshire Music Service, all Y7 and Y8 students were offered whole class ukulele lessons. This meant all pupils could learn an instrument and performed in a concert to the whole school at the end of the programme. The award also recognises the support and enthusiasm of all staff involved as they all learnt to play ukulele alongside the pupils.
Music Department of the Year (Secondary) Winner is Queen Elizabeth Grammar School in Horncastle
This was a tough choice for the judges, and there were many nominations for this category.
The Queen Elizabeth Grammar School was chosen as music is central to the school’s activities. The music department is regularly joined by staff of other disciplines who play in or lead musical groups, and, as a keen promoter of staff music wellbeing, the school is delighted when the staff choir sings at concerts with the pupils!
Pupils of all year groups worked 'in harmony' to put on a concert. During rehearsals and the performance, the students were focused, worked as a team under the guidance of staff and Sixth Formers of the Music Committee, and were clearly having a really lovely time doing so. Students work academically hard at this school but do not neglect the arts.
There were two runners up in this category:
Kings School in Grantham
This school was chosen as runner up as it identifies and nurtures musical talent but, more importantly, values music education as a key skill, recognising its immense benefit and the impact it has on wellbeing, belonging, and general academic progress for everyone.
Bourne Grammar School
The school has a lively Music Department, the dedication of the teachers is incredible and the inspiration they give the students is unsurpassed. Their nomination describes the commitment of the music teachers to put the students first and foremost, and to let them shine.
Music Leader of the Year winner - Chelsey Bamford
Chelsey is the deserving winner of this award for her dedication to music and delivering it adults and young people for positive wellbeing and benefits to mental health. She started the Take Note Choir to get adults out of the house, meeting other like-minded people and using music to bring happiness and confidence to people who have been really struggling.
Chelsey started working at the Pilgrim School, Boston in Feb 2020. She was asked to introduce a music curriculum to young people with substantial mental and medical needs where people before had tried and failed. She has managed to successfully introduce, and is still running the music curriculum at the school and has seen the students through some instrumental grades as well as facilitating their first school concert!
She is an inspiration to all the people she works with. Her love of music and infectious ambition has led to her success in helping music and creativity grow in Lincolnshire.
The Young Music Maker of the Year Award winner is Jessica Gates
Jessica, aged 18 was chosen through an online voting process and is a worthy winner.
Jessica first joined the Lincolnshire Concert Orchestra in 2015 as a year 6 pupil. She is the Eb clarinettist in the Lincolnshire Wind Orchestra, having participated in county music continuously over the last 8 years. Jessica is currently preparing for her A level exams with the plan to continue her music studies at university in September 2023. Her commitment and enthusiasm for music and performing is second to none and she is an exemplary role model to younger students at her school.
Runner up is Shivani Jansari, now aged 15, who started her musical journey on the violin age 4. In July 2018 Shivani decided to try playing the viola and passed her Grade 8 (distinction) in June the following year, and ARSM Diploma (distinction) in summer 2022. She now studies viola at the Royal College of Music Junior Department on Saturdays, whilst continuing on the violin and piano with local teachers, as well as mentoring younger students.
