Review of 2022

We’ve had another busy year. Our biggest headlines include a name change and becoming a not-for-profit; but there’s been so much more in between. Here’s the story of 2022 …

Our year started pretty uneventful. It’s hard to believe we were still operating under the cautious fresh memory of lockdown and another strange Christmas. However, we we’re also armed with a steely determination to progress as we had intended, pre-pandemic.

The Song School

Our name change would see us truly project all of the activities that were happening inside the building, to represent every child’s talents. The Song School was born in March 2022 (a plan originally due in 2020!). The new name was greeted with positivity all round and we are continuing to grow our reputation for extracurricular music education outside of singing; plus offering activities to support children and young people from all settings so all can access our classes and workshops, no matter where they’re from.

Showcases return

A major priority in 2022 was to bring back our regular timetable of performance opportunities. Pre-lockdown showcases, in particular had been key in student development, not only for the musical skills they were developing, but also to improve confidence and self-esteem.

In addition, we introduced the following activities to the timetable:

BUSKING into the Saturday band class timetable; periodically taking students out into the high street to play to the community and raise money for our charity partner Ewans Music Trust.

Our partnership with the local music hub - Music-on-sea progressed this year and as a result, we were fortunate to be invited to bring a small group to play at ‘Southend Makes Music’, an annual celebration of music education that takes place each year at The Palace Theatre; a 600 seater venue, providing a huge platform to those taking part.

And we launched our very first SENIOR SUMMER SHOW. A full gig performed, hosted and promoted by our emerging senior group.

For the first time since the start of the pandemic, we have a full programme of performances opportunities, ready to roll-out for 2023.

Music Workshops

Our first Easter workshop was launched in partnership with Ewans Music and Music on sea, who also share our objective of reaching children and young people from low-income backgrounds with opportunities to make music either subsidised, or for free.

Students wrote and recorded an original song, storyboarded, recorded and edited a music video: all within the space of four days.

We also provided music and singing workshops for the under 10’s; plus production and recording experiences. We are currently in the final stages of planning our full holiday workshop programme for 2023. This will include more opportunities for children to access our projects for free.

Amplifying Young Voices

Our approach of encouraging positive support amongst our community of young people and giving all a voice, has progressed this year.

We launched the Student Mentor Programme and appointed our first ‘student mentors’ in two seniors - Emily and Amy. In the term before they headed off to University, the pair were given responsibilities in the class of their choice (both chose singing) to experience classroom assisting and to become role models for our younger students.

This has inspired the younger students in many ways; from adopting their positive behaviours, to holding them up as examples of good practice: both of these young people have left a very positive legacy at The Song School.

They have also inspired a new era of mentors that are developing in additional areas across the School; with the most enthusiastic wanting to get more involved at the studios.

From September, Hope and Flo took over from Emily & Amy and have been developing their mentoring skills further, with guidance from Olly.

Moss has been working alongside Billy behind the scenes - a role he thrives in.

From January, both Finn and Joe will be volunteering in classes to contribute to the volunteering module of their Duke of Edinburgh award; and James will be joining us for his work experience.

This programme is set to expand and evolve in 2023 as we provide more opportunities for students to get involved and have their say on the evolution of The Song School.

Goodbye 2022

As we draw the year to a close, there are many things we are grateful for. The stand out is being able to operate as we intended, with no restrictions in place: 2022 was the first full year without zoom, social distancing tape on the floor or the threat of lockdown. It’s been amazing to get consistency back with students, helping them to build good habits, not only in their music practise, but also in their social and development skills.

As we look forward into 2023, we are excited and optimistic for all of the possibilities we have to continue this journey with the young people in our community. Watch this space for new developments, student achievements and extracts of all the fun!

Happy New Year!