Live Music Now is expanding its’ reach into schools by bringing the popular “Musical Mondays” programme to pupils in primary schools across Wales.
First established in South West England, “Musical Mondays” are a specially curated programme of diverse musical performances from world-class Live Music Now musicians across the UK, streamed direct to school classrooms via Zoom webinars. Classes can access the concerts on devices at the same time, bringing a live music experience to thousands of pupils at once. Whilst they can see the musicians, the musicians can’t see them – but teachers can facilitate class questions through the chat function, making the online set up both safe and interactive.
Watch the enthusiasm with which children from St. Andrews School in Wales took part in the first broadcast!
Live Music Now Wales Alumni, pianist and teacher Philip May is leading on the programme in Wales. He says:
“The restrictions of the pandemic really pushed the need for online arts provision for schools, which means everyone is much more confident and familiar with the format now. Whilst nothing beats live music, to be able to offer such regular interactive concerts across the country is a fantastic opportunity to develop the Expressive Arts Curriculum and Music Education within Wales. So many children still don’t have access to live music, so to experience diverse genres and instruments and connect that back to the work of local Music Services for instrumental lessons is a fantastic opportunity that everyone can now access.”
The new programme launched on Monday 31st January 2022 with Brazilian duo Borges Machado playing for over 2000 pupils across the country. Schools are also able to take to Twitter after the event to share photos and videos of their pupils engaging with the music should they wish. Every concert is also supported by a huge bank of free pre-recorded concerts and workshops from Live Music Now musicians available via their YouTube channel.
“This is BRAZILIANT! We are having so much fun playing along with our percussion instruments in Year 1!” – Tywyn Primary
Whilst the range of musicians involved is diverse, every other month the series features Welsh-language performers. There is a 10.30am English language concert and a 1.30pm Welsh language concert for schools to choose from, the latter supported by another Live Music Now alumnus Tudur Eames, through a partnership with Gwynedd and Anglesey Music Service.
“Year 6 at Darrenlas Primary are really enjoying creating Samba!” – Amanda Vigliotta
The next “Musical Mondays” concert features the celebrated Welsh chamber folk trio Vri who will be performing as part of the Cambridge Folk Festival this summer. Traditionally known as “Welsh Week”, marking celebrations around St David’s Day on 1st March, this is a perfect opportunity for schools to engage with Welsh music.
Whilst the 31 January concert was free, there is a small, affordable charge for future concerts which can be booked as one-offs, or with discounts for booking term-long or school year-long participation with “Musical Mondays”.
For Vri’s concert on 28th February, Live Music Now is offering FREE participation for schools who take part in a fundraiser to support their “Songs and Scones” programme, which brings live music to isolated older people and those living with dementia in Welsh communities.
Songs & Scones fundraising activities could include:
- watching the concert with your own morning or afternoon tea while asking for a £1 donation per pupil,
- creating your own “Schools Songs and Scones” event, 0r
- bringing in a donation and dressing up as your favourite Welsh musician or composer!
For more information download our free Fundraising Pack here.
“Can every Monday be like this? Absolutely amazing!” – Scott Vaughn
For the forthcoming Musical Mondays in Wales, we’ll be hearing:
Feb 28th – Vri (free with fundraising)
Mar 28th – String Sisters
Apr 25th – Top Brass Trio
May 23rd – Elliot Morris & Henry Webster
June 27th – Cainc
Jul 18th – Q19 Duo
For further information and to book your place please email: [email protected]
Students have a great time with LMN duo Filkin’s Drift during a Musical Monday broadcast to schools in Merseyside and Liverpool.