Blackpool Music Service to receive top music education honour

Blackpool Music Service is to be presented with top honours at this year’s National Music Council (NMC) Local Authority Music Education Awards Scheme.
It has won the Major Trophy for its services to music education and representatives will collect their prize on November 7th at the Southbank Centre in London.
The service was set up in 2002 with the mission to improve music teaching and musical provisions in schools and within the community. It has meant that the number of musicians to receive weekly tuition has risen from 200 to 6,000. It also runs a Creative Music Making Programme every year for up to 25,000 pupils in Blackpool.
Andrew White, Music Adviser for Blackpool, said that he is “proud and elated” at the honour.
Each year the NMC recognises the achievements of other council services for their music education. Jazz Services is one of the organisations to support the awards and honours one council with its commitment to jazz education.
This year, Devon’s Music Service will be presented with the Will Michael Diploma of Special Merit for outstanding commitment to jazz education, the second year in a row in which it has received the prize. It won the Major Trophy last year.
The council-run service will also be handed a Diploma of Merit next week to recognise the work of local authority music departments.
“With ever tightening budgets, all our services are looking for ways to make a little stretch a long way, and this service is an excellent example of how well this can be achieved,” commented Councillor Christine Channon, cabinet member with responsibility for the service.
“Music is real enrichment of child’s education which equips them not only with musical skills but also with skills such as teamwork and social confidence that will be invaluable on their journey to adult life.”
East Lothian Council will receive a Diploma of Special Merit, sponsored by the PRS Foundation, for commitment to creative music making.