Celebrating the Power of Music in Kirklees

Some of the country’s leading music educators, teachers and musicians took part in the first ever Power of Music conference held in Huddersfield on January 7.

Delegates, many of whom were from Kirklees schools and the Music Education Hub, experienced a day full of activities delivered by some inspiring leaders in music education.  The event was organised by the Kirklees Music Education Hub (led by Musica Kirklees) with support from the University of Huddersfield where the conference took place on Monday.   

Guest speakers included Steve Pickett, Education Director at The Hallé, Bridget Whyte, CEO of Music Mark, Helen Turnbull Director of Arts Specialism at Netherhall Learning Campus, Jayne Price, Head of Division, Department of Initial Teacher Education (schools) University of Huddersfield, Kath Davies of Kirklees Council and Jimmy Feversham, Teacher at Feversham Primary School and Global Teacher of the Year finalist.  

Throughout the day there were opportunities to take part in workshops ranging from Body Percussion to Wellbeing through Music and DJing.  Exhibitors and workshop leaders represented local and national organisations including Focus Trust, Sing Up, HOOT Creative Arts, Beat Goes On, Trinity College London, RSL Rock School, Charanga, Live Music Now, Universal Edition, YYM and the British Dyslexia Association.  

‘We are lucky to have so many passionate educators in Kirklees’, said Thom Meredith, Principal, Musica Kirklees.  ‘This conference aimed to give our local music professionals the inspiration to expand upon the excellent work they’re already doing.  We have all heard in the news recently about the power that music has to enhance our lives; by sharing expertise and ideas we ensure that people in Kirklees can look forward to a future full of innovative and exciting music-making’.