Introducing . . .

Julie Wright!

Moving On . . .

After an incredibly difficult year I'm finally able to sit down and let you all know what's been happening and what's coming up . . . and the very first thing to celebrate is my new name! Well, it's actually my old name, and I'm very much looking forward to using it again. So please amend your records to Julie Wright. In addition, by the next time I write I will have a new address and phone number. If you have any problems contacting me in the next few months, the best way will be my mobile, which remains unchanged: 07904 541520.

THE OPEN UNIVERSITY

TRINITY GUILDHALL

KS2 MUSIC CPD PROGRAMME

In April 2007 a new training programme, aiming to establish and support good practice in respect of the teaching and learning of instrumental and vocal music at KS2, was launched by The Open University/Trinity Guildhall. It's a flexible programme, allowing applicants (with guidance from their mentor) to select a range of modules according to their individual needs and existing skills and experience.

My aim is to extend the range of music activities and options I can offer schools, whether on a freelance basis or, for example, covering PPA time or as part of the Wider Opportunities initiative.

I may well be looking for a school/schools who would like to support my training over the coming months. This might be enabling me to develop some new skills with one of your classes! Further details will be available within the next few weeks, so if you're a teacher, or school, who would like the opportunity to collaborate and support me in my training, please let me know as soon as possible, and I'll be in touch. For further information about the course see www.ks2music.org.uk

Masala Jazz at Ek Maya . . .

Ek Maya is a philosophical term meaning one world situated between dreams and reality, and is the name of a superb Indian restaurant in Leicester.

Masala Jazz is an eclectic mix of musicians who can be found playing at Ek Maya on Friday evenings, and if you're lucky you might find me in the line up, alongside tabla, sitar, keyboard, sax/flute and occasional others! For more information see www.ekmaya.com

Masala Jazz will be playing at other events coming up . . .

THE WHOLE SHEBANG

It's not often these days that I lead The Whole Shebang in Loughborough, but they continue to meet regularly and always welcome new members. For further information please contact Anne by email on anne_stuart@ntlworld.com (or contact me and I'll pass on your enquiry). The group meet at The Spectrum Centre on the 1st, 3rd and 5th Tuesday of each month, and occasionally hold an open session where everyone is welcome.

It was with great sadness we learnt of the death of Tom, caretaker at St Peter's Church where we used to meet, which closed earlier this year. Tom lived in the church, looking after all the groups who met there. He'd just moved into a flat of his own, but sadly died before he could settle in. We'll miss him.

SOUTH AFRICAN GUM BOOTS

January 2007 saw a return visit to Wessex Gardens Primary in London, where I've worked on several projects in the past, and who have djembes and doun-douns at the school.

I was approached by assistant headteacher, Helen Ruthven, who wanted some dynamic ideas for children to perform in the annual Barnet Schools Dance Festival, using the school's drums to accompany the dancers.

Enter Paula McKillop! Together with Paula, we devised a project to fit Helen's requirements. Children had to apply to take part, and make a commitment to further rehearsals running up to the festival. Paula and I then spent a day in school with dancers from years 4-6 and drummers from years 5-6, (many of whom had worked previously with me and had also taken part in the school's drum club). Paula also gave invaluable help with ideas for costumes for the dance.

Helen said: "Combining dance and drumming was a new venture for us. It was a huge success! Thanks to Julie and Paula, by the end of the day we had 40 children dancing and drumming together enthusiastically, and after only a few more rehearsals they were ready to open the show at the festival! I would recommend this project - it's innovative, fun and good value for money."

Paula and I are offering the project to other schools, so please contact me if you'd like to know more. We're happy to adapt our ideas to fit any specific requirements you may have. A day in school with us both costs 400GBP plus travel, and accommodation if outside the East Midlands.

WIDER OPPORTUNITIES

Last year I was involved in a collaborative project with a family of primary schools in Castle Donington and Leicester Arts in Education, working towards a performance celebrating dance and music from around the world.

Anne Sherwood, headteacher of Orchard Primary School, approached me this year to see if I would like to be involved with all the schools in their plan to buy African drums, to share and use as part of their Wider Opportunities programme. Following discussion, I recommended they buy drums from local supplier Soar Valley Music in Loughborough (www.soarvalleymusic.com), and each school will be contacting me with their own specific requirements. I return to Kegworth in May and am looking forward to working with new classes there and at the other schools.

WHERE HAVE I BEEN?

It's been a while since my last newsletter, so here's a quick summary of some of the people and places I've been drumming! Art Centres in Stamford and Hereford; corporate work in collaboration with fellow percussionists Peta Yapp and Paul Dear; Aim Higher Summer School at Northampton University; evening classes at Toot Hill Academy in Bingham; Rainbows Children's Hospice; Bassetlaw Mind workshops for World Mental Health Day; Melton Mencap; Leicester Guides and Stamford Beavers; activity day for Oadby Seniors; Melton Country Fayre with The Whole Shebang; The Big Day Out Festival in Abbey Park with Church Hill Junior School; HMP Gartree; the Schools Development Support Agency Leicester; schools and special schools in Rutland, Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire and Warwickshire . . . and more besides!

WHERE ELSE HAVE I BEEN?

Some of you will know that last year my lovely Mum was diagnosed with inoperable cancer of the stomach. The consultant suggested she might only have a year to live, and she embarked upon a rigorous programme of chemotherapy. I've spent much of the last few months with Mum in Kent, neglecting my work but wanting to help and support her in her fight. I'm very pleased to say that she has responded well to treatment and, although the tumor hasn't shown any significant signs of change, Mum has taken it all in her stride, moved house twice, and generally proved that a positive spirit and determination to carry on have certainly helped us make the most of the situation. She's now settling into her new bungalow and is currently well enough for me to spend more time here getting back to work and developing ideas for the future. At least helping Mum move TWICE has given me some useful skills for my own impending move! Thanks to all who continue to be so supportive and understanding during this difficult time. Have a good summer!

Julie 2007