John Witchell's Chief Executive blog

We’ve had quite a hectic time in music services, but one where we continue our resolve to tackle the current challenges with deep determination. This was certainly the case at the FMS conference in Northern Ireland. Keynote speeches from Sir Tim Brighouse, Roy Leighton and David Sulkin underlined not just the importance of music, but also the essential role that music services play in providing high quality, progressive and sustained opportunities in all kinds of music. It was heartening to hear the message so clearly from people who are not necessarily musicians, but who understand completely the transformational power of music and the central role that we play in music education leadership.

Likewise, in a session where key figures in music education were asked to share their priorities for music services, Deborah Annetts, Chief Executive of the ISM, Christina Coker, Chief Executive of Youth Music, Mark Phillips, National Adviser for Music (HMI) and Marc Jaffrey, Think Again, didn’t pull any punches. But their messages were clear - music services provide the infrastructure for music education provision, but cannot work in isolation, hanker after some sort of status quo, or assume that the quality of everything is as we want it. They all fervently support music services, but are absolutely clear about the need to manage change professionally and positively. And when we heard from heads of service in a panel discussion, it was clear that we are doing that - with energy, passion and zeal.

High points in the conference were the performances by young people - traditional Irish music of the very best quality. So we must thank the performers and their dedicated teachers who provided inspirational music that reminded us why we do what we do. Given the economic climate and the challenges ahead, we must always draw on our natural reserves of music to charge our batteries and strengthen our resolve. Actually I think the conference succeeded in doing that, but we now know that we are in the middle of the most critical time for us. Many colleagues are facing very difficult economic pressures and need to be reassured that everyone in the FMS is supporting them.

One of the things that we will soon be reporting on is our work on business modelling with Ernst & Young. Of course we all know that there are no magic bullets, but I can assure you that we are doing all we can to support each and every service. After our next executive meeting on 30th June we plan to publish guidance by the end of term. It’s a critical task, because the transformational power of music will go nowhere if we don’t have sound business acumen to maximise every ounce of funding and income and provide the best value for money.

Finally I want to emphasise the importance of everyone’s contribution to the FMS. Sir Tim Brighouse made it clear that he knows that for many music leaders there is no such thing as work life balance - our work is our life. The FMS is truly a family of the most wonderful people and over the last three years I have been honoured to serve them. I was truly humbled by the spirit of the delegates at the conference and will never forget my short time at the helm. We’ve now jumped over the first hurdle in that the Music Standards Fund will continue to be ring-fenced until April 2011. But, with our indomitable determination, we will ensure that music services continue to serve their schools, families and communities, not just for the next few years, but for the rest of the 21st century. Mind you, we won’t all be around to see that!

So let’s keep on the front foot, remain committed and confident and, above, ensure that we all keep on making music, which is what we do best of all.

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This entry was posted on Wednesday, June 23rd, 2010 at 7:55 pm and is filed under Blog.

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