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Contact Us

Website: www.chilternmusicacademy.org

Email: office@chilternmusicacademy.org

Postal address: c/o RGS, Amersham Road,

High Wycombe, HP13 6QT

registered charity number 1158146

“Chiltern Music Academy delivers the

kind of vibrant local music making that

most regions can only dream of. It has

been a delight to support them and to

watch their spectacular progress. I am

so proud of everything they do!”

-Nicholas Daniel,

BBC Young Musician of the Year 1980,

oboist, conductor and CMA patron

PERSPECTIVE

CMA continues to be a vibrant place for children, young

people and their families – the buzz is infectious! The

generous support of volunteers and financial donors has

been an essential element of CMA’s journey.

We are now moving from a start-up to a consolidation

phase, and our desire is to develop, renew and

strengthen partnerships to provide more and better

opportunities and excellence for the whole community for

many years to come.

1

NOTES

‘It’s vital for local, talented

string players to be able to

explore and develop their

natural musical gifts. CMA

provides this education

with wonderful creativity

and passion.’

-Lawrence Power,

viola virtuoso and

CMA Patron

Contents

p2 Core Activities

p4 Special Events

p6 Schools

p8 Financials

p10 Community

p12 Perspective

Introduction

2018-2019 was an exciting year for Chiltern

Music Academy, marking the fifth anniversary of

its formation. To celebrate, CMA undertook a

series of concerts in partnership with acclaimed

musicians and writers, showcasing existing

talent and inspiring future generations of young

musicians. StringFest brought the Chiltern

Camerata together with string players of all

ages in wonderful side-by-side performance.

BandFest featured more than 200 wind, brass and percussion

players. The Choral Concert saw the premiere of a newly

commissioned work by Lin Marsh and featured performances by

opera stars and CMA Patrons, Jonathan Veira and Christine Rice.

Throughout the year, CMA continued to provide weekly music-making

activities for more than 450 children and young people aged 4-19 as

well as outreach into schools via our Sing, Perform, Inspire and Big

Noise programmes. 77 children went on tour to the Isle of Wight in

May, and many more were involved in partnership with the Royal Air

Force, RHUL Orchestra, Chiltern Music Therapy and Scannappeal.

The charity is generously supported by volunteers through the Parent

Partnership, at concerts and the regular weekend coffee shop, and

also by those who give their professional time and skill to support

young musicians in rehearsals.

The buzz that has surrounded CMA since its inception five years ago,

shows no sign of diminishing and we look forward to the next five

years and beyond with great anticipation.

Chiltern Music Academy Annual Report Academic Year 2018-2019

Chiltern Music Academy is

an independent centre of

vibrant community music

making. Our passion is the

nurture and support of the

developing musician in

every child, from 4-19 years.

Principal, Andy Rogers

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Mini-Membership

7%

Full Membership

92%

Bursaries1%

CMA MEMBERS

Membership

2018-19 saw in excess of

500 children playing and

singing at CMA. Of these,

484 were regular members.

Bursaries enabled 7 students

to attend; CMA are keen that

financial pressures should

not deter children from

enjoying a musical education.

Springers

Micros...

Minis...

Springers…

Music foundation for the very

young: 34 children aged 4-7

made up the springers

department in 2018-19.

Find Your Forte!

42 children took classes in

Upper Strings, Cello, Double

Bass, Oboe, Bassoon, Brass,

French Horn, Guitar and, new

for 2018-19, Clarinet and

Tuned Percussion.

79% of children found their

forte and have continued with

their instruments.

CORE ACTIVITIES

Springers’ key activities included the

Springers’ Party, which this year

encouraged families to help to look

after our oceans while learning all

about the instruments of orchestra.

“Micro-Springers is the best

children’s activity for miles around!”

- Katherine, CMA mum.

OboeBassoon

Clarinet

Violin/viola

CelloDouble Bass

Brass

French Horn

Percusion

Guitar

FIND YOUR FORTE

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“We are told daily that young people are facing a mental health crisis. Music is one of the most

healing things to experience either passively, as listeners, or actively, as practitioners, and yet

provision in schools for music education has been eroded to near extinction. Thank goodness, then,

for the Chiltern Music Academy, where so many experienced teachers guide students from the very

beginners to the most advanced, who might themselves go on to further study and a professional life

in music!

As a Patron from the inception of CMA, I have been honoured to see this extraordinary family

of musicians grow. Long may they thrive!”

- Christine Rice, Mezzo-soprano and CMA patron

Leaders New to the team this year were Clarinet and Saxophone specialist Francis Mullaly, Acoustic Guitar

teacher Oz Wright, Show Choir leader Tom Noyes and upper strings specialist Natasha Jashari. We

said goodbye to Tamara O’Brien who returned to New Zealand mid-year.

Trustees RGS head master Philip Wayne joined CMA as a trustee in time for this year, bringing the number of

serving trustees up to six.

Patrons Our patrons continue to support and encourage CMA, particularly in this fifth anniversary year. The

Choral Concert was enriched by performances from three international opera singers, two of whom

were CMA Patrons Christine Rice and Jonathan Veira.

Lifetime Achievement

CMA Music Leader John Davie received the red-carpet treatment

when he was awarded the prestigious Lifetime Achievement

Award for exceptional service to music education at the Music

Teachers Awards for Excellence. John has been shaping local

music education for decades, and he is a worthy recipient of the

award. This is the second award bestowed on CMA by Music

Teacher Awards for Excellence, and is testament to our growing

reputation in only five years of operation.

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COMMUNITY

Student Council

16 students made up the council this year: a voice for the students and an energetic, organized team.

Among the issues discussed, the council suggested changes to senior CMA concert dress and

organized a student consultation on the issue; their proposal has now been adopted.

Charity Work Concert Band performed at the Scannappeal Christmas Concert and played carols at Sainsbury’s

where over £1,500 was collected for the appeal.

Senior Wind Band performed at the Riding for the

Disabled Christmas Carol Concert.

Members of Youth Choir entertained the residents

of Butterfly House, the South Bucks Hospice.

Symphony Orchestra invited children with

additional needs to experience the Power of Music, in collaboration with Chiltern Music Therapy.

Jun

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130 Parent Partnership The core committee of 6 harnessed the willingness of over 130 volunteers in

2018-19, organising them to provide invaluable support for the musical activities

of CMA. This community of volunteers enhance weekly rehearsals, enable

concerts and events to run smoothly and contribute enormously to the

welcoming community feel of CMA. Thank you.

From Concert Band’s caroling at Sainsbury’s

3

Junior CMA

2018-19 included the expansion of the junior department’s

Saturday morning curriculum. More time was allowed for string

players, with Junior Strings extending the length of their sessions

and moving to a larger rehearsal space to accommodate more

students. Junior Orchestra had 71 members and developed well

through the year, proudly representing CMA on tour.

There was also an increase of Chamber Music opportunities for

junior musicians, with the establishment of a Junior string quartet

and a Junior woodwind quintet. Chamber music significantly

develops the musicians at this level, and it is hoped that funds can

be found to expand provision further in the future.

This year saw the introduction of a harp ensemble, and CMA

acquired its first pedal harp. Fundraising continues for a set of

lever harps.

The Recorder Ensemble were awarded joint second place in the

Orpheus Festival for Young Musicians junior ensemble class.

CMA have several students playing in the National Children’s

Orchestra including Megan, who secured a place this year after

starting the French Horn on CMA’s Find Your Forte programme.

Senior CMA

CMA Concert Band took part

in the National Concert Band

Festival again this year. They

earned a Platinum award in

November and a Gold award

in May.

Show Choir moved to a new

time slot on Groovy Tuesdays,

enabling potential cooperation

with the jazz and guitar

departments.

Senior ensembles continue to

perform with excellence. The

cellos of Senior String

Chamber Music were awarded

first place and a performance

cup at the Marlow Festival.

Platinum for Concert Band

Junior String Chamber Music

Cello there!

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SPECIAL EVENTS Concerts

5th

Anniversary Concert Series

Sponsored by Concerto

StringFest * all string players

with the Chiltern Camerata

BandFest * all woodwind,

brass and percussion players

Choral Concert * all singers

with Jonathan Veira, Natasha

Marsh, and Christine Rice

Big Party * whole community

‘Let Us Sing!’ commissioned

from Lin Marsh, this

anniversary song exemplifies

the spirit of CMA. It went on

tour to the Isle of Wight, and

was performed at the Choral

Concert and the Big Party.

Collaborations

The Power of Music

* with Chiltern Music Therapy

Side-By-Side

* Symphony Orchestras of

Royal Holloway University of

London and CMA

* Concert Band with the Band

of the RAF Regiment The Band of the RAF Regiment and CMA Concert Band

Nov

Junior Gala Concert

Senior Gala Concert

Marlow Festival

Dec

StringFest

NCBF (Concert Band)

Christmas Informal

Jan Chamber Concert

Feb Hootenanny

RAF with Concert Band

Mar

Senior Concert

Orpheus Festival

Rotary Concert

Apr BandFest

May Choral Concert

Junior Concert

Jun

Springboard

Senior Orchestra Concert

Summer Gala Concert The Power of Music

Stringfest

Over the first four years

of operation, CMA has

established a varied and

challenging programme

of concerts to enable

each ensemble to strive

for excellence. In this,

our fifth anniversary year,

the programme was

extended to include

celebratory concerts for

vocal and instrumental

families: a chance to

share and inspire, and to

play new and exciting

repertoire together.

9

in £143,900

out £165,000

deficit £21,100

Fundraising The Split Infinitive Trust and Honeywell EFG granted money towards the purchase of a mini-bassoon.

Concerto sponsored our 5th anniversary concert series.

Looking ahead to 2019/20, we have secured funding for a pilot string teaching project in local schools,

“Sing and String.” Thanks go to the Garfield Weston Foundation and Joanies Fund.

CMA are also raising money for a set of lever harps to enable us to launch Find Your Forte Harp. In

July, a CMA trustee raised £1,400 through a sponsored skydive for one harp, and an unwanted harp

has been donated by a generous friend. Four more will be required for the class.

£0 £20,000 £40,000 £60,000 £80,000

TUCK SHOP AND MERCHANDISE

OTHER COSTS (E.G. GROUP LESSONS/OFFICE EXPENSES)

CONCERTS AND EVENTS

VENUE HIRE

STAFF

ENSEMBLE LEADERS

Costs

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FINANCIALS The financial details shown below are from the last set of approved accounts: year ending August

2018, our 4th year of operation and therefore part of our start-up phase. CMA aim to set the

membership fee to cover 70% of core costs, making up the difference in general fundraising and ticket

sales. All non-core activities and development, including schools work and instrument purchase and

maintenance, require specific funds to be raised.

Core income =

67% of core

costs

£0 £20,000 £40,000 £60,000 £80,000 £100,000

TUCK SHOP AND MERCHANDISE

FUNDRAISING

OTHER INCOME (E.G. THEORY/GROUP LESSONS)

CONCERTS AND EVENTS

DONATIONS FROM PARENTS

MEMBERSHIP SUBSCRIPTIONS

Income

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Plans 2019/20:

Collaborations

The Power Of Music,

(Philharmonic Orchestra)

Side-by-side workshops

with the RAF and RHUL

Opera First Performance

Day, Garsington Opera,

July 2020.

Events

Harp Rock café: harp

showcase and workshop

with instrument trials

Competitions

Music For Youth,

(Symphony Orchestra)

Trips

Recorder Consort: Early

Music Festival, London

Tours

Senior tour to Lake

Garda, July 2020

77

Isle of Wight Tour

26th- 29th May 2019

“77 people aged 9 to 15, from Intermediate Choir, Junior Jazz

Band, Junior Wind Band and Junior Orchestra, stayed at East

Dene Activity Centre and performed every day. The funniest

concert was in a barn at a donkey sanctuary, with the donkeys

braying in the background! Each day was jam-packed. There

were times when we did activities in groups and times when

we could do what we wanted. Some of the highlights included

a campfire when the leaders played their instruments, and

when we went rock-pooling and did team building activities.

Everyone enjoyed the trip and came home exhausted but

happy. The Isle of Wight tour was a great experience, and I

enjoyed making new friends and playing music with lots of

different people.”

- Lucy, youngest tour member

Rebecca Miller with RHUL and CMA Orchestras

Isle of Wight Tour Party, 2019

Intermediate Choir, Isle of Wight

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SCHOOLS Big Noise 2018

Big Noise is full day of music making for Instrumentalists from year 3-7, designed to bring primary and

secondary music departments together in the creation of a Local Schools’ Orchestra. 276 students

from 22 local schools came together to rehearse in small ability-based groups led by Chiltern Music

Academy tutors, supported by a team of volunteers. The Head Teachers and Governors of the

participating schools joined parents in enjoying the final concert, which included small ensemble

pieces from each group and a Grand Finale massed item.

Big Noise meets multiple needs including:

Encouraging instrumental playing in schools

Creating networks between schools, governors, SLTs and phases

Facilitating the transfer from primary to secondary settings

Supporting secondary school music teachers in engaging with new year 7

musicians early in their first term

276 students from 22 local schools

“The best bit was

playing in the big

orchestra. I learned

how to be confident

and play my best!”

-year 6 student

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Year

Group

Participating Schools Date Number of

children

2 Stokenchurch, Cadmore End, Downley, Lane End, Mary Towerton, Naphill, Radnage, Speen

08.03.2019 258

3 Castlefield, Butler’s Court, High Wycombe C of E, Mary Towerton 26.04.2019 188

4 Kingswood, Little Kingshill, Mary Towerton 07.06.2019 184

5 Princes Risborough, Bledlow Ridge, Hughenden, St. Teresa’s 25.01.2019 112

6 Woodside School, Elageni School, Heatherton School 12.10.2018 141

Sing, Perform, Inspire!

22 schools, 883 pupils and 76 primary-school staff took part in the five inter-school workshops

delivering, modelling and inspiring classroom music teaching. In each three-hour session, children

learnt how to sing a group of inspiring songs musically and with passion, performing to their teachers,

head teachers and governors. Each workshop was led by two specialist choral leaders and a pianist.

NEW for 2019-20: Sing and String

Funding has been secured to undertake a pilot project in three local two-form entry primary schools,

delivering a term of whole-class music lessons with singing, musicianship and an introduction to the

violin, followed by two terms of ‘Find Your Forte Schools’ (small group violin lessons.)