In 1997, when Brighton and Hove regained their status as an LEA, they hit the road running and were awarded NMC diplomas in 1998, 1999 and 2000. The Head of the Music Service did not disguise his determination to do better! We attribute the successful achievement of that ambition to at least three factors.

First, the inheritance of much good practice from the previous music service (East Sussex), with which effective collaboration has continued. Secondly, there was the successful development of initiatives previously recognized in our reports, such as the Centre of Contemporary Music (CCM) and the City's Music Centre and the provision of opportunities for young musicians to work creatively with young performing and visual artists, which led to the creation of a new dance post. Thirdly, there was yet wider collaboration with Medway, East Sussex and Surrey as part of the exemplary 'Rhythmix' project, which is referred to elsewhere in this report. And finally, there was a demonstrable commitment to imaginative and thorough INSET alongside the remarkably successful pursuit of new approaches to policy and practice. Here are some examples that caught our eye:

• a new student forum established at the Music Centre gave students opportunity to organise their own events and provide the Music Service with student feedback (to encourage participation and wider access, membership of that Centre and the new CCM was common);
• a Discovery Recital programme with a very positive evaluation provided Key Stage 1 & 2 pupils in 28 schools with the experience of live music involving interaction with ensembles;
• the provision of financial encouragement to part-time instrumental teachers to attend INSET days, facilitated a marked improvement in service communication and delivery;
• the development of an integrated approach to the provision of orchestral studies increased access and the range of opportunities available. That was demonstrated by the creation of a new Youth Sinfonia, which studied wide repertoire, from classic works to contemporary orchestral music including jazz and popular genres;
• a partnership developed with a local sixth form college provided AS Music Technology courses at the CCM. Demand was high - 28 students were recruited.

Every pupil was provided with opportunity to learn an instrument, yet the LEA have work to do to raise the proportion who take up that chance. We will be surprised if this splendidly enterprising Music Service does not meet that challenge.