Paradoxically, for us one of the highlights of Gateshead’s submission was the work the Music Service had been doing to help neighbour LEA Newcastle-upon-Tyne re-establish their Music Service. That support included organisational advice, sharing staffing resources and provision of INSET. Other Northern LEAs also called on the Gateshead Music Service for advice and assistance.

Two key appointments were made in the year: first, of a Music Development Leader, to extend the range of creative opportunities for staff and students; and secondly, an Early Years Lead Teacher to develop INSET and co-ordinate curriculum support.

Publications were an important feature of Music Service provision. The most recent was a major document ’Music in the Foundation Stage’. Launched at an Early Years Music Conference attended by delegates from LEAs throughout the North, the publication was sold nationally and the proceeds still fund the purchase of new instruments, the Youth Orchestra’s annual tours and other initiatives.

A significant early music development was launched with a specialist lutenist and an erstwhile professional harpsichordist (no less than the Head of the Music Service himself!) leading. Within that development was an Elizabethan music project resulting in several hundred students learning to dance the Pavan dressed in Elizabethan costume and singing songs from the Tudor era. And each week, a viol consort (with a baroque string ensemble) performed in addition to the more usual range of string, brass, steel pan and choral activities. There was a waiting list for membership of that consort!

The Music Service provided a range of opportunities for students to work alongside the Northern Sinfonia, the Halle, the Georgian Ensemble, musicians from Paraguay and the Ukraine, classical Indian musicians and international soloists.

No charge was made for tuition, access to ensembles or loan of instruments.

Few, if any, LEAs have received more diplomas of merit than Gateshead, so it is very fitting, in our view, that they should receive the Major Award for 2002.