School purchases hundreds of pounds of music equipment – thanks to successful grant

Children from New Horizons are ready to rock following a successful grant that has allowed us to purchase new music equipment to form a school band.

The school has invested in a new drum kit, keyboard, bass guitar, microphones, and sound system, which has already been popular in the after-school music club.

An application to the Universal Music UK Sound Foundation was successful, and the school received £750 to invest in new instruments and equipment.

Matthew Gudgeon, the music lead at New Horizons, says children have loved exploring new instruments and sounds.

He said, “I wanted to work on raising music capital in the school, which is all about raising awareness of the different genres of music and getting children to explore songs for themselves.

“Music is a creative way for the children to express themselves, work together as a band, and have fun at the same time. It is important to give them opportunities to learn how to play an instrument that they may not have otherwise been able to do.”

The school’s aim was to provide the children with something they would engage with and enjoy. As a result, the music club was launched, and it has gone from strength to strength.

Mr Gudgeon continued: “Speaking with the children, they are very excited about the idea of putting on a mini concert some day for their parents. It is good to see them finding something that resonates with them, and they look forward to doing more of it.

“When we put on a short concert for the children, it will give them the opportunity to do something they wouldn’t usually do. Performing for other people builds confidence, resilience, and a desire to work hard to do well.”

The Universal Music UK Sound Foundation is an independent music education charity with the aim of improving access to music across the UK and Ireland.

Jack Jones, Head of School at New Horizons Primary School, welcomed the grant and the opportunities it will offer children.

He said: “At New Horizons, we support and encourage our children to be successful in whoever they aspire to be. This music equipment opens up an opportunity for the children to explore music and the opportunities it can provide.

“It has also allowed us to further enhance our music curriculum by making lessons and after-school clubs more engaging for all. Well done to Mr Gudgeon and the team for working to submit this grant application, which has been successful.