Sussex Secondary Music Conference

Workshop Leader: Nancy Evans

This workshop will focus on how to support composing at KS3 through practical activity, discussion and presentation. We will explore a range of starting points, think about how to create fertile ground for composing to take place and learn strategies to scaffold the composing process through breaking down the task, feedback and questioning.

Workshop Leaders: Musa MBoob 

Bollo Project will present an interactive session for practitioners around the engagement of young people in world music making, with a focus on African traditional music. Participants will have the opportunity to experience firsthand a demonstration on Djembe workshop with Gambian Master percussionist Musa Mboob and his team. 

This session will encourage group participations and sharing with collective conversations around tradition and music. Participants will learn and understand how tradition and music are intertwined in a fun and yet rewarding session.

Workshop Leader: Max Wheeler

This presentation will examine using cloud-based software to engage students with music technology and new music. It will include practical tips for engaging students with up-to-date projects covering video composition and making beats in newer styles like Grime, House, LoFi and Hip Hop. 

Max Wheeler, Charanga’s Head of Music Tech, will introduce delegates to YuStudio, an accessible digital audio workstation (DAW) for schools opening up the world of music technology and production to students of all ages. Teachers from several Sussex schools will be on hand to share their experiences of using the DAW and offer practical, real-world ideas to ensure you hit the ground running! 

Workshop Leaders: Isabelle Adams and Rachel Maby

Looking for new ideas to engage your KS3 students in singing? Learn songs from a variety of genres that can be taught quickly in the classroom. Get your class singing in different parts with limited and appropriate vocal range to accommodate changing  voices. Teachers will be given the tools to support them in delivering a fun, engaging and accessible music curriculum with effective vocal warm-ups and songs.

Workshop Leader: Andrew Ferguson

This workshop offers a dynamic exploration of musical identity through hands-on music production activities. Participants will delve into the concept of musical identity and its significance in fostering inclusivity in music education. 

Through guided exercises, attendees will have the opportunity to create short musical compositions that reflect their unique identities. The session will also include sharing and reflection, discussions on promoting inclusivity in music education, collaborative project planning, and networking opportunities. Participants will leave with practical strategies for integrating music production activities into their teaching practice and fostering inclusive learning environments.

Workshop Leader: Jacqui Shepherd 

Autism is a spectrum condition (ASC) and also a hidden disability, so it is not always easy for neurotypical people to understand how autistic people experience and navigate the world.  Music can be a real gift for autistic learners - many of whom have an affinity for the sensory stimulation provided by the arts - but in some situations it can also lead to  increased stress and sensory overload.  In this workshop we will discuss how to work with autistic strengths so that students can more fully engage with music in the classroom, as well as recognising the signs of potential anxiety and sensory over-stimulation.

The session aims to:

• Provide a brief introduction to the autistic spectrum condition
• Identify the strengths of autistic people as well as some of the challenges they face in everyday life
• Explore a range of strategies to support autistic students in the school music classroom

Workshop Leader: Kata Gyongyosi

Have you ever wondered what you might be able to do for your music department if you had just a bit more funding? Have you ever thought about fundraising but are not sure where to start? Then we hope this session will help!

The Development Team from Brighton Dome will provide an introduction to different types of fundraising that are available to schools and explore that types of activity that are likely to (or not to) attract funding. We will discuss how to identify potential funders and tips to help as you start preparing an application. The session will also include signposting to further sources of fundraising information and support and an opportunity for Q&A. 

Workshop Leaders: Ally Daubney and Duncan Mackrill 

Ally Daubney and Duncan Mackrill will be running a drop-in if you wish to discuss, share or ask questions about your Music Department Development Plan (or, if you don’t have one, they will share some ways, ideas and tools to enable you to do this). The drop-in will be held in the last workshop session (2.30-3.20) and will also include the opportunity to ask Phil Nelson and his panel, specific questions about musical pathways or follow-up on things from his keynote.