We continue to work with Sandwell schools to build and support their music offer. It is our goal
to encourage every school in Sandwell to work with us, so that there is an equity of opportunity
for children to learn a musical instrument during their time at school.
SIPS Education – Music & Arts teams up with Dudley, Walsall and Wolverhampton Councils’ Music Services to form Black Country Music Hub.
Arts Council England has confirmed that the Black Country will be one of 43 hubs to take part in an ambitious national programme to provide high-quality music education for all children and young people.
The Hub will support delivery of a combined £1.9million from the Department of Education to connect music education in the area; and at borough level, music services will continue to invest in new instruments, equipment and technology tailored to the needs of children and young people including those with special educational needs and disabilities.
It will support the infrastructure for the continued offer of individual and group music lessons in schools which provides opportunities for children and young people to play in bands and ensembles along with orchestral lessons in school, where all children and young people in a class are able to learn to play an instrument.
Dudley Council has been nominated and appointed lead organisation for the Hub and will provide support to the SIPS Education Music & Arts Service in Sandwell (a co-operative), and the local authority-led music services in Dudley, Walsall and Wolverhampton.
Brian Cape, Chief Executive at SIPS Education said:
“We’re delighted that our collective partnership application has been successful, and to be formally joining forces with Dudley, Wolverhampton and Walsall Councils in the creation of a Black Country Music Hub. We look forward to enhancing our already robust neighbourly cooperation and collaboration, for the benefit of colleagues and students alike, whilst giving the Black Country a powerful voice on the national stage. ”
