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Before I sign off for the year, I need to say a great big THANK YOU to so many people - far too many to name. In short - friends and loved ones, employers and commissioners, pupils, my local community, wider audiences (many of whom I don't even know) and my incredible colleagues and peers. Thank you for your support, care, employment (!) and inspiration this year - it's been a tough one all round. I have a final week of work, live and streamed concerts, live and online teaching, more high energy videos, training and professional development, volunteering (and a looming tax return!) before I will batten down the hatches and hibernate for a little bit. I will see you in 2021 to face whatever life throws us at us! Take care and look after yourself and each other. Thank you 
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Thanks to the wonderful organisation TiPP, I have been given a loop pedal to play with during lockdown and to use on workshops. It's been a learning curve, but SUCH a fun one. I'm hoping it will feature very soon in one of our live streams for Music in Hospitals and Care on Youtube or Facebook - keep an eye out!
So grateful and proud to have been working with this wonderful organisation throughout lockdown and the incredible finished Circus Tricks project which has been many many months in the making (and many many hours in the sound editing)! Why not go and meet all the characters, try the activities and pass it on to friends!   What a wonderful year of firsts! My first ever gig on the back alley for Build Back Better through the Arts Whalley Range. Exciting plans are afoot to build a network or wonderful things in the local area and reduce carbon emissions at the same time - what's not to love?
Such a joy to be back teaching live again! It's also been an opportunity to put my DIY skills to the test and create my very own flute screen for Covid security. The sound of live flute players (apart from me!) in the house has been much missed A quick post today! I've been working with young people in online sessions with TiPP for the last few weeks, and we've been exploring some new apps online. This is particular favourite, and plays the pictures you draw! Have a go! https://musiclab.chromeexperiments.com/Song-Maker/  Working at the Turnpike Art Gallery is always a pleasure. The staff are amazing, the space is wonderful to work in and the young people constantly amuse and surprise me (the song lyrics are really something else!)   Finally....from writing the script on my own in the garden, to socially distanced rehearsals, and then to the live outdoor production of.....
Being back in a classroom again after such a long time was a very odd feeling. Elements of imposter syndrome (can I do this?), niggling worry (should I do this?), and the exhaustion of actually having to get 'dressed' for work! Despite these doubts, a lovely Summer Scheme week in Openshaw, and lots completed Arts Awards to go with it - well done to all!  One of my most rewarding jobs is working with children who benefit from the Little Amber trust. Little Amber is Amber’s innovative music service that aims to enable blind or partially sighted babies and young children to engage with music by providing families and professionals with resources and ideas for music-making. I'm constantly blown away by the tenacity of the parents, the musicality of the children and the joy that music brings to so many young people and their families. It's been a real treat in Lockdown having regular sessions with my families, and you can hear the laughter all through the house!  |