Eagle-eyed readers will notice a different mugshot on this page, and those with long memories may even recognise it: I'm pleased to be back at MT HQ for another stint as acting editor. Like you, I have a newly sharpened pencil and pristine notepad, and am ready to hit the new academic year running.
In this bumper September edition we focus on musical theatre: from grade exams to managing young singers’ voices, which shows to put on at the end of term, and the lives of the young stars of West End shows. Lights, camera, action: perhaps it is time to put on your own production?
Elsewhere, when it comes to academic exams the craft of essay writing has regained importance now that the reformed GCSEs and A-levels have been introduced. On page 21, music teacher Harry White asks colleagues about their varying approaches and how they have best been able to support and develop their students’ skills.
The broader situation of music education is also regaining importance, as consultations and lobbying on music education policy in England crescendo: what will happen after 2020? On page 27, Music Mark's Bridget Whyte outlines a hope for evolution, not revolution: she would like the current national plan to be revised, not rewritten. As hubs have settled in over recent years, this seems like a sensible approach.
Importantly, Whyte also restates her organisation's remit over all countries in the UK: in Wales, she says, there is ‘a real danger of instrumental music becoming an activity available only to those who can afford to pay’. This threat does not only apply in Wales, and ensuring that music lessons are available to all who would benefit from them should be a firm resolution of everyone involved in the politics and delivery of cultural education.
Finally, while you're colour-coding calendars, don't forget a couple of dates: on 11 October the second-ever Music & Drama Education Expo À Manchester will be running at the bigger and better venue of Old Trafford; and on 6 and 7 March next year, the London event will return to Olympia Central for its seventh edition. Registration is open now for both shows: for more, go to www.mdexpo.co.uk.
