Following the announcement from the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority, we’re delighted to welcome a new approach to music hubs across the region.   

Last year, the Barnsley Music Education Hub connected with over 5,000 young people on a weekly basis. Our Music Service also worked with over 95% of schools and delivered 90 whole class projects for Key Stage 2 students, giving pupils a free year of instrumental music learning.  

The academic year of 2023 to 2024 also saw some key highlights that our learners, staff and partners are incredibly proud of. These include: 

• Our concert band achieved a gold award at National Concert Band Festival. 

• The Barnsley Met Band won the Yorkshire 3rd Section Championships. 

• Barnsley now hosts an annual National Youth Orchestra Inspire Day, which took place at Barnsley Academy and next academic year will use the newly built facilities at Trinity Academy St Edwards. 

• We have a hugely successful and developing rock and pop programme. This includes our very first ‘Barnsley Beats’ festival that featured ten young rock bands at the Metrodome. We also enjoyed a new ‘Barnsley Beats Unplugged’ celebration at the Library @ The Lightbox.  

• 56 primary school classes performed at our three-day festival at Barnsley Metrodome. 

• Brass pupil, Glyn Stokes, accepted to study at the Purcell School of Music, which is one of the most prestigious music schools in the country, at the age of 11. 

• Three new pupils became members of the National Youth Band of Great Britian and Holly Musgreave was awarded Principal Tuba. 

• With support from Fusion (Barnsley Local Cultural Education Partnership) primary schools had the fantastic opportunity to perform opera with a professional orchestra as part of the Opera North project.  

Through the new South Yorkshire Music Hub, we’ll continue to build on our excellent collaboration with schools and community groups in Barnsley to enable children and young people to access high quality music education and support.  

Cllr Robin Franklin, Cabinet Spokesperson for Regeneration and Culture, said: “We believe that developing the skills, talents and creativity of people in Barnsley unlocks exciting possibilities for our communities. The work of our music service and our partnerships inspires young people to sing, create and play a musical instrument.  

We look forward to offering even more opportunities for young musicians to develop their talents by performing at different levels. Together, we’re excited for many more children, young people and their families to be inspired, developing life skills through music.”  

Councillor Trevor Cave, Cabinet spokesperson for Children’s Services, said: “It’s fantastic to hear the highlights of the music hub over the last academic year. The opportunities to learn new skills and talk part in enriching experiences really do help to make great childhoods possible. If you’re interested in music making opportunities for your child or family, I’d encourage you to learn more about the music hub.” 

To get involved and find out more, visit Barnsley Music Service or email BarnsleyMusicService@barnsley.gov.uk.  

Barnsley Music Service are members and lead delivery partners for Barnsley in the new South Yorkshire Music Hub and would like to thank Arts Council England for their continued support for our young people and schools across the borough. Their support, alongside that of our partners, ensures music making is accessible and inclusive for all.