A NEW federation has been created between music services in Herefordshire and Worcestershire.
Herefordshire Music Service, an independent county music service run by Encore Enterprises CIC, and Worcestershire Youth Music, currently run by Worcestershire County Council and expected to become a social enterprise this autumn, were ‘federated’ in January 2016.
Together, the two services teach more than 13,000 pupils every week through whole class instrumental lessons, individual music lessons and area/county bands and orchestras.
Both music services are the lead organisations for their county music education hubs and worked together previously until 1998 when Herefordshire and Worcestershire became separate authorities.
The ‘Federation’ is not a merger but will enable the two services to collaborate more closely, share resources when appropriate and enhance musical opportunities for pupils, schools and staff in the two counties.
Cliff Woollard, head of Herefordshire Music Service, said: "I am delighted with today’s announcement.
"Our new ‘Federation’ allows each service to retain its independence whilst working more closely together for the benefit of the young people and our communities."
Trevor Jones, strategic music education manager for Worcestershire Youth Music added that the ‘Federation’ will especially enable the development of additional workshops and performing opportunities for young people.
The two organisations have several projects planned for 2016, including a second joint county school music conference, supporting Best of Young Jazz project, singing symposium at Symphony Hall and joint performances.