Yamaha Class Band - 14 months in

Bill Martin

In January 2011, Yamaha UK launched a pilot of the already successful whole-class wind-band project, Yamaha Bäserklasse, which has enjoyed 17 years of success in many European countries. The UK project, called 'Class Band' has been developed in partnership with Yamaha Music Europe, Yamaha UK, Coventry Performing Arts Service and Staffordshire Performing Arts.

Coventry Class BandThe feedback from all stakeholders has been very positive, with a growing number of additional music services, Yamaha hub partners and schools joining the project in 2012. The project was invited to present to the All Party Parliamentary Music Education Group, led by Mike Weatherley.

Yamaha's music education manager Bill C Martin presents an update of the pilot project, with video feedback from headteachers and senior management teams, classroom music teachers, peripatetic staff, heads of music service and the young Class Band musicians themselves. He also examines the potential of a core music education offer based on progressive instrumental learning.

There will opportunities for questions and discussions at the end of the presentation.