One of the most enjoyable things I get to do in my job at Sound and Music is to curate content for Minute of Listening soundpacks. So I was really pleased when PRS for Music Foundation invited us to work with them on their New Music Biennial, as part of the 2017 Hull City of Culture celebrations.
The challenge was to create a new collection of 60 minute-long tracks, incorporating music by the 20 composers featured in next year’s New Music Biennial, with music and sounds that have a connection to Hull in some way, and complemented by some of Sound and Music’s favourites from existing collections. And to introduce Minute of Listening to as many schools in Hull as possible!
Thanks to the enthusiasm and creativity of our “early adopter” schools, Minute of Listening got off to a great start. You can see what the schools did in this little video: https://vimeo.com/186400126
Around 60 primary schools, plus a number of music teachers and tutors working in the city have already received their copy of Minute of Listening, and we are looking forward to hear which minutes they and their pupils like best. The good news is that it isn’t too late to get your copy of Minute of Listening – contact education@soundandmusic.org if you would like to have one (they’re free, but for Hull schools only!).
If you’re interested in developing creative activities inspired by Minute of Listening, then there are two twilight sessions aimed at primary teachers (no need to be a music specialist) on 10th January and 28th March, 4-6pm at the Albemarle Centre in Hull. Contact education@soundandmusic.org if you would like to attend.
And you are welcome to let us know about how you are using Minute of Listening by contacting us – we might even feature you in our next blog!
