Vocal Force will provide inclusive, learner-centred training for leaders singing with primary-age children in 20 areas across England, between September 2007 and March 2008, delivered as part of Sing Up – the Music Manifesto National Singing Campaign, produced by Youth Music in partnership with Abbot Mead Vickers, Faber Music and The Sage Gateshead, supported by the Government.

The Vocal Force emphasis will be on encouraging and exemplifying healthy, musical singing within primary education and developing a broad repertoire base using singing in the context of the whole curriculum, working to encourage schools to become singing communities.

Drawing from the principles developed through the Vocal Union programme and other models of excellent practice including research currently being pulled together by Trinity Guildhall and the Open University, Vocal Force will work flexibly in collaboration with schemes, projects, organisations and individuals across England.

Visit the VOCAL FORCE online community at ExploreMusic

The Programme

Working with colleagues across the country, the programme will invest in the development of 50 vocal leaders in each of the 20 areas.

We are eager to involve participants and local trainers who are

• Working within
  • Schools;
  • Music Services;
  • Children’s Services;
  • Home Educators;
• Working with primary age children in the community as a whole
  • Community music organisations;
  • Amateur choral and vocal societies;
  • Religious organisations that involve singing;
• Training in singing and/or singing leadership
  • Local, regional and national networks;
  • Higher Education and Further Education providers;
• Interested in singing in primary education
  • Specialist professional singing organisations;
  • Leaders from any other musical background.

Networks and Training

Locally based peer-learning networks will be created in each area, led by members of The Sage Gateshead’s facilitation team. The core training will take place over 4-6 months and programmes will differ in shape and pattern depending on the particular needs of the area.

In all areas we will develop a direct delivery training programme including some or all of

• Opportunities to participate in co-mentoring schemes;
• Training days;
• How to lead within a school / organisation;
• How to lead workshops and run singing days and shared festivals;
• Establishment of Vocal Remedies groups (adult school singing);
• Repertoire development sessions and support;
• Residential training weekends.

The training will involve

• Direct delivery;
• Embedded partnership working and peer-learning;
• The drawing together of vocal leaders from a wide range of backgrounds.

We will pay equal attention to

• Inclusive, learner-centred approaches to singing culture;
• Vocal techniques and how to encourage and exemplify healthy, musical singing;
• How to develop a broad and inclusive repertoire base;
• Singing in the context of the whole curriculum;
• Whole class and whole school delivery.

What now?

There is no charge for Vocal Force training. The 20 areas are being selected at present and some possible options have already been explored. We are researching areas through conversations with individuals and organisations, and we are encouraging suggestions for areas and host organisations.

To register click here

Visit the VOCAL FORCE online community at ExploreMusic

For further information contact:
Vocal Force Programme, The Sage Gateshead

• Direct: 0191 443 4656
• Switchboard: 0191 443 4666
• Email: vocalforce@thesagegateshead.org

Photographs by Dan Brady