In 2023 Middleton Primary School received a generous grant from the BBB Trust to fund musical instruments and specialist music teachers.
The grant was facilitated by Music for All. Music for All is dedicated to changing lives across the UK by improving access to music making. They are a passionate, focused, and ambitious charity helping disadvantaged music makers experience the joys and far-reaching benefits of making music.
Three years on, Middleton Primary School Orchestra is flourishing, and on the 9th of March 2026, some of its members were invited to the House of Lords by Lord Bichard to demonstrate the impact Music for All’s grant has had.
The children delighted an appreciative crowd with two pieces composed by Leeds composer and music teacher Tamsyn Durrant. The first great ensemble piece played was ‘Dancing Giraffes,’ and the second piece performed was the school’s signature tune ‘Echoes on the Rails.’ An interview then followed with Cathy Newman, where the children spoke confidently about the importance of music making, and Middleton’s music subject lead, Jane Hurst, illustrated children’s musical successes as well as positive social developments as a direct result of the grant. This was also highlighted in a film about Middleton’s use of the Grant in which Artforms Paula Brookes highlighted the magic of ensemble playing.
There was also a very interesting keynote speech from neuroscientist Dr. Julia Jones outlining the proven science behind music’s effect on our physical and mental well-being. We were very impressed with how the children could talk about facts from this address on the way home on the train!
Middleton Primary School rounded off the afternoon’s proceedings with an instrumental performance of the ‘Hokey Cokey’. It would be fair to say there was some toe-tapping and accompanying singing from the audience, but then it was quite a musical one as it included Gareth Malone, Orphy Robinson, and Kenza Blanka! During afternoon tea, many remarked on the children’s impeccable behavior, and the chair of the cross-parliamentary group for music education, Bambos Charalambous MP, thanked Middleton staff for their commitment to music.
It was a wonderful afternoon organised by Music for All, whom they are very grateful to.
This post is based on a press release issued by Middleton Primary School
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