Waltham Forest Music Education Hub (WFMEH) was officially launched on 9 May 2018 at a welcome event at Walthamstow’s William Morris Gallery.
The new hub will focus on distinct and diverse local needs in Waltham Forest and further develop the range of musical opportunities available for children and young people.
Partnership work and new relationships
From longstanding partnerships between lead organisation, Waltham Forest Music Service (WFMS), and organisations such as the London Symphony Orchestra (LSO) and Barbican Guildhall Creative Learning to new relationships with organisations such as Urban Development and Future DJs, partnership work is central to the hub’s offer. Children in Waltham Forest will have the opportunity to hear, work and perform with a range of professional musicians as well as other young people across East London and beyond in a wide variety of settings.
Speaking at the launch, Cllr Clare Coghill, Leader of Waltham Forest Council, said:
‘I am delighted the new hub will bring even more music opportunities to children and young people in Waltham Forest. From learning piano myself as a child to enjoying pupils performing in schools and at events across the borough, I have seen the tremendous confidence and joy music brings to young people and this is just one of the very many reasons why we were chosen as Borough of Culture 2019.’
Joint Head of Service, Mary Mycroft, said:
‘We are passionate about music’s role in our society and truly believe in the power musical experiences can have, enabling people from all backgrounds to be creative, to be expressive and to develop into well rounded, well balanced individuals.’
Joint Head of Service, Judith Glossop, said:
‘The beginning of our journey as the hub is timely as we approach 2019, when Waltham Forest will become the first Borough of Culture! We are excited about the breadth of opportunities this will bring; further strengthening links with the Culture Team and raising the profile of music and culture in the borough.’
Header photo: The Waltham Forest Music School String Quartet played at the hub launch at Walthamstow’s William Morris Gallery © Timothy Kraemer
