For more than a decade, Music Share Programme (Lichfield Cathedral and Lichfield Cathedral School) has brought the joy of singing to children through dozens of school partnerships. Since the programme joined the North-West Midlands Music Education Hub as a funded partner, its reach has exploded, and Music Share now works with pupils from some 50 state schools on various different projects each term.

The award was accepted by Music Share leader Cathy Lamb, Director of Music Outreach at the Cathedral School; Rev’d Canon Andrew Stead, Precentor (Liturgy, Music and Formation) at Lichfield Cathedral; and Jenny Mason, Music Hub Manager at Entrust Music Service Staffordshire.

Last year Music Share worked with 103 schools for core projects, with a further 150 for one-off projects.  And extended its reach producing two concerts with children with special educational needs (SEN) for the first time.  Working with two boys in an emotional behavioural unit was deeply rewarding and had a profound impact on those involved.  As one teacher at the unit put it, “without question [the boys] were walking taller on Thursday morning, and for pupils like ours that is potentially a life-changing feeling”.

Lead judge Deborah Leek-Bailey OBE praised the project as a “sustainable initiative that has lasted over 15 years, but which is constantly evolving,” adding: “Lichfield Cathedral School’s Music Share Programme is a stunning example of how collaborations between groups of schools can create opportunities to expose young people to profound creative stimuli, as well as enabling them to realise new ambitions and challenge gender stereotypes.”

The Rev’d Canon Andrew Stead said: “We are delighted that the Cathedral School’s work, in partnership with the Cathedral and the Music Education Hub, has been recognised in this way. Music Share is a key part of our working together make music accessible for all young people. Particular congratulations should go to Cathy Lamb, the Director of Music Share and the whole team.”

Music Share is a partnership between Lichfield Cathedral School and Lichfield Cathedral and is supported by Arts’ Council Funding via the North-West Midlands Music Education Hub.

Many congratulations a very prestigious award indeed. Here at thebestoflichfield we are delighted that the Lichfield Cathedral School will soon be one of our featured best businesses.

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L to R: Rachel Parris (comedian and TV presenter); Jenny Mason (Entrust Music Service Staffordshire); Cathy Lamb (Director of Music Share at Lichfield Cathedral School); Revd Canon Andrew Stead (Canon Precentor at Lichfield Cathedral); Deborah Leek-Bailey OBE (lead judge at Tes Awards).