Leighton Linslade Inspiring Music Centre

 

Leighton Linslade Inspiring Music Centre’s base is Vandyke Upper School, Leighton Buzzard. This music centre provides bespoke singing and instrumental activities for children and adults with Special Educational Needs (SEND).

Address

Vandyke Road
Leighton Buzzard
Bedfordshire
LU7 3DY

When is it open?

Autumn term

  • September 15, 22 and 29
  • October 6 and 13
  • November 3, 10, 17 and 24
  • December 1 and 8

Spring term

  • January 12, 19 and 26
  • February 2 and 23
  • March 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30

Summer term

  • April 27
  • May 11 and 18
  • June 8, 15, 22 and 29
  • July 6 and 13

We schedule times around the academic year, but anyone can use a centre - they're open to people of all ages and standards, from beginner upwards, with a wide range of opportunities to develop musicianship and playing skills. For most people, music has its greatest impact when played with others.

Timetable for 2018

Our timetable is shown below and it's also available to download as a PDF.

Session 1: 9:30am to 10:10am

  • Keyboard session 1 in Room A79: all ages and abilities developing their piano / keyboard skills. Led by Sarah and Ruth Robinson. 15 spaces
  • Junior Band in Room A78: this wind band welcomes all ages and abilities. Brass, woodwind and percussion led by Chris Jones who often composes especially for them
  • Ukulele Group in the 6th Form Lounge: not beginners but more a variety of experience in this lively group. Led by Garry Layden
  • Beginner Guitar in Room A80: from absolute beginners to those more mature performers re-discovering old skills. Led by John Stevens
  • String Ensemble in the large practice room: playing classical string quartet music and more modern music as well. Led by Tim Hammond
  • Mini music in the small practice room: from Reception to year 2. Learn about pulse, rhythm and melody, sing and play together. Led by Sally Mounter

10:10am to 10:50am

  • Keyboard session 2 in Room A79: All ages and abilities developing their piano / keyboard skills. Led by Sarah Robinson and Noriko Cable. 15 spaces
  • Beginner Woodwind Groups in Room A78: Two groups running together and individually. A chance to learn from the start as well as more advanced players working together. Led by Chris Jones
  • Folk Group in the 6th Form Lounge: Run by two local experienced musicians (Sally Mounter and Edmond Flach) this group play a mix of traditional and early songs and dances
  • Intermediate Guitar in Room A80: More complex repertoire and part playing. Led by John Stevens
  • Brass Ensemble in the large practice room: tunes through the ages with our mix of young and older. Led by Ruth Robinson
  • African Drumming in the Drama Studio: all ages and experiences playing together and learning African rhythms. Led by Mitch Perrins
  • Woodwind Ensemble in the small practice room: Oboe, saxophones and other advanced wind players. Led by Garry Layden

10:50am to 11:10am

Break time.

11:10am to 11:50am

  • Voices Together in Room A79: mixed voices with part singing. A varied repertoire. This group can also provide the vocals for Swing / Concert band. Led by Sally Mounter
  • Swing / Concert Band in Room A78: for more experienced players, brass / woodwind and a rhythm section. Led by Tim Hammond
  • SEN Music - Reach for the Stars in the 6th Form Lounge: Reach for the Stars Choir. Voice is the key for this class for adults and children with additional needs. Led by Ruth Robinson
  • Advanced Guitar in Room A80: as it sounds, for the more advanced players together. Led by John Stevens
  • Junior Producer (SEN) in the large practice room: learn all about digital recording techniques using a Digital Audio Workstation. Led by Sarah Robinson
  • Junior Producer in the Drama Studio: learn all about digital recording techniques using a Digital Audio Workstation. Led by Mitch Perrins

11:50am to 12:30pm

  • Advanced Ukulele in Room A79: an exciting opportunity for ukuleles to play at a more advanced level with drummers and vocalists as well. Led by Garry Layden
  • Jazz Orchestra in Room A78: another group for the more experienced musicians. Led by Tim Hammond
  • SEN Music - Mish Mash Music in the 6th Form Lounge: instrumentally based discovery class. Led by Sarah and Ruth Robinson, and Noriko Cable
  • String Based Folk / Rock Group in Room A80: Folk Rock covers, compositions and classics in this mix of instruments. Led by John Stevens
  • Theory and Practical Musicianship in the large practice room: music and theory practice essential for any musician’s development. Led by Mitch Perrins

Joining a centre

You can visit an Inspiring Music Centre for a free session, have a look around, speak to the tutors, listen to the music and generally make sure you are comfortable with the set up, before signing up to join.

Parking

The gates are open from 9:15am allowing time for people to be dropped off and to park. There is ample parking in the playground at the school.

Where to go on arrival

If you are coming to the centre for the first time, please go to the main doors and speak to a member of the Inspiring Music team who will show you around the venue and where the group sessions take place.

Refreshments

There is a break from 10:50am to 11:10am. In the break, there is a tuck shop and hot refreshments for parents and staff.

Who to contact

The Centre Head is Debbie Nicholls.

Telephone: 0300 300 6604
Email: inspiring.music@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk