In last month's editorial I asked, ‘Will we see the NPME before the summer holidays?’ At the time of writing, I thought it an embarrassing possibility that news of the Plan's publication would arrive in my inbox moments after I sent the magazine to press. While this remains a possibility this time around, the recent statement from the DfE that the NPME will be with us ‘by the end of this academic year’ means that I'm no longer holding my breath…
The issue's focus theme is Vocal, which this year sees us delve into the world of choral singing. Our brilliantly talented cover star Anna Lapwood discusses everything from her work with girl choristers at Pembroke College, Cambridge, to her use of social media to engage wider audiences with organ music. Also, we meet principal conductor and artistic director of the National Youth Choirs of Great Britain, Ben Parry, who shares his desire to increase the representation of the wider community in the choral world. The feature on considers how music teachers can make their singing environments inclusive for all young people, including LGBTQ+ singers, and we find out what's changing at the British Kodály Academy.
Elsewhere, you'll find Roger Wilson's third instalment of his series on what exam boards are doing to decolonise, this time focusing on Trinity College London; one music teacher's verdict on the music resources offered by Oak National Academy; an anonymous and heartfelt reflection on moving abroad to start a new teaching job; an interview with the creators of virtual classroom and teacher marketplace SYNKii; plus all the usual columns, news and reviews.
As the Queen's Platinum Jubilee celebrations are nearly upon us, we've included a ‘Jubilee special’ edition of the Diary, featuring a round-up of resources and events for use with your students, and in this issue you'll find this month's Q&A with Major Simon Haw, who is heading up preparations for the military's musical celebrations in early June.
Finally, in house news, you'll see that we've opened our Call for Papers for the next Music & Drama Education Expo, as well as applications for joining our programme advisory board. I'm looking forward to seeing all your brilliant submissions – I have no doubt that you'll make the task of programming the event almost impossible!
Harriet Clifford, editor
