WHAT IS SOLENT MUSIC?
Solent Music was set up in September 2000 as a joint venture between Southampton Music Services, Portsmouth Music Service and the Isle of Wight Music Service.

Aims & Objectives:
The aim of Solent Music is to improve access to high quality music provision in our schools while raising standards of achievement in music.  It also aims to broaden the range of musical activity, including music of non-western cultures, by enhancing the range of current provision (both in the music curriculum and beyond) and by the development of resource packs.  Finally, it aims to make the most cost-effective use of staffing and material resources by working collaboratively.

Resources:
Solent Music has a  jointly owned Javanese Gamelan and in addition, each authority has:

• Mini Steel Pans
• Mini Djembes / Tubanos
• 9" Djembes 
• Large Djembes 
• Samba Kit
• Boomwhackers
• Tonechimes
• Handbells
• Junk Tubs
• Cajon Drums

Each pack includes sufficient instruments for thirty children, teaching resource ideas, pupil resource materials and a CD/DVD.



Resources have been sent to every school in the three authorities.  These are:

• Solent Music Handbook - information and units of work for African Music, South Asian Music, Gamelan, Samba, Large Steel Pans and Mini Steel-Pans. Boomwhackers & Junk Percussion
• Compact Discs - for African, South-Asian, Samba, Gamelan Music, Angklung, Mini Steel Pans & Boomwhackers
• DVD's - for Angklung Gamelan, Large Steel Pans, Mini Steel Pans, Boomwhackers & Junk Percussion. 
• The Cajon Pack can be downloaded here rhythm patterns (mp3) downloaded here

Training & Events:

Solent Music Conference

In addition, training courses and a programme of live workshops allow schools and centres to plan an intensive session of activities based on each pack.
Schools are encouraged to make full use of the Solent Music resources and to contact  to book instruments (free of charge) for school use.

Contacts:

As Solent Music is jointly owned and managed by three authorities, please contact your local representative for any additional information.

Southampton City Council:  Lynn Beckwith, Admin Assistant with Southampton Music Services, would be happy to discuss the range of resources available.