News
Over 280 Young Brass Players Unite at Portsmouth Guildhall
Portsmouth Music Hub proudly hosted its spectacular Top Brass concert at Portsmouth Guildhall, with more than 280 young brass instrumentalists coming together for a vibrant day of music-making.
The young musicians were joined by the energetic and internationally acclaimed Bollywood Brass Band, alongside Portsmouth Music Hub’s very own brass scratch band, made up of talented local brass players from the Band and Bugles of The Rifles, Portsmouth Citadel Salvation Army Band, Portsmouth City Brass, Ark Charter School, and staff from Portsmouth Music Hub.
Thanks to generous funding from the Hornpipe Grants Scheme, this year long project has brought brass instruments into schools across the city, enabling students to learn and develop their skills throughout the year.
The day culminated in a high-energy interactive concert, where students performed side by side with professional musicians in a celebration of brass music. Families were invited to enjoy the final concert, which concluded with a performance of the event’s very own anthem, “Brass! You Can Do It!”
“Top Brass has been an incredible journey for these young musicians. Thanks to the Hornpipe Grants Scheme, hundreds of children have had the chance to pick up a brass instrument, build confidence and experience the joy of performing live on a professional stage.” - Sue Beckett, CEO of Portsmouth Music Hub
Portsmouth Music Hub remains committed to creating inspiring musical opportunities for children and young people across the city.
Has your child been learning a brass instrument and wants to keep playing with others? Follow the link below to find out how they can get involved!
Young Change Makers Take Centre Stage at the New Theatre Royal
Last week, the New Theatre Royal was filled with music, creativity and a powerful message of change as Portsmouth Music Hub proudly presented the Change Maker Showcase.
Pupils from St Paul’s Catholic Primary, Wimborne Primary School, Langstone Primary Academy and Highbury Primary took to the stage to perform a series of brand-new songs, each written to inspire social change and celebrate the voices of a new generation of change makers.
The evening was a vibrant celebration of music, art and creativity. A culmination of weeks of collaboration between schools and creative partners Ricky Tart Music, Seekers Create and brilliant songwriter Emily Barden. Together, they helped young people explore important themes and express their ideas through original performance.
The showcase highlighted the power of the arts to spark conversation, build confidence and empower young voices. Portsmouth Music Hub is proud to support projects like this that place creativity at the heart of learning and community.
All the songs are freely available on Portsmouth Music Hub’s online song bank ‘Song Source’.
https://www.portsmouthmusichub.org/985463
Young Voices Ring Out Across Portsmouth Historic Dockyard
Portsmouth Historic Dockyard was alive with music and youthful energy last Friday, 13 June, as over 220 young singers from across Portsmouth and Southampton came together in beautiful sunshine for the spectacular Sing Around The Dockyard event.
Pupils from St Paul’s Catholic Primary, Redwood Park Academy, St. Patrick’s Catholic Primary School, St George’s Beneficial Church of England Primary School, Copnor Primary School, and St. John’s Cathedral Catholic Primary School took part in a unique musical journey through one of the UK’s most treasured historic sites.
The event invited pupils to embark on an exciting adventure through the iconic Dockyard, exploring legendary ships and immersing themselves in the rich maritime heritage of Portsmouth. As they travelled between landmarks, the children performed lively sea shanties and songs inspired by Portsmouth’s proud naval traditions and the sea, filling the historic air with the sound of young voices and infectious enthusiasm.
Performances were held at landmark locations across the Dockyard, including the world famous Mary Rose Museum and the top deck of HMS Warrior. These performances offered students a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to make music in the heart of Portsmouth’s naval story.
A particular highlight of the day was a special performance by the internationally renowned Royal Marines School of Music, which left young performers and audiences alike thoroughly inspired.
Portsmouth Schools to unite in song to mark 80 years since VE Day
After Easter, ten schools from across Portsmouth will come together to begin filming a very special music video to mark 80 years since VE Day. The project will bring young voices from across the city to the forefront in a heartfelt musical tribute to this historic moment of peace and celebration.
The song, composed especially for the occasion by Iain Gilmour, captures the joy and relief felt at the end of the Second World War. With uplifting lyrics and a powerful melody, the piece reminds us of the importance of hope, unity, and resilience through the eyes of a new generation.
“It was six long years, but now it’s over,
We can live our lives devoid of fear”
Sings the opening verse, setting the tone for a moving reflection on peace hard-won. The chorus brings the scenes of celebration vividly to life:
“We waved our flags,
We raised a cheer.
All the streets were crowded,
As the parties spread.”
Filming will take place across various schools, with the final video set for release on 8TH May, to coincide with VE Day commemorations. The project aims not only to honour the past but also to help young people connect with history in a meaningful and creative way.
"This project gives our young people a chance to understand and express what VE Day means through music and performance. It’s a celebration of peace, community, and the enduring power of song." - Sue Beckett, CEO of Portsmouth Music Hub
The collaboration reflects the city’s longstanding commitment to arts education and remembrance, offering a poignant reminder that even 80 years on, the echoes of VE Day still resonate today.
PORTSMOUTH JOINS A ROYAL CELEBRATION OF COMMUNITY MUSIC
Heather Uden (left), David Mallett (middle), Matt Dixon (right)
Portsmouth musicians joined a special reception hosted by his Majesty King Charles at Windsor Castle to celebrate the work of community musicians across the country.
Matt Dixon, David Mallett and Heather Uden had the honour of representing Portsmouth Music Hub, joining around 350 guests for an evening that placed music and the people who make it - at its heart.
The celebration began with a concert featuring performances from the London Gay Men’s Chorus, students from the Royal College of Music, the Sing for Freedom Choir, and saxophonist YolanDa Brown.
David Mallett and King Charles III
During the reception, guests were treated to further performances from The Songs for Ukraine Chorus and the wonderfully inventive London Vegetable Orchestra. One of the most memorable moments came when His Majesty joined in with the orchestra, playing along with Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star on a carrot.
Portsmouth City Council Leader Cllr Steve Pitt said, “Portsmouth Music Hub offers an innovative, award-winning musical education to Portsmouth’s children and young people from different backgrounds, so it’s great the Music Hub and staff were part of this national celebration. It was an evening the proved once again how music brings communities together in really meaningful ways.”
Over 400 Young Singers Shine at Infant Voices Showcase
Over 400 young voices filled Portsmouth Guildhall with music and excitement last night as children from across the city took to the stage for this year’s Infant Voices Showcase: My Dream Job.
The event celebrated the hopes and aspirations of the next generation, with pupils singing about the careers they dream of pursuing in the future. From astronauts to artists, teachers to firefighters, the enthusiasm and joy of the young performers lit up the venue and delighted the audience.
Organised by Portsmouth Music Hub, the showcase brought together infant schools from across the city in a spectacular celebration of music, community, and ambition.
"It was truly inspiring to see so many young people singing with such energy and confidence. Events like this not only nurture musical talent but also encourage children to dream big and believe in their future potential."
– Sue Beckett, CEO of Portsmouth Music Hub
The Infant Voices Showcase is part of a wider programme of musical opportunities offered throughout the year, providing children with the chance to perform in professional venues and build lifelong memories.
Portsmouth Students Dazzle at Soundsational! 2025
Portsmouth, 18th March 2025 – Students from secondary schools and colleges across Portsmouth took centre stage at the iconic Portsmouth Guildhall for Soundsational! 2025, delivering an unforgettable evening of music, dance, and show-stopping performances.
The event showcased the dedication, passion, and immense talent of young performers from across the city. Audiences were treated to an electrifying programme featuring musical theatre hits from Sister Act, Come From Away, and Pippin, alongside high-energy band performances of songs by Queen, Wheatus, and Stereophonics, to name a few.
"Soundsational! is always a highlight of the year, and this year’s event was no exception. The energy, enthusiasm, and sheer talent on display were truly inspiring," said Sue Beckett, CEO of Portsmouth Music Hub.
A huge congratulations to all the students, teachers, and organisers who made the evening such a resounding success. Their hard work and commitment to the performing arts continue to make Portsmouth a vibrant hub for young talent.
For more photos and highlights from the evening, visit: https://www.portsmouthmusichub.org/soundsational-2025
Portsmouth Music Service Launches ‘Top Brass’
Portsmouth Music Service is delighted to announce the launch of its brand-new brass beginners ensemble, ‘Top Brass,’ which held its first rehearsal this week at Gatcombe Park Primary School.
This exciting and FREE ensemble is open to young brass players of all levels and takes place every Wednesday (term time only) from 4:30 pm to 5:30 pm. The group provides a fun and supportive environment for budding musicians to develop their skills, build confidence, and enjoy the magic of making music together.
“We were thrilled to welcome students who participated in our whole-class brass lessons during the autumn term. It was fantastic to see their enthusiasm, and we were even joined by a few dads who decided to stay and give it a go themselves. It created such a wonderful, community-focused atmosphere.” - Sue Beckett, CEO of Portsmouth Music Hub
‘Top Brass’ is designed to nurture a love for brass playing while fostering teamwork and creativity. Led by experienced and passionate tutor Simon Nicholls from Portsmouth Music Service, the sessions are perfect for young musicians who are just starting their journey or looking for an opportunity to play in a group setting.
Spaces are still available, and Portsmouth Music Service encourages any young brass players in the area to come along and join the fun. Whether you play the trumpet, trombone, or any other brass instrument, ‘Top Brass’ is the perfect place to get inspired and start your musical adventure.
For more information about ‘Top Brass’ or other opportunities offered by Portsmouth Music Service, please follow this link - https://www.portsmouthmusichub.org/top-brass-ensemble
