We Wish You a Merry Christmas: December 2021 Editorial

As we approach the end of 2021, it is humbling to look back at the last year and reflect on just how resilient the music education community has been. Over the past 12 months, we have reported on the many challenges faced by individual teachers and the wider sector, but I hope we have also created space for celebration, recognition, and empowerment. Despite the seemingly constant barrage of doom-and-gloom headlines, the people on the ground (i.e., you), have carried on – not begrudgingly, dragging your heels, but with your heads held high.

Although I see fantastic work daily, this was brought home to me in a particularly powerful way when I attended the Music for Youth Prom 2021 – you can read my opinion piece on p.20. I also look forward to celebrating with many of you at the Music & Drama Education Awards 2022, taking place on 23 March (p.14), although, as we all know, winning an award is just one of many markers of a brilliant educator.

In this issue, which has a Woodwind & Brass focus, we hear from the wonderful Jess Gillam (p.21) whose unique pathway into classical music is fuelling her continued work to improve access to music education, and on p.28, Anita Datta provides a fascinating overview of the history of Indian Brass Bands, looking at how this rich tradition has inspired a whole class instrumental project.

Elsewhere, we celebrate 10 years of the OHMI Trust (p.25), who source adapted instruments so that children are not restricted in their musical choices by a physical disability, and on p.32, Alex Aitken challenges us to rethink our approach to GCSE and A Level Music teaching. On p.38, you can find out more about Music Masters' PGCEi in Group Instrument Learning, which is now open to all instruments. If you're in need of an end-of-term boost, the mental health and wellbeing column from London Youth Choirs on p.46 will undoubtedly remind you of why you do what you do.

All that's left now is for me to say a huge thank you to Tim Hallas, who has been MT's technology editor for the last 10 years. Having made a mammoth and invaluable contribution to the magazine with his trusty tech reviews and endless technological prowess, Tim is moving on to pursue other commitments. This will be his last issue in post, but I'm reliably informed that his reviews will continue to grace these pages on an ad-hoc basis for many an issue to come.

I hope you have a restful and enjoyable Christmas (filled with much figgy pudding, music and festivity) when it comes, and I look forward to a more settled year ahead.

Harriet Clifford, editor