Flying the flag for Wales: July 2022 Editorial

Shortly after the June issue went to press, it emerged that the National Plan for Music Education in Wales was due for publication – it has now been with us for around a month, meaning that most of the usual suspects have had a chance to digest the document and share their views (see here for news and here for analysis).

Happily, and quite unusually for government policy, the response has been largely positive, and it seems that the Welsh Plan has been written with the medium term in mind, as well as a base level of funding. As commentators have pointed out, as this is Wales's first ever NPME, it remains to be seen whether estimated funding is sufficient, and whether promises of longer-term investments and initiatives are followed through. As I write, the NPME in England has still not materialised.

This issue has a Percussion focus, which sees our coverage span a range of experiences, ideas, and initiatives. Continuing the Welsh theme, our cover star Owain Wyn Evans shares his passion for showing young people that anyone can be a drummer, and head of percussion at RWCMD Patrick King offers insight into how he's preparing students for careers as modern portfolio percussionists. You'll also find inventive percussion ideas for your primary classroom; Chris Woods explores ‘counting culture’ in our lessons; and Akshay Sharma reports back after creating a Beatboxing unit for Leicestershire Music.

Elsewhere, you'll discover how Ealing Music Hub and partners are bringing the joy of music to children in hospital, learn about the Stave House method of teaching notation to young children, and we meet founder of Young Voices and winner of the Lifetime Achievement Award at this year's MDEA, David Lewis. Plus, you'll find all of the usual reviews and columns scattered throughout.

Speaking of the Music & Drama Education Awards, we've opened nominations for the 2023 event – you can find out more about nominating yourself or others here. Finally, the more astute among you may notice that my surname has changed, as I got married a few weeks ago! My email address will change soon, but any correspondence to my old address will be redirected. I am looking forward to seeing many of you at our conference on 5 July.