Reflections on the Foundation’s Impact

Just over three years on from the death of Dr Richard Shephard, we reflect on the gap that was left but also what has been achieved in his memory.

Children have now been benefiting from weekly music lessons supported by the Foundation for two and a half years. Numerous holiday clubs, choir days and events have given them even more chance to enjoy different types of music. 

The third Make Music Day event is in the planning which will encompass everything from ensemble activities, folk, brass, percussion, and plenty of singing. 

The challenges in delivering high quality music for children still remain, school budgets and timetabling are a constant pressure, and arts charities rely on bringing in a steady stream of funds to survive. 

One thing is for certain though, the young people of our region have fully embraced the programme. We may never be able to measure the exact impact over a long period but children regularly provide us with the encouragement we need:

In our most recent survey, almost three-quarters (74%) of pupils surveyed felt that they were more confident after taking part in RSMF school sessions, with comments including:

“I don’t mind singing on my own in front of people”
“It surprised me that making music is not that hard at all”
“I've changed from nervous to proud because I am more confident”

 Teachers in RSMF-supported schools agreed, with 94% saying children’s confidence was improved
(76% rating it ‘very much improved’).

We're proud to be part of the network of organisations in our region bringing new experiences to our children. The future is full of many magical musical moments in our schools and at our events each week! 

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