In 2024, for a second year running, schools across the UK were invited to apply for funding through the Harris Foundation Schools Progression Award. The competition was even greater this time. In total, 93 applications were received. All of the applicants demonstrated an admirable commitment to supporting their students through music. However, after much deliberation the award assessors were able to identify eight applications that stood out.
Enhancing music provision
The Harris Foundation Schools Progression Award is supported by the Harris Foundation for Lifelong Learning. Launched in 2023 by the charity Music for All, the first round of this award saw seven schools receive much-needed funding to enhance their music provision.
This year, eight schools are set to benefit from grants to support their music-making activities.
Supporting a mix of skills and opportunities
The funding from the award will be put to a wide variety of uses. Some of the schools will be purchasing new instruments, ranging from recorders, keyboards and guitars through to a cajon drum.
A number of the schools, meanwhile, will be using the funding for additional tuition, allowing students to sharpen their skills. This will range from purchasing access to online teaching resources, to funding individual tuition, group lessons or ensemble direction.
Some of the schools will be focusing on additional opportunities for their students to perform in public – whether via a school orchestra, choir or as part of class activity. Performances in the pipeline range from local care homes through to the Devizes Eisteddfod festival.
Providing a foundation for the future
The opportunity to make music brings so many benefits. Jonathan Harris, chairman and founder of the Harris Foundation for Lifelong Learning, comments: ‘Making music offers the chance for self-expression, to build self-esteem, to increase confidence, to work as a team and to be part of something bigger than ourselves. It provides children with a firm foundation of skills and self-belief that they can build on throughout their lives.’