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September 30th, 2020 | 1 min read
As the UK went into lockdown in March, we couldn't forsee how long the disruption would continue. My own daughter was due to take her Grade 2 clarinet exam and just two days later it was cancelled.
In talking with our team, and seeing the understandable disappointment for ourselves, we quickly wanted to do something to give everyone and anyone the opportunity to play and be heard - keeping music going and providing a purpose to performing.
The response was quite incredible and we received over 125 entries from all corners of the globe - performers from 5 to 75 years young. In the depth of the lockdown, with our offices closed and concern mounting for the health of our nation and the world, it was a genuine delight each day to receive another entry - families just like ours, looking for some help and support in the joy of making music.
To be honest, I was somewhat overwhelmed by the numbers and so we brought in a Warwick Music composer and music teacher from a local school, Adrian Taylor to serve as a second "adjudicator". For both of us, there were so many magical moments - Adrian was impressed with George an 11 year old making a wonderful sound on the trumpet. For me, a young boy who in full tails gave a most stunning performance on piano.
To all our performers - thanks so much for being a part of our online festival - we thoroughly enjoyed listening and watching you all and we hope the experience brought you some fun and fulfilment through music during these challenging times.
Here are some highlights to enjoy!
Steven has over twenty years of experience working in the music industry. With degrees in Electrical Engineering and an MA in European Cultural Policy & Administration from the University of Warwick, where he now serves as a Course Tutor on their MA in Creative and Media Enterprises, Steven served as Executive Director of a non-profit international music association based in the United States from 2000 – 2007.
Steven is founder and CEO of Warwick Music Group now known as pBone Music, and started playing the trombone at the age of nine. Based in North Warwickshire, the company manufactures musical instruments that make the joy of music accessible. sustainable and fun including the world's first plastic trombone, pBone, which has sold over 250,000 units worldwide and won major international awards including the prestigious Queen's Award for Enterprise (Innovation) in 2019.
He was elected as a board director for the UK music industry trade body, the Music Industries Association, in 2019 becoming its chair in 2020, and is frequently interviewed or invited to present guest lectures on cultural entrepreneurship, music education, and the future of the music industry. At the request of the owner, Denis Wick, Steven joined the board of Denis Wick Products in 2021 subsequently being appointed their Chief Executive Officer in 2022, a role he performs alongside his role as CEO for pBone Music.
Steven lives in Warwickshire with his wife, Kate, their three young children, two ponies and a faithful labrador, and enjoys coaching his local youth rugby team.
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