Schools across the Amber Valley have been signed up to take part in My Music – a new music initiative from the record industry and government.
The initiative designed to improve teenagers' music listening skills involves 1.3 million secondary school pupils, representing 2,000 schools across England, and 2500 record stores.
Belper, John Flamsteed, Mortimer Wilson, Swanwick Hall and Frederic
k Gent Schools have all signed up to be part of the activities during national music week which runs from October 16 to 20.
Music teachers are already planning an array of events to support the week which culminates in the first ever schools top ten singles chart.
Ex-Busted star Matt Willis, MOBO-nominee Keisha White and Rock School graduate Lil' Chris are among the artists who will be vying to impress the young judges as they campaign to top the schools chart.
My Music will also give teachers lesson plans and activities which explore the music business itself, encouraging debate around controversial issues such as music file sharing. Other activities for participating pupils will include composing songs in the style of their favourite artist.
Music manifesto champion Marc Jaffrey said: "It's great that so many schools across the country will be taking part in this exciting new scheme. The normal school curriculum will be enriched by the activities we've developed encouraging pupils to work with topical material on a subject matter that is already close to their hearts."
Visit www.nationalmusicweek.net to find out more.
