The Annual Music and Drama Education Expo took place last week in the heart of West London at Kensington Olympia. The event opened with a fanfare from the Band of the Grenadier Guards, and over the next two days the renowned exhibition centre was awash with activity – from seminars to workshops, browsing exhibitor services to networking with peers – and we were delighted to be a part of it.
The Purcell School had a dedicated stand, resplendent with School literature, at which delegates could meet and talk to members of the School’s Senior Leadership Team and Heads of Music. Our fellow exhibitors included the National Children’s Orchestra (NCO), the Royal Albert Hall’s Education department, ABRSM and Rhinegold Publishing, to name a few. As the only specialist music school in attendance, the footfall at our stand was particularly strong and the conversations varied.
A highlight of the Expo came early on the first day with a visit from Nick Gibbs, Minister of State for Schools. He spent some time perusing the School’s literature and discussing the government led Music and Dance Scheme with Bursar, Aideen McNamara and Head of Brass/Percussion/Voice/Harp, Kevin Hathway.
Nick Gibbs went on to make the keynote address of the 2017 Music and Drama Education Expo.
