A ROMSEY school is celebrating being awarded a music membership after demonstrating their dedication to the art.

Romsey Abbey C of E Primary School, Church Lane, has become a Music Mark School Member which recognises the value schools put on music education.

The award was presented to the Romsey school for their commitment to delivering a broad and balanced curriculum and the nomination was made by Hampshire Music Services.

Romsey Abbey C of E Primary School’s music teacher, Marion Maxey, said: "It is so wonderful to have achieved this award. Music is such a special part of the life of Romsey Abbey School and something that will hopefully stay with the children throughout their lives – it builds confidence and helps children to work as a team as well as inspiring individuals to flourish.

"We are so lucky to have wonderful staff, parents and the Hampshire Music Service to help and encourage all the children in their musical journey."

This year "over a quarter of the pupils in the school are having individual or small group instrumental lessons", according to Marion.

She added: "We have a great school orchestra that the children are really proud to be a part of and, each year, work very hard to get into Southampton Music Festival.

"Our entries to this festival have been extremely successful. Our musicians also perform at school services in Romsey Abbey to celebrate harvest, Christmas and Easter.”

"Our choir is open and accessible to all the children which enables our pupils to access singing in harmony from a young age.

"Many children are inspired to go on to sing in Romsey Youth Children’s Choir, Romsey Youth Choir, and Romsey Abbey Choir. The whole school sing together every day and each year has a weekly music lesson.”

Headteacher, Julie-Anne Palfrey, said: “Achieving the Music Mark is very welcome and something to celebrate.

"We are always pleased to share with parents the successes and progress of their children at regular performances throughout the year including individual class on-stage musical performances for years 3, 4, 5 and 6.

"The Summer concert is always popular too as this is where all the musicians have an opportunity to perform in one concert."