Hull City Council is pleased to announce the appointment of its new Head for the award-winning Hull Music Service.
James Dickinson, currently the Head of Hertfordshire Music Service and Chair of Music Mark – The UK Association for Music Education (the body that represents music services and music educators) has been appointed to the role. He will be in charge of moving the much-loved service forward, building on its current success which currently sees it teaching around 6,500 pupils a week, as well as a full range of activities at the Albermarle Music Centre.
Regarded as one of the most experienced and highly respected heads of service in the country, with fifteen years experience in music service leadership, eleven of which as Head of Service, James will continue to enhance and develop the established service which has a strong track-record of teaching thousands of young people of all abilities across the city with the opportunity to develop their musical skills.
James grew up in Hull, learning French horn with Hull Music Service and playing in his first orchestra conducted by Chris Maynard. He will now replace Chris who is hanging up his baton and retiring after 41 years at the service and has taught thousands of children. Chris started his career with the service in September 1977 as a violin and viola teacher and worked as a tutor and associate conductor with the City of Hull Youth Symphony Orchestra. In 1982, he was promoted to Head of Instrumental Teaching and in April 1989 Chris took over as Head of the North Humberside Music Support Service, responsible for the Hull and East Riding Music Services. When Humberside was split up in 1996, Chris became the Head of the Hull Music Service.
Chris Maynard, said: Working at the Hull Music Service has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. I’ve been lucky enough to work with highly motivated staff who together have brought musical opportunities to thousands of young people over the years, many of whom are now working as professional musicians and teachers, not only in this country, but all over the world across a range of musical styles and genres.
“It’s time to close my chapter in the book that is the Hull Music Service and look forward to whatever the future holds in store for my successor. I hope they will have as much fun as Ive had leading this wonderful music service.
James Dickinson, said: Having the opportunity to lead the Music Service that I began my musical education with is very exciting. It is an honour and privilege to follow on from Chris Maynard, who has done so much for so many young musicians across the city.
“Whilst I left Hull when I was 12, I have always regarded it as home and with real affection. Hull schools have a proven track record of working with the Music Service to maximise the musical opportunities available to all. The City of Culture demonstrated how inspirational and effective Hull is at working together for the benefit of all the community – and the music service will remain committed to this spirit and ethos.”
Councillor Peter Clark, Portfolio Holder for Learning, Skills and Safeguarding Children, said: I would like to thank Chris Maynard for his dedication, commitment and his success over the last 41 years, offering children and young people the opportunity to develop their musical creativity.
This appointment is a real coup for Hull. James is extremely experienced with a wealth of knowledge and expertise. One look at his past work and we know James is ideally placed to lead our Music Service forward. We are looking forward to welcoming James to the city and his new role.
James Dickinson will start his new role in October 2018.